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Original poster

Please help keep me on task while I declutter!

13 replies

helpsomuchclutter · 07/08/2019 15:55

Right. I've packed the kids off to a holiday with my sister for a few days, so I can get to grips with some decluttering and tidying, as my house is BAD! It's like a hoarder's house.

BUT - I'm queen of procrastination! (I have ADHD). They've been gone a day and I've done nothing! So, I'm banning myself from the computer - apart from this thread (I'm way too addicted to it to go complete cold turkey!) and from TV - which I don't watch much, but I used to before I got into the internet so I suspect it will be my go-to if the internet is off.

How do you keep yourself on task when you do boring but necessary jobs?

I'm going to listen to podcasts, does anyone have any good recommendations?

Things I need to do include:

  • clean kitchen
  • take everything out of the fridge and clean it
  • sort out clothes mountain in utility
  • tidy front room
  • sort out cupboards in front room
  • sort out floordrobe in bedroom
  • work out what to do with windows in front room so people can't see in! (Have curtains but need something else as well. Same job as nets but not nets)
  • call bed shop

And that's just for starters...

So far, I have:

OP posts:
Vesperia · 07/08/2019 15:57

I used to keep focused by writing a list & setting a timer for 30 mins for each task - 9 times out of 10 i'd carry on with that task after the initial 30 mins was up

Keepthebloodynoisedown · 07/08/2019 16:03

I tend to have the tv on while I declutter, otherwise I get bored and give up. If you don’t like the look of nets, have you thought about those stick on one way mirror things, so you can see out but other people can’t see in?
Agree with writing a list, the satisfaction of ticking things off motivates me Blush

Original poster
helpsomuchclutter · 07/08/2019 16:04

Timing! That's a good idea, thanks :)

I think I need to time in breaks too, as I tend to get really focused on one thing, over do it and then burn out, .I need to get into the habit of doing something for a while, then changing activity I think.

Oh, I could time by podcasts couldn't I?!

OK, the one I'm about to start is 34 minutes. I am going to spend 34 minutes tidying the front room. Then I'm going to make a coffee and do another round of dishes (no timing, just as long as it takes to do one tub).

Then find another 30 minute podcast and tackle the cupboards. Then take stock.

OP posts:
Original poster
helpsomuchclutter · 07/08/2019 16:05

I think I'm after material, just not netting.

OP posts:
Original poster
helpsomuchclutter · 07/08/2019 16:05

Keepthebloodynoisedown I'm worried if I turn the TV on I'll end up on my bottom watching it haha!

Perhaps I'll try it later if the podcasts don't keep me on task....

OP posts:
NoSquirrels · 07/08/2019 16:08

Podcasts: Clutterbug, A Slob Comes Clean, Happier with Gretchen Rubin, The Lazy Genius (there’s loads on cleaning the house).

NoSquirrels · 07/08/2019 16:10

Set an alarm when you stop for a break!

5 minutes per 20 minute task or 10 minutes per 30 minute task.

When you start in a room, go clockwise. Then when distracted you can return to the point in the circle you’re at.

CharminglyGawky · 07/08/2019 16:12

I find music works better, something you can put on loud and sing and dance around to.

Do the things that will make to most visible difference first, it's amazing how visible progress can motivate you whereas working for ages and it not looking any better is demoralising.

Be ruthless and get rid of anything you don't use or love.

HypatiaCade · 07/08/2019 16:20

I'll join you! I have to get the house complete sorted by Sunday as I have guests coming to stay. And it looks like a bomb site, with hoarding tendencies.

Original poster
helpsomuchclutter · 07/08/2019 16:59

Welcome HypatiaCade :)

I've got till Saturday I think (partly depends on whether the kids are driving my sister crazy or not!)

What have you got to do by Sunday?

OP posts:
Original poster
helpsomuchclutter · 07/08/2019 18:18

Oh, weird! I posted earlier but it isn't here. I just have closed the computer before it posted I guess.

I did half an hour in the front room, but found the podcast distracting. Still lots more to do.

Washing up round done.

Am going sort cupboards with music on for half an hour now...

OP posts:
Original poster
helpsomuchclutter · 07/08/2019 19:03

OK, I made a start! Still more tidying that actual decluttering, but a start nonetheless.

Off out to visit a friend, will carry on in the morning.

HypatiaCade how did you get on?

OP posts:
HypatiaCade · 07/08/2019 22:00

I'm doing something slightly more complicated, in that I am moving overseas in just over a month. So the declutter is really extreme. I have cleared out a large cupboard in the lounge room and the understairs storage area. Then understairs storage area is for things we will pack to take, and the cupboard is for things that are good enough to sell to get rid of, and everything else gets dumped as I'm going.

Lounge room:
DVDs sorted into keep and get rid
Lego packed and put into keep cupboard (well, lots of it anyway!)
Board games and jigsaw puzzles sorted

Dining room (dumping room):
several boxes sorted
Two out of six bureau drawers cleared
several bureau shelves sorted

To do tomorrow:

Sort and put away all clean clothes
Do several more loads of clothes washing
Finish sorting boxes in dining room
Declutter main bedroom

Trip to refuse/recycling centre

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