Should I buy a fly course?? Feeling overwhelmed:(

[maisybobbins]

My house is a state, I suffer from complete CHAOS.

I simply don't know where to start. Then last night I began reading a thread here about flying and chaos and it all seems so relevant to me but I'm not at the stage of joining you with a tada list. I'm a complete novice surrounded by overwhelming clutter. So I go onto flylady website and download her app in excitement. I then see I need to buy a course... but hard to tell how much it is and even how or what to buy. I need something and happy to buy a course but is this the best way forward for me?

[DoItTooJulia]

Well I wouldn't personally.

I would arm yourself with a box, a black bag and something to put washing in and tackle each room. Give yourself 20 minutes per room and get out any rubbish (black bag) any obviously charity donations (box) and washing.

Do the washing up and get a loaf of washing on. And then see if you need apps/courses.

Good luck

[Horopu]

You can find all the instructions you need on the fly lady website for free. I used it years ago and found it a great way to get started.

[Imnotaslimjim]

You sound like you need her crisis clean

I've been where you are and this works wonders. Don't try getting everything perfect straight off - have a basket and a bin. If it's rubbish, bin it. If it needs keeping but doesn't belong where it is, put it in the basket. When you've moved onto another room, take from the basket anything that belongs in there. You'll be amazed what you can do in 15 minutes!

Once you've got on top of it, you can follow from here to keep on top of it all.

[maisybobbins]

Thank you Julia Horo and Imno for your replies. I was having a real middle of the night panic there. Nearly at palpitations stage.

You're right I can hopefully get away without the course. I was just about to do a panic purchase when I thought I would take a moment instead to check in with you ladies.

I will read up on the crisis clean, I think I do need that. I rarely clean as I'm never on top of the tidying and you have to tidy before you can clean right?

But the good news is... amongst the chaos is now a shiny sink and a wash is on! I'm back in bed with tea and toast (DC eating porridge watching chipmunks cartoons) with a smile on my face.

[Neoneon]

Good luck OP

[InfiniteSheldon]

Basket and bin bag is a great idea and setting a time limit so you don't get overwhelmed. Also instigate a no purchases rule. Try not to buy anything, if your kitchen cupboards are heaving just buy fruit and veg and use what's in them. Absolutely no clothes, make up or toiletries you've probably got loads use them up.

[FiveGoMadInDorset]

Yes to one room at a time and for short spell, I also have a charity box so that I pick up anything in the house that I don't want and I put it in the box, when it's full I then take the box to a shop and start a new one

[WutheringFrights]

I tried 'flying' but just kept failing, then I discovered Kon-mari which is all about getting rid of the clutter rather than constantly tidying it - exactly what I needed.
We had a party last week and it only took me an hour to clean the house from top to bottom before and after the party, including hoovering and dusting because everything in my house now has a 'place'.
There are a number of threads on it here but also check out pinterest and facebook.
There is a book too - the life changing magic of tidying up - although I have it I think the amount of stuff I read online I probably didn't need the book.
Basically you tackle everything in your house category by category.
Starting with clothes you put every item of clothing you own in a pile on your bed and the start by picking up and touching every item. If it doesnt fill you with joy you discard it.
That is the rule in it's very simple form but read up on it and apply it all around your house and your life will be changed.

[maisybobbins]

Thanks everyone who replied, I'm still fired up about this and making declutter progress. It's going to be a big project but I'm ready!!