My home is a mess

WelshWoofer

If you're going to replace things have a look in Ikea - good quality at very low prices.
I'm very happy with a dinner set (plates, bowls etc) I bought last summer for about £10. They did cheaper plain white ones too.

Valli

Rainy-Days wrote: »

Magpye - first of all you are not going to achieve anything by waiting for this plumber. Ask your friends or colleagues for a recommendation - that is the best course of action then act on it.

When you are at home in this nice weather keep the room well ventilated, get your windows open and if you have a back door keep that open as well.

Mould spores are best dealt with by using hot water bleach and a cloth and most importantly elbow grease.

Once you have got the plumbing issue sorted out then you can get cracking on your kitchen. For the time being it may be worth putting everything that you dont use into boxes and putting them elsewhere, that will keep your kitchen down to the bare minimum and will allow you to work - you are going to have to do this for the plumber to be able to his/her job anyway.

In a tip the key is organisation, once that plumber jobs are done you will be able to then make progress.

This - ^

if necessary rip out the manky cupboards.

Get the plumbing sorted

if money is tight look for freestanding units you could use - try freecycle or look for an ex display set-up

Jojo_the_Tightfisted

Just wondering - could the plumber be avoiding answering calls because the kitchen is less than clean or because he's reluctant to work somewhere full of mould or where he feels stuff could fall off the sides and hit him when he's working?

After all, a clean, clear kitchen with a leak is a lot more pleasant a job to accept than one where it isn't, especially if it's a relatively cheap job as well.

YORKSHIRELASS

Is there a reason why the cupboards are mouldy? Maybe that problem tap is causing a leak somewhere. I would either get on the phone and ring every plumber in the local area until you find someone who will commit to arrange a day and time or ask a handy friend or relative if they will have a look. If your OH is any good at DIY there are some good videos on youtube, as someone else has suggested.

My house is in need of some general tlc and money spending on it so I can understand where you are coming from. You have to say to yourself "I am going to make the house look as nice as I can, I know it wont be a show house but it can be clean and presentable if nothing else!".

Maybe start with one task and see it through. You could just clean and tidy one area tomorrow morning and see how it goes. Set aside a fixed amount of time if that helps. I bet it doesnt take as long as you think, getting started is the hardest bit.

pigpen

Jojo_the_Tightfisted wrote: »

Just wondering - could the plumber be avoiding answering calls because the kitchen is less than clean or because he's reluctant to work somewhere full of mould or where he feels stuff could fall off the sides and hit him when he's working?

After all, a clean, clear kitchen with a leak is a lot more pleasant a job to accept than one where it isn't, especially if it's a relatively cheap job as well.

This was my first thought.. Who would want to have to crawl on the floor in a dirty kitchen?

I'd send OH up to the bath with all the dirty pots and that would be his job.. if he can work 12 hour shifts out of the home a few hours in the home won't kill him!

Then everything is binned.. if you don't use it you don't need it.. you do not have a sentimebtal attachment to kitchen crap.. and if it was that important it would be used!.. get rid!

I'd move all the food to a cupboard out of the kitchen temporarily and start at the top and get scrubbing.. OH should have finished the pots by now so he can come help.. it won't kill him.

wall units, windows/walls, then worksurfaces, floor units and appliances then the actual floor.. you can then start on the insides of appliances.. fridge/microwave etc... it won't be done in 5 minutes and it is hard work.. and it isn't even fun.. but it is a necessary evil, do you have any idea what kinds of bacteria will be breeding in there?

I've done mine a few times.. it isn't nice living like that but you have to take control at some point!

YORKSHIRELASS

Afternoon everyone. Feeling a bit flat today, in fact have been feeling a bit down the last week or so. Suggested to the kids going out for an hour and taking the dog for a walk up on the moors but neither of them want to go. To be fair DS1 is feeling a bit off it, the treatment he had 6 weeks ago seems to be wearing off but this is normal. Back at the hospital in a couple of weeks so can hopefully get him booked in for another infusion.

Glad its weekend tomorrow. OH was grumpy last night which upset me. I know he is really busy at work but thats not my fault! The kids arent bothered about doing any much so I feel a bit redundant. We are at that awkward stage where they arent old enough to be completely left on their own but they are past doing a lot of stuff with their Mum.

Oh well, going to make some meatballs for tea. Have had a bit of a dust and hoover but not enough to make any great impression. Have a good Friday everyone and sorry for moaning x

jpscloud

:eek: Glad you survived the nettles Emm!

Oouf, it's hot. I am still kind of pottering in the garden and getting more done than I thought I would. Couple of loads of washing too... more floor visible in the boxroom!

Yorkshirelass, have a dodgy hug :grouphug: and moan away - it's good to have somewhere to share feelings whatever they may be.

tatabubbly

Morning messers! Took me a bit of reading to catch up!

So, the OH got a job, however he had to sign off the jobseekers allowance early and won't be getting paid till the 10/09 which puts me under serious financial pressure! I've got a decent stock cupboard and freezer but I'm worried about spreading them coppers to cover fuel expences etc..

I've put on weight myself. Not proud of it but i think it has to do with DOH food cravings rubbing off on me. I'm making a concious effort to go out and do stuff but I love my sweets and treats. However, due to the newly imposed no spend month, that shouldn't be a problem!

Emm-in-a-pickle

YorkshireLass - feel free to moan, no apologies required!
JPS - pottering away is good, every bit helps (Betcha my messy garden`s more messy than yours though!)
Tatabubbly - well done your OH, but tis a bit harsh him not getting paid for ages and having to sign off as well! Meanies! You`re right though, sometimes severe budgeting does help with dieting. Good luck with it.

Messy status?
Was just about to clean LR floor when DD`s chap phoned - could I take him to see a car (bargain). Car deal done, DD ecstatic, LR floor still manky.
I`ve also done 2 WM loads today (drying outside), and gathered loads of paper/cardboard for recycling. DD`s OH is going to come tomorrow & build another garden box for the lavender.(old pallets donated by my veg man at farmshop).
I should go out and potter, try to clear a patch for it...and it`s still not too late to do LR floor. OK, after this coffee...

Emm-in-a-pickle

JPS - unfortunately, the nettles also survived me!