I've justr reaslised that my house isn't that untidy, its scruffy....

[padboz]

I feel like I'm never getting anywhere and that the house is a tip but I've taken two days off to clean it, looked round once I'd done everything I can possibly do and its still RUBBISH. Every wall needs painting. The sofas are threadbare, the varnished floors need redoing, the stair carpet is ancient, the skirting board is scuffed....

Its going to take money isnt it? Lots of it. It takes up so much psychological space feeling like you live in a mess and I have just realised that there is nothing more I can do other than save up. For a long time

[mindalina]

Have you tried Freecycle for some of the bits and bobs you need? It's amazing the stuff people stick up on there, you could well get sofas, floor varnish, carpet etc.

I know what you mean, my flat is horrible and tatty in a similar way and it really gets me down sometimes, so you have my sympathy.

[padboz]

thanks ladies Not sure really what I wanted from this thread other than to vent how defeated I feel I was convinced two whole days to clean would leave me feeling like a new woman. Just realised I've spent two good book reading days polishing a turd

[mindalina]

Aww I know that feeling very well! It's horrid isn't it. How likely is it you can do the stuff you want to do, or even move house, in the near future?

We have no hope of being able to redecorate or move for at least a year or two and that in itself is a really oppresive feeling for me and makes me think I just can't be arsed with any it. We have a few pots of paint lying around but I just think "what's the point, the clean bit will only highlight the filth elsewhere"

Seriously though, Freecycle for paint, carpet etc, is a really good idea. You can post a wanted ad so people will be able to email you and say "Ooh I've got sixty seven left over tins of magnolia paint you can have if you like" or something like that anyway

[FAQ]

I know the feeling - my house is the same.

I'm starting at the top and working my way down and will eventually (in a few years time probably lol) finish in the kitchen and bathroom (downstairs one).

I've started upstairs in the smallest bedroom, which I'm turning into DS1's room.

Needed to get one wall re-plastered, but got "mates rates" from my best friends DH. Paint is cheap stuff from Wilkinsons, and the carpet cost me a grand total of £68 including fitting.

Thankfully for the furniture I had some money from my Granddad's estate which I used. But for the rest of the rooms it's going to be literally one thing at a time.

First project to save up for is to get my bedroom replastered, then I'll get it painted, then I'll save up for some carpet, etc etc.

[padboz]

I'm such a tight wad too :D I find it really hard spending money on stuff that I want but don't need

[FAQ]

ooo come and join me for my "over time" redecorating - I've got everything I need for DS1's room - but will have to save for everything else

[poly]

put a rug down to hide the floor.
throw overs for sofas. Can't get the colour you want how about using a sheet and dying it. There used to be a cold water dye you could do in washing machine???
paper one wall as a feture wall paint the rest
Try freecell,charity shops, check out adds in local paper. It's amazing what can be had.
Check out price of an offcut from bargain basement carpet shops.
DIY stores for wallpaper oddments. Get the most expensive you can find for a feature wall.