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AIBU?

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Original poster

To think the daily routine is impossible. Disgusting house

462 replies

ComeOnNowww · 23/06/2026 23:21

I want help! People's tips. I don't understand how people manage. I live in a fairly large old house.

This is my weekday routine

7am wake
7.30 - 8.30 getting kids ready for school (primary)
8.30 - 9.30 rush to office or back home to wfh.
9.30 - 5 work my arse off. Back to back meetings
5.30 pick up kids from after school
6 - 7 dinner
7 - 8 bath, bed
8 - 9 constantly put kids back to bed. Feel like tearing my hair out
9 - 9.30 basic tidy, dishwasher, check uniforms
9.30 - 10.30 try to do bits but in all honesty drink a wine and watch telly

My house is disgusting. I mean real mess. - my bathrooms are gross, dust everywhere. Im sprinting to stay still. Just about keep the show on the road but dusting, hoovering, proper cleans so hard to do

At the weekend, i do what i can. But all boys - primary school - and theyre so hyper. If I dont take them out they're out of control

What are other women doing? I dont know how womens homes look normal when they have young kids and work FT. My house is bad enough so id be embarrassed to let somone pop round. No parents. Husband MIA.

Practical tips? I feel like im missing something.

OP posts:
Marquee2go · 23/06/2026 23:35

I get up at 6.20 so by the time I wake the kids at 7.20 I've already got at least something done in the kitchen plus got myself fully ready.

I also don't watch TV, and go to sleep around 9.45 usually as soon as kids are both definitely asleep themselves.

Totally relate to feeling like I'm constantly behind though.

OrangeSlices998 · 23/06/2026 23:34

ComeOnNowww · 23/06/2026 23:21

I want help! People's tips. I don't understand how people manage. I live in a fairly large old house.

This is my weekday routine

7am wake
7.30 - 8.30 getting kids ready for school (primary)
8.30 - 9.30 rush to office or back home to wfh.
9.30 - 5 work my arse off. Back to back meetings
5.30 pick up kids from after school
6 - 7 dinner
7 - 8 bath, bed
8 - 9 constantly put kids back to bed. Feel like tearing my hair out
9 - 9.30 basic tidy, dishwasher, check uniforms
9.30 - 10.30 try to do bits but in all honesty drink a wine and watch telly

My house is disgusting. I mean real mess. - my bathrooms are gross, dust everywhere. Im sprinting to stay still. Just about keep the show on the road but dusting, hoovering, proper cleans so hard to do

At the weekend, i do what i can. But all boys - primary school - and theyre so hyper. If I dont take them out they're out of control

What are other women doing? I dont know how womens homes look normal when they have young kids and work FT. My house is bad enough so id be embarrassed to let somone pop round. No parents. Husband MIA.

Practical tips? I feel like im missing something.

Hire a cleaner 🤷‍♀️

Steggasaurus · 23/06/2026 23:34

jelliebelly · 23/06/2026 23:32

Get up an hour earlier, pay for a cleaner, potter for an hour tidying up/getting organised before bed instead of watching TV

OP needs downtime, plus there’s so many good series on TV to watch!

Arregaithel · 23/06/2026 23:34

If you can afford @ComeOnNowww, robovac (one for up and one for downstairs, if you can stretch to it)

initially, if you can keep a clean/tidy kitchen and bathroom/s then everything else, as and when.

If you're on your own with energetic youngsters and working full time, a "show" home is really not a requirement. 🌻

LittleBearPad · 23/06/2026 23:33

Get a cleaner.

if your DH isn’t actually gone but being crap divide and conquer.

jelliebelly · 23/06/2026 23:32

Get up an hour earlier, pay for a cleaner, potter for an hour tidying up/getting organised before bed instead of watching TV

Blackbird2409 · 23/06/2026 23:31

Totally get this, single parent for 20 years, full time demanding job, get the basics done but that’s it. Would hate anyone to pop around unexpected. And little spare cash, after holidays and wine that is!

BiteSizedLife · 23/06/2026 23:31

I'm single, no kids or husband, just me and the dog and my house isn't exactly in shape either! Don't even mention the front or back gardens

Steggasaurus · 23/06/2026 23:31

Sorry no tips. Mine are 17 & 15 now, and although I’m in a much better place domestically than their younger years, I still chase my tail. I honestly do not think, whilst working full time, I’ll ever be house ready for visitors until the kids move out.

Don’t sweat it, it’s not worth it. As long as you’re a good mum to your kids then that’s all that matters. You can clean when they’re at Uni.

MrsMuggin · 23/06/2026 23:29

I have a cleaner. I try to list at least 2 items per week on vinted / free marketplace. I keep telling myself one day I'll live in a tidy house and miss the chaos

MaryBennetsGlasses · 23/06/2026 23:29

What do you mean your husband is MIA? Does he not live with you? Is he the father of the children? Why is he not participating in the adult domestic work?

As a side note, if you’re a single mum I’d have to say that 7am is a late start. I mean, I’ve got a fully functioning spouse and we get up at 6 to make the day work

Edit to add we e also got a weekly cleaner for 4 hours and still have to get up at 6 😵‍💫. Please explain what your husband is doing??

Shark321 · 23/06/2026 23:24

Your house sounds like mine. I’ve been staring at the same boxes for weeks now that I haven’t the time or energy to sort.

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