Mumsnet Talk

I'm naturally quite an untidy person, but over the years have trained myself to be very organised, however it only takes something small to upset my routine and then it all goes to pot

So, after failing a couple of exams, and stepping up the revision (I'm a full-time student), followed by sick kids and lots of doctors' appointments etc, I'm now hopelessly behind with everything and it's just so overwhelming I don't know where to start to get caught back up. Not to mention I'm exhausted!

My life is pretty hectic and I have very little time to myself, at home, except 24 hours, twice a month, when my kids stay at their Dad's. This week I'm on half term and for the first time in 18 months I'm not revising, so I really need to use the time to get caught up at home! The kids are at home all week, so I plan to get them mucking in.

Where do I start? I feel sick just thinking everything that needs to be done

Try to do one little job then have a rest then do another one. You are welcome to join us on the "pointy sticks" thread if you like.

Ooh, thanks! I haven't read the pointy sticks thread because I thought it was something to do with trolls!

What kind of little job do you suggest I start with? The only thing I really enjoy doing is laundry, but I need to get on with more horrible things really, like decluttering...

No, we are trying to do FlyLady babysteps and encourage each other to do our housework.

15 mins at a time of anything - so take a room and chuck things away - or clear a shelf or a cupboard - flylady is also worth a look

I am not very good at decluttering yet either. You could try starting in your kitchen, washing up (if you need to) or anywhere really. Try setting your timer for 15 minutes and see what you get done.

This is a flylady technique, but I apply it to all parts of life where I feel overwhelmed by tasks. Set timer for fifteen minutes. Do but of job. Then either stop or repeat. After three lots of fifteen minutes at most, reward yourself with doing something you like doing including feet up with cuppa. For your fifteen minute sections, do one job and work as hard at it as you can. Don't flit. This, above all else I've learnt, has turned our house from a mess put to a generally respectable family home.

Cross posted with the others suggesting 15 mins!

When overwhelmed, I always start in the kitchen. Seems to make the most difference and the children don't mess it up as much when it's done. Having one space clear and nice motivates me with the rest of the house.

The timer idea is a good one. I actually followed flylady around 10 years ago, when I was a new mummy, but I found her a bit fussy (and all the e-mails themselves were overwhelming!).

I do like the 15-minute thing, though. I could reward myself for tidying with little bouts of laundry and ironing...

You know, if you run out of laundry, ive got plenty . And I really like tidying. Shall we swap houses?

Yes, the kitchen would seem like a good place to start. Although I have made a list and had put the entry hall at the top, as that is what people see when they come to the door. It's mainly junk waiting to go up to the loft, so I need to sort through that, then take a few trips up and down the stairs...

One thing at a time. So if for example decluttering mantelpiece, don't get distracted by taking something into kitchen and seeing something that needs doing in there- finish the mantelpiece first.

I set the alarm on my phone, works well. I'm overwhelmed too at the moment <surveys living room>

Molehill you're on. Is it warm where you are? It's been -17°C here for the past week! Although it's predicted to get up to -5°¨tomorrow!

Yes, I would have to use the timer on my phone or oven, as I don't own a kitchen timer!

Ooh-and I try to tidy and sort with a one touch rule. I am very good at making new piles of stuff which sorts nothing so instead of collecting things to go away in another room, I actually take the item there. Just try not to get sidetracked when you get to the next room.

That sounds heavenly! It's below zero here but too flipping hot in our house. I'm on my way...

OK, thanks for tips - I'm going to try the timer thing tomorrow, as I normally take something from one room into another, then start on something there, then get distracted by something else, etc. I'm going to have a try at being really focussed for 15mins at a time.

Yes, I also get distracted by other things and end up half-doing lots of different jobs, but not finishing any, unless I have a list! Then when I notice other jobs that need doing, I just add them to the list and keep on working down the list.

Once I'm going, I'm pretty organised, it's getting started that's the problem for me. Well, knowing where to start...

Btw-I had a timer day today and got the house back from the brink while dh took children out. And even tidied the dreaded shoe cupboard.

I would go for the loft pile and then putting away any other large and easy to clear bits and pieces.Will make the most impact.
Then focus on things necessary for hygiene - loo,kitchen surfaces etc - and things necessary for normal functioning - laundry etc.
Then do what you fancy doing as you're more likely to do something you feel like doing.

How's it gone/ going op?

Ugh
I slept in until almost lunchtime because didn't set an alarm (although i probably needed the rest!) and then I procrastinated until mid-afternoon.

The kids picked some stuff up in the bedroom and I tidied the kitchen a bit and did some laundry. Nowhere near as much as I'd planned though

Oh well, hopefully I'll do better tomorrow...