Getting back on track

jwil

Hi Everyone,

Time for a new diary methinks. I'm 6 months into maternity leave with another 4 months before I go back to work. Things are very tough financially at the moment and I need to focus to get on track. I'd like to be in a much better position before I go back to work so childcare doesn't have such a huge impact.

I'd hoped while I was off to get a huge amount of decluttering done and get lots done in the house. The reality is that I don't seem to have achieved much. I've certainly been selling lots, but things don't seem to be getting any better. (DH and I both have collecting tendencies, and we inherited the contents of a hoarded house which we've been working our way through).

One the one hand it's good as I have an endless supply of things to sell, but on the other hand, the clutter drives me up the wall, and we need to get sorted before ds gets too mobile.

DS is a dream, and whilst he's not great at sleeping at night at the moment, he always has a nice long nap in the mornings which gives me a chance to get stuff done. I usually spend the time glued to the computer though so it doesn't always mean I get lots done.

So, my new plan is:

List £30 of items every day (this will mainly cover the shortfall at the moment, but hopefully will help make things easier). It can be many low value items (of which I have tonnes) or a few larger items (not so many of these really).

Start having a look at Flylady to try and get on top of things with the house (even if I only do level 1 each day).

I really want to get on top of things so that I can enjoy my time off with ds. At the moment, I seem to be working harder than ever!

jwil

It never rains but it pours. Last month I had a £180 car repair bill, and another fault has been identified that will just have to wait for now, but will need to be done before MOT in December.

Today, our boiler has broken down and the bill to repair that is going to be £220 Oh well, at least it's not freezing cold, so I didn't bother paying extra for next day delivery for the part.

retiredandskint

:hello: good to see you back

Emzilla

Hi Jwil

Congratulations on the birth of your baby boy.

I'm off to subscribe

Emz xx

jwil

Hey retired, nice to see you. How's things going. How is your OH now?

Thanks Emz, I've subscribed to yours too today

jwil

I've done my listings for today, so that's good. If they all sell for minimum bid, that's almost £80 :T One item I'm pretty sure won't sell as I've put it on for a stupid price as I like it and not sure I want to get rid.

I've also had a couple of sales, and a couple of bits going out later as well.

I've redeemed a £5 amazon voucher and done some more surveys.

The house is looking a little tidier due to the panic tidy up before the gas man came too so that feels better as well.

Everyone's in bed, so I'm going to sit down with a book for a while.

Hope everyone has a good evening.

brizzledfw

Great to see a shiny new diary jwil.

It's tough being a new mum..well a mum to kids of any age actually :rotfl: so don't be too hard on yourself. Little steps sounds good.

We had a blitz yesterday on listing. It felt good. If it doesnt seem to shift just free cycle it..am sure someone will pick it up!

Love to baby jwil too x

jwil

Thanks Brizzle

I very rarely use freecycle any more, just got so fed up with the timewasters. :mad:

My order is ebay, car boot, charity shop. If it's something that a charity shop won't accept, then I may use freecycle, but it's rare now.

Well done on your listings!

jwil

Friday's flylady list :eek:

Friday Flyday- those frightening kids rooms and spare rooms
15 minutes...
Clear away anything that isn't in it's place, clothes, toys, books etc
Spend at least half an hour doing something for yourself!!!!! paint your nails, make an appointment to have your hair done, a lovely soak in the bath.. whatever you feel like!! I'm having my nails done this morning as usual
30 minutes to spare...
Vacuum the floor
Dusting.. all those shelves and flat fluffy surfaces!! Don’t forget the light shade and curtain pole!!!
spend at least an hour with your family... playing, reading or just watching a dvd and having a hug!
Strip beds, turn and vacuum mattresses!! and replace with fresh linen .. check if duvets need freshening up too!! Wash the curtains!
Got an hour...
Clean 2 windows
Sort through a toybox and make space for santa coming!!
Wipe any sticky marks off walls and doors
Extra Task List

• Find 5 things to ebay/freecycle
• Wipe the radiators, skirtings and window & door frames!
• HHI
• End of week fling!! grab a binbag and fill it with stuff to leave the house.. rubbish or charity shop or to donate to a friend!
• Work yourself to level 3 in your messiest room!!
• Spend at least an hour with your family... playing, reading or just watching a dvd and having a hug!

DS doesn't have a room yet and you can't get into our spare rooms :eek: so nothing there for me

I have however, sorted through all his 0-3 months clothing and removed that.

I'm now in the middle of my listings for today and doing surveys at the same time.

We've been out to baby group this morning so not too bad.

I've sold 2 books today so lucky I forgot to go to the delivery office earlier, will do that later and take the lot.

Someone bid on a load of my low value stuff last night :j so that will be good, they haven't paid yet but it will be a nice amount gone and a big postage discount for them.

Right, back to it

jwil

Ebay listings done :T If they all sell and for minimum that's £64 :T

Need to get some more stuff sorted now.

beanielou

Happy shiny new diary