So much to do, how can I stop being overwhelmed?

dandy-candy

2013 has been a badly run year for me, I managed to hang on to a basic house cleaning routine but things like washing bedding was badly neglected. The batch cooking and food planning went out the window, too many take always and last minute food dashes. My weight went up, my money went down - it's been a disaster.

I really really need help getting reorganised and dodging the black dog that manages to bite when I feel things aren't going to plan.

In 2014 I need to:
Declutter the attic and garage.
Lose weight and start some form of exercise.
Get a house routine going to keep everywhere clean and a rota for sheets, towels, clothes.
Plan a menu that is cheap but also healthy, DH and I are both over weight and he has high cholesterol.
Batch cook so I can have quick meals ready to bung in the oven when I'm having a down day.
Get the kids (teens) in a routine for tidying their rooms and homework.

As soon as I start looking at all I need to do I feel like hiding under the duvet! I really don't know where to start, do I try doing one thing on the list regularly before starting another, or do I do a half effort on everything?

I have to get organised and I know I will get moaned at by the kids about healthy food, homework and tidying, and that can really get me down and put me off. Can anyone please give me tips on how to start this? I can't have another wasted year like this last one has been. It sounds really soppy but it would mean so much to me if I could achieve a well run home.

Please give me any tips or suggestions on how to tackle this list!

Angel_Jenny

I also want to declutter this year, get healthy, learn to budget, have a routine, and I need to learn to cook properly!

Will be watching for tips! One of my problems is no accountability so I just put things off. Or, as I am a carer at home as well as working outside the home, I just can't be bothered to tackle anything when I do get a bit of free time!

JulieGeorgiana

If you take all that on in one go you'll be so overwhelmed you're more likely to fail. I say take it one step at a time...

First make lists, a cleaning rota, who does what... Do little but often. If you get your DH on board and then you both ensure it gets done (this includes your teenaged keeping their rooms tidy).

Then make a meal plan for a whole month of healthy, but enjoyable meals (ones you don't hate and not eat while ordering a takeaway). Once you have this plan, repeat monthly. This requires less thinking, easier shopping too. When cooking always make enough for 3-4 meals and freeze extras.

As for the rest, wait until you've settled into a new routine, then tackle them x

This is what I do, as with 3 children (one is 6 weeks old) if I had to think we'd eat out daily... I change my meal plan at times, and change bits around WHEN it suits me and I want to. I also have a chore list on my fridge to space out my chores, but to also ensure it gets done. I have a list for each child to!

Hope this helps x

Ps. Try not to take on too much at once x

WantToBeSE

I would say that you need to stop looking at EVERYTHING you need to do, and just look at 1 thing at a time.

So, the 1st thing on your list-Declutter the attic.
Dont think about any of the other things, just start with that 1 thing. Try and make it fun/less boring. Can it be done in 1 evening? If so, grab a bottle of plonk and take your stereo into the attic. Listen to your favourite music and drink some bubbly while decluttering. makes it more fun!

Just 1 thing at a time..you'll get there!

Uniscots97

What chores do the teens do Dandy-candy?

cat4772

Have a look at FLYLADY for routines and things and take a leaf. Out of her book. Do one thing each day in jab, then add another so two in February etc,. Or work on something each day for 15 minutes. Trick is to do it.
Rather than batch cook, at first do two. One to eat and one to freeze, but make sure it is food you will all eat otherwise it is a waste of time, effort and money.

Good luck

Cat.xx

JulieGeorgiana

I forgot to add, as I LOVE making lists... If it helps I'm willing to share mine as a starting point. It's easier to amend someone else's sometimes then start from scratch x

YORKSHIRELASS

I am right there with you if it makes you feel any better. I used to be really organised but over the last few months it has really slipped and the run up to Christmas was awful, half the time I could have just sat and cried. I have two part time jobs and I care for a family member with health problems so there just arent enough hours in the day. I dont get enough help from my OH and teenage sons and that just has to change.

I agree that trying to do too much at once is too overwhelming. Breaking housework down into small tasks and completely finishing each of those tasks gives you motivation. Make lists of achievable things and tick it off. Trying to do a little and often is the way to keep on top of things.

As for food, I do know that mealplanning really works for me. It takes a bit of practice but if you know what you are going to eat for your main meal each day it makes you less likely to eat junk. Making double portions or cooking two meals at once so you can freeze one is really easy too.

I would love some tips on getting the teens to do more (without it just being a constant battle ground). I have already said that their pocket money is going to stop at the end of December and they will get paid for doing things around the house instead. Any other ideas anyone?

Pitlanepiglet

The piece of advice that helped me most when I started my dehoarding/decluttering looooonnngg journey was that I didn't have to wait until I could do lots - if I had 10 minutes I could do SOMETHING.

I was the worst procrastinator, if I needed to sort the bedroom, I would constantly put it off until I had 2 clear days to do it and needless to say that was never! I then started doing a bit at a time, part of a shelf, part of a drawer etc. etc. Perhaps just picking out the bits of obvious junk from a shelf or drawer. After a while I started to see some progress which inspired me to do more and I am fairly close to being clutter free in the house (you should see the shed though....).

Good luck x

dandy-candy

unixgirluk wrote: »

What chores do the teens do Dandy-candy?

At the moment the only regular thing they do is clean out their pets. DD used to feed and water them every morning and DS cover them at night, but now that has been left to DH and me.
They clean their bedrooms once a month (if that) after I nag nag nag :mad:
DD is good about doing her homework, but both are very slack on revising for exams.

retromother

I'm with you. Got a lot to get through in the new year, new budget, new attitude, new family harmony!