My home is a mess

esmf73

Ellie - I change the boys sheets when they have a wet bed - obviously! Our sheets once a week or so (!) and bathtowels get put in the machine when I need to make a load up - about once a week if they're white, once a fortnight if they're the navy ones! My boys are messy beggers though being so young, so its easier to bung everything in the machine!

Buddingblonde

esmf73 wrote: »

How do I start - where do I begin? I finally admit that I NEED help. xxx

snookey wrote: »

Esmf start one room at a time. Take three boxes in. One box throw out stuff,one box keep and one box charity. Works for me. When tidy clean.

I like this in theory but like Ellie (below) I think it is a lot to take on in one go. I now have a permanent charity shop box at the top of my stairs so that when I come across something that I dont need I pop it in.

Ellie83 wrote: »

Start with something small, not with a whole room like I did (unless it's a small room without too much clutter, like the bathroom for example). You will get there, it takes a while. It took me ages to start seeing a little light at the end of the tunnel. It's still far way, but I know I'm making my way toward it

I would target just one thing - bathroom cabinet, a kitchen cupboard, a set of drawers in the bedroom. Start and finish it (do it in fits and burst over the day if needs be - I call my routine my commersial break clean) and then bask in the glory of having done one thing. Then set your next target (either for the same day or another day - my level of jobs depends on my health and also my work) and let all these little jobs motivate you to do more. I find that once some of the easier things are done I have more energy to do the more complex.

Buddingblonde

I do our bedding every week, and the towels once a week but tbh I have loads of towels and could probably go a fortnight or two without using the same towels twice.

Purpleclutterbuck

Right caught up with the posts and it's sooo nice to read BB's first post with quite a few names to say the least - I AM NOT ALONE!!!!:j
I'm still sticking to keeping any area already cleared tidy as I worked hard to achieve it and I think I'm worth a bit of respect - right!

I have developed a habit of a clean/clear worktop as I love the nice warm feeling from seeing the space (bit like I've been been munching on bready reck you know the advert) and keep the dishwasher regularly ticking over with dirty dishes and I'm still actually loading up straight after tea/dinner with a cup of tea as a reward;)

There's a few messies who seem to be a bit scared and wary because throwing stuff away can be a real fear and facing up to things has to be done in your own time with a dose of gentle persuasion and motivation from Dr Messy and assoc.
I don't plan anything other than baby steps and I just choose an area to work on at my own slow pace even just picking up one thing at a time as I go past -some people work with gusto when the mood takes them and that's just fine but I'm going to stick with less stressing and worrying about it and potter at a more leisurely pace so I can come to terms with the house (that took years to get like this - come on messies let's just enjoy life and smile more ( and clear up in our own sweet time:D)
Hope this makes sense if not I'll stop waffling and :silenced: Oi ! who put sticky tape over my g*b!!!!

Ida_Notion

Ellie83 wrote: »

As Icelandic Queen said in the post above: what about our reputations? :rotfl:

I don't think my reputation is in much danger - I've just accidentally clicked on the 'Flylady' thread. The level of domestic dedication I saw in there left me trembling profusely and several shades paler. I have a long way to go

miffy257

Please can I be put on the list as I have been lurking since the thread started and I love the way you are all so supportive. I am making progress with decluttering but only seem to manage anything significant in the school holidays, the rest of the time I'm too tired after work .This holiday have partly decluttered garage, 4 car loads to the tip,got rid of a lot of clothes that are now too big (doing some serious body decluttering for my neice's wedding in August.) I still have to attack a mountain of paperwork , a job I loathe and I'm hopeless at putting clothes away,baskets sit around for ages in the back room , I just take out clothes as I need them.
Another idea for Soupdragon,if you like sewing make a patchwork, memory cushion with bits from the baby clothes, even pockets and straps look good appliqued on.
Back to school tomorrow for a stressful term so I expect the mess will build up again. Still baby steps and TV break cleaning.:T

icelandic_queen

Whoohoo, I'm on a roll!! Stand still in this house and you're in danger of being put in a black bag!! I've managed to put the clothes for the thrift shop actually in the black bags, which is a big step forward! This tidying-up lark is catching! I'm extending the remit of my general de-clutter to include myself and am going to book tomorrow for a cut and colour and a tidy up of the eyebrows/monobrow. Even the kids are co-operating, especially the 15 year old who's room is like the Valley of Death and frequently refers to me as 'psycho' when I gp on about the state of her bedroom!

snookey

Iv put the dishwasher on and cleaned the surfaces and top of cooker. On the question of changing the bed I do it every other day. Now Iv been called ott for this but my oh sweats and I like a fresh bed.
Iv got bills to pay tomorr ow so Ill see if Im in the mood to tidy after that. Hate bills.

1_step_closer

HI everyone!

I decluttered lots of energy today - twas really nice so took the hounds up the mountain. Absolutely gorgeous! Then I declutterd some weeds, stirred my compost heap, did tea and did some more planning for my voluntary stuff.

Oh and I hoovered upstairs.

I have decided to put the dishes into soak and hubby can do them........that will make a nice change

Wont be here tomorrow, hopefully wed.

Take care

1 step closer

Buddingblonde

Miffy and Esmf - I have added you both the list as newbies to the thread. Remember to confess your sins and record your progress.