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Original poster

Is your living room tidy right now?

120 replies

KateyCuckoo · 22/04/2023 16:54

Would you be happy for a guest to pop in right now? Or would you need time to tidy?

We are generally quite tidy but DH is recovering from an op so there's medication strewn about, pillows and blankets in the sofa and to keep the dog entertained, there's a box that's part shredded. It needs dusting and hoovering and there's a pile of washing that's ready to go in the washing machine.

Our teens have just cleaned the kitchen from last night as we ate super late and everyone had had long days at work so couldn't be bothered.

I'm feeling a bit urgh about tidying up but know I'd feel mortified if someone knocked right now.

OP posts:
tailinthejam · 22/04/2023 21:12

No. It's a shambles, frankly. I really ought to go and do something about it.

raspberriesblueberries · 22/04/2023 21:30

Our cleaner comes on a Friday so I never worry about friends dropping in unexpectedly as I know that the house is hygienic and that any mess is superficial. Depending on the friend, I'll either spend the first few minutes they're here putting stuff away (or at least in the right room) or just leave it as it is.

Bimbom · 22/04/2023 21:33

The living room is my favourite room and the one place in the house we keep immaculate. Every morning I hoover and wipe the coffee table, straighten the cushions and throws etc...obviously it gets used in the day but once DD goes to bed we have a reset - anything not supposed to be in there moved, sofas straightened again and lamps put on.

Our bedroom is a different story, clothes and crap everywhere 😂

FelixDoublyDelicious · 22/04/2023 21:33

Mostly people posting are say they are unexpected visitor ready, but could quickly sort

I expect there are multiple posters (who have not posted) that fall into the following:

  1. Don't have a tidy house
  2. Don't have a decorated house that looks amazing
  3. Are disabled
  4. Find organising housework difficult
  5. Live with a person that is a bit of a hoarder which includes the above
  6. Are ashamed of their house due to points 1, 2, 3, 4 and five

I suspect this is why many people on MN do not open their door to anyone. Ever.

Bimbom · 22/04/2023 21:36

But I should add that in true MN style I'd be horrified to receive unexpected guests at any time, regardless of how clean and tidy the house was!

GobbieMaggie · 22/04/2023 21:37

Probably, can’t remember the last time I was in there.

TroysMammy · 22/04/2023 21:39

It's not particularly tidy, the cat's toys are strewn around the room. He's currently mauling a cat nip filled squirrel whilst sitting in a box. I'd just use him as an excuse for the mess.

Floralnomad · 22/04/2023 21:39

My house is always guest ready , the only slight mess is the dogs bones and whatever toys he has had out of his toy box , but they are throughout the downstairs not just in the lounge .

CeriB82 · 22/04/2023 21:41

My living room is always tidy

Bluebells1970 · 22/04/2023 21:41

No, the grandchildren have been round and one is staying. Looks like a fecking bomb has gone off but I'm not sorting it to redo again tomorrow morning! I only tidy when they've gone home again - I'd rather sit mindlessly tonight.

Shouldbesleeping8 · 22/04/2023 21:47

It's tidy! But it has been a shit tip all week as both DH and I have had manic weeks and we have young kids. I turned off the tv and had a go at everyone to get off their bums and put everything away and for the first time all week I've enjoyed spending time in it.

tillytoodles1 · 22/04/2023 21:55

It's always tidy. I live by myself and keep all my crap in the spare bedroom.

Titsywoo · 22/04/2023 21:58

Mine is a massive tip right now - we are decorating one end and the other end (DH's office) is very messy as he is building some electronics stuff for our business which involves a 3d printer, lots of cable and several 100 circuit boards. Normally it is tidy though.

serafinarose · 22/04/2023 22:06

Having spent the week spring cleaning I would absolutely love someone to pop in right now, the house is immaculate. Only right now though as by about tues/weds all will have gone downhill thanks to Dcats and toddler 😥

MargaretThursday · 22/04/2023 22:08

Well, I think it's quite tidy, but I suspect most people would come in and think it's a mess.
That's because it was far worse a couple of weeks ago (we had building work) so it feels really clear now.

Littlebluebellwoods · 22/04/2023 22:11

To be honest, yes it is. I don’t like leaving mess around, I tidy as I go, so it’s always tidy,

can I ask though, why do you have your dirty laundry in your living room?

Littlebluebellwoods · 22/04/2023 22:13

FelixDoublyDelicious · 22/04/2023 21:33

Mostly people posting are say they are unexpected visitor ready, but could quickly sort

I expect there are multiple posters (who have not posted) that fall into the following:

  1. Don't have a tidy house
  2. Don't have a decorated house that looks amazing
  3. Are disabled
  4. Find organising housework difficult
  5. Live with a person that is a bit of a hoarder which includes the above
  6. Are ashamed of their house due to points 1, 2, 3, 4 and five

I suspect this is why many people on MN do not open their door to anyone. Ever.

I think there is a 7th, which is personal appearance at that moment.

mondaytosunday · 22/04/2023 22:19

A friend yes, it's a bit messy - I've have my yarn trolly out etc. But if it was a new acquaintance or in laws I'd need a half hour to tidy up. It's all open plan so I'd have to do the kitchen and dining area too - say an hour!

whenindoubtgotothelibrary · 22/04/2023 22:26

The house is almost always visitor ready ( apart from dcs' rooms but I'm assuming we're not talking a full house inspection here). That's because we have a cleaner, no pets, plenty of space, loads of storage and only one older teenager still living at home. If someone unexpected arrived at the door I would be more concerned about my wild hair, shiny nose and outfit that could best be described as 'comfortable'.

mamaduckbone · 22/04/2023 22:27

It's ok - not spotless but acceptable. I wouldn't be appalled if visitors arrived unannounced (well I would, but not because of the state of the place) My biggest bugbear is trainers and school/sports bags strewn all over the hallway but as it's the weekend it isn't too bad.

NotPrettyInPink23 · 22/04/2023 22:30

Yes. Always. Maybe few toys have worked way from playroom or cushions strewn on floor as kids make stepping stones! But that's it would be a 2 min tidy

DanceMonster · 22/04/2023 22:31

Yes it is, DH tidied it while I put the youngest to bed.

Littlebluebellwoods · 22/04/2023 22:34

Ours is guest ready and we do have guests often, but the truth is we keep it looking nice for us. I couldn’t sit and relax in a messy living room , it would do my head in, a nice clean room, tidy, is much much more relaxing to sit in, and if you do it as you go, you barely notice the effort.

Furrybutts · 22/04/2023 22:51

Nope.
Grandchildren have been here today aged 1, 2 and 4 so house is trashed.

I have zero energy to do anything about it tonight.

Slimjimtobe · 22/04/2023 22:56

Yes it’s immaculate as I keep nothing - literally nothing unless I love it, I have storage for everything and any excess is sent to charity. I clean most days too and paint the house when needed

That said, I couldn’t give a damn if other people are not tidy and I don’t judge as I feel it’s homely. I grew up in a messy home so it was the norm. It was literally upside down full of clutter but clean to be fair.