REalised this morning that I live in one of those hairy houses with grit in the carpet and piles of clutter everywhere

[Moomin]

We got a frantic phone call this morning from a friend who'd had to sleep on the motorway all night with her neice because of the flooding. They can't get to friend's house but had managed to get off the motorway and we live nearby so they asked if they could come over, which of course we said Yes to. Looks like they may have to stop over for at least 1 night, maybe more, as well because the roads to where she live are sooooo bad.

and as we were waiting for them to get here I looked round at the house in its 'normal' state that we live in day-to-day and it was like the scales fell off my eyes. We are complete SLATTERNS when it comes to cleaning and I am ashamed . The floors have dust-tumbleweeds on the laminate/wood bits and gravel embedded in the carpet bits. There is clutter and rubbish on almost every surface. My friends needed clean clothes and I had to give them a really grim pile of (washed at least) but tatty-looking remnants for them to sort through.

I have a good job for which I look presentable, the kids look nice and we are clean. WE have friends to stay from time to time and we usually make a big effort to make things look nicer. But why can't we have one of those nice houses that you visit that ALWAYS makes you feel really comfortable, and the laundry is freshly pressed and smells of flowers and mothers????? I'm starting to inhabit a house not unlike the one I grew up in with my dad and brother. > I never realised just what a slob I am

I need help. I need to be a better housekeeper >>>

[Flibbertyjibbet]

Do you think after sitting on the Motorway all night she will have NOTICED anything about your house apart from the fact that it is warm and dry???
I certainly wouldn't!!!
They have landed unexepectedly. They will be fantastically grateful, so please stop worrying.

[Moomin]

Oh they are, extremely grateful and far too lovely to pass judgement on us. It's just me passing judgement on me, really. I just have rubbishly low standards when it comes to cleanliness but it's starting to dawn that I have used this as an excuse for extreme laziness for the most part. The house isn't exactly insanitary as such, but it's just not a place to be proud of. It's decorated nicely, IMO, and I love my colours and the layout of the house. I just wish I could be more houseproud. I stayed at a friend's house the other night (admittedly she doesn't have kids) which is a simlar size and layout to my house and I just felt so much more comfortable at her house!! Their spare room was like a hotel, it was so clean and beautifully looked after. spose I just have to get off my fat arse.

[McDreamyGonagall]

Moomin I feel the same as you and I'm a SAHM!!! I would love to have the freshily laundered house, with a scattering of toys on the floor - with all the bits not "stuff" everywhere, half jigsaws scattered around, barbie shoes in the bath.....

What can we do?

[charliecat]

meeee too. Trying but just end up getting pissed off.

[JackieNo]

YOu could try the Flylady thing - little and often, and there's a thread on here that you can chat to people doing the same thing. It's v american, but just take what's useful for you, and ignore the rest. (not that I can talk - your house sounds pretty much like mine)

[McDreamyGonagall]

I have tried Flylady a couple of times and when I stick to it it really works, I just can't seem to keep with it, but I do recommned it.

[Flibbertyjibbet]

At a playgroup last week I was wondering aloud if Kim and Aggie would do a programme with more than one family on... sort of like Phil and Kirstie's current series..
We thought we could all have them for an hour each as our places aren't anywhere near as bad as the people on their tv show, but just need some professional help from time to time!
i find that since I turned 40 my mirrors are a lot more 'forgiving' with a layer of dust on

[charliecat]

Is anyone tidying the weekend away?

[Moomin]

I hoovered the stairs up to the attic room yesterday while my friend was in the shower so she wouldn't be physically sick when she saw what was nestling in the corner of each stair

But no, haven't done any tidying today. How about you? Inspire me....

[Aitch]

i've employed a cleaner!!
she's coming on tuesday, will be mopping and dusting and doiing the bathroom and then hoovering so i will be obliged to get the place properly tidy for her. we're not untidy, as such, but i ahve a terrible time doiing the floors because i Just Can't Be Arsed. and lol at the mirrors... i never clean them.

[charliecat]

Inspire you?
Well I have been collecting clutter in baskets instead of tidying it up at the ime and today I haver spent the day sorting the baskets...........what a WASTE of a day.
I havent even inspired myself!