Mums get organised in 2013

Peanut2013

Mysk girl thank you for the kind offer but I've got that bit sorted got some cheap primark ones I can reuse after

MiserableMoo I'm using sample pots as won't need much ask your landlord. Most say yes if you promise to get rid of it before you leave.

kingfisherblue

miserablemoo wrote: »

I think it is because you can make lists you seem so organised to me. I do not think I would know where to start with one.I just look at things I need to do and wonder and feel deflated:o

To make your list, start with essentials. Cleaning the toilet, put the wash on, feed the kids, empty the kitchen bin. If you write them down, you have the pleasure of crossing them off when they have been done :j

Next, are there any other important jobs that need doing? Put those down. They might take a bit longer to complete, but writing them down reminds you that they need to be done, and again you will be able to cross them off. I love seeing crossed off items on my list :rotfl:. Sad, but I feel a sense of achievement.

OK, so now down to all that stuff that you know needs doing, but you keep putting it off because it is so daunting. It piles up and becomes even more of a problem, but at the same time it gets you feeling really bad. Just start with one room if that makes you feel better. Split everything down into manageable chunks. So for the bathroom, you might have
* clear dirty clothes from floor
* take dirty clothes down to kitchen for washing
* clear basin of all stuff on it
* sort stuff - put old toothbrushes into bin, empty soap dispenser into recycling, etc
* clean outside of anything going back on basin (I know my kids are brushing their teeth because of the splashes of toothpaste all over the beaker and mouthwash bottle :rotfl:)
* clean basin
* replace stuff tidily
* put other stuff into correct place (no one needs shampoo bottle on basin - shower is about a foot away :cool:)

And so on. Repeat steps for bath, loo, floor, shower, etc.

It seems like a long list, but it means that if you are interrupted, no job is left half done. You also get a sense of satisfaction as you cross off each task.

If this is a bit anal for you, choose the areas for decluttering and list them. Be realistic and set a timescale. Don't forget that you still have ordinary housework to do, so decluttering the dining room in one day may not be possible, but decluttering one overflowing bookcase might be. You might only manage one shelf, but at least it is a start.

Post on here if you want to. Racing other posts reminds me that I am not alone in my quest for a tidy and clutter free life. It also acts as an incentive to complete something, no matter how small.

Good luck and keep posting

Betsie2010

Busy busy day! Dog walked at 9am followed by dump run. Then Mum and Dad came down and my brother as well. Brother cut my granite to size for behind my fire and Dad power washed my drive. It is quite steep and was getting very slippery. Wow what a difference, the bricks are red underneath. Mum and I took stuff to charity shop and did another dump run. Then I started power washing my decking. Got most of it done before the light faded. Will re do it when the weather improves, was freezing when I came in.
Then.......one of my cats had been locked in my bedroom and left me calling card. Cue washing the bath mat, duvet cover and duvet being in soak. Not happy
and was a clean bed!
Working tomorrow so will have to finish it off when I get home

Gillybean103

Evening!

Not really done too much today

Yesterday, I popped to mothercare for weaning bibs, then came home and cleaned the kitchen
2 loads of washing
Hung washing on airers
Cleaned, tidied the living room
Cleaned, tidied the dining room
Cooked a lovely tea

Today, there was a thing where we had a little wall near the stairs and OH handed me a hammer, notice I said HAD a wall, I bashed it out!
Had a tea of broccoli cheesy pasta bake, and now watching the telly. I'm trying to teach myself to knit but can't find any patterns for simpletons lol really want to do a baby cardigan or something like that, has anyone got any ideas?

chickywiggle

mysk_girl wrote: »

I think part of it is that we AREN'T organised, but by writing lists on here and having some accountability, it makes us do things and stay organised.

...............or by writing lists it give us time for a bit more sit down in front of the TV with a cuppa while we think what we need to write on the list :rotfl:

Island_mum

Betsie2010 wrote: »

Busy busy day! Dog walked at 9am followed by dump run. Then Mum and Dad came down and my brother as well. Brother cut my granite to size for behind my fire and Dad power washed my drive. It is quite steep and was getting very slippery. Wow what a difference, the bricks are red underneath. Mum and I took stuff to charity shop and did another dump run. Then I started power washing my decking. Got most of it done before the light faded.

Betsie2010 is it really sad that I so want a pressure washer?! I'm sure my house would be the right colour if I did :rotfl:

chickywiggle wrote: »

...............or by writing lists it give us time for a bit more sit down in front of the TV with a cuppa while we think what we need to write on the list :rotfl:

I don't know what my problem is or how to go about sorting it. It's just me, DH and DD who is 8 months to organise in our house and I have plenty of good intentions, just never seem to get everything sorted ready to enjoy lol. I seem to like writing my to-do lists more than doing them :mad:

chickywiggle

8 months is easy island_mum........ try doing everything with a 4yr old and 19month old on your heels messing up everything you just tidied.

mysk_girl

Or with a 5yo, 2-nearly-3yo and a 5wk old on a growth spurt permanently attached to the boob! Today's been hard work. The older 2 are back at school/preschool on Tuesday so it might be a bit easier then ;-)

But seriously, just the writing of the list will help, I think - and it takes time to learn to be organised. I'm just starting on my journey, I need it to be mostly completed by the time I go back to work in September or I stand no chance. Or, if I get made redundant, I will be in a routine already and not have to start learning then!

Don't be too hard on yourself. And make time for yourself. Annie has finally decided to stop eating for a while, so I'm teaching myself entrelac crochet from a YouTube video. I should be filing, but I need some down time and crochet is suitably mind numbing :-)

Good luck!

Island_mum

chickywiggle wrote: »

8 months is easy island_mum........ try doing everything with a 4yr old and 19month old on your heels messing up everything you just tidied.

Exactly! I used to be so organised haha. At work I've got everything sorted then I get home and everything's in a constant mess haha. Am determined to pull my finger out this year

LiveLoveLaugh

Hi everyone,

I'd like to join in too please! I am a SAHM, husband works full time but is always happy to help out with household things and is great with the kids but I'd like to be able to get on top of everything in the house once and for all and get in to a proper routine without having to rope hubby in all the time. lol.

We have two boys aged 5 and 21 months and my stepdaughter who is 11 who stays with us 2 or 3 nights a week.

I do think I have become more organised over the last year but I've still got a long way to go.

I've finally finished reading through the whole thread and already have some great idea's that I will be having a go at so thank you!!!

I will probably lurk more than I post but will try to aim and put up a weekly list on a Sunday night.....

Hopefully 2013 will be the year I FINALLY get my house in order like I've been attempting for god knows how long!