One shitty job a day - mission to get all the crappy tasks done this year

[Shittyyear2025]

I'm an eternal untidy person. I don't see my own clutter. I've tried HARD to find a routine that I can get engaged in, signed up for COUNTLESS get yourself organised apps.

I saw a video yesterday about getting one shitty job a day done. I think I can manage one shitty job a day. So far I cleaned the lounge carpet (over yesterday and today, bad back and heavy furniture) and I've painted a door that's been off it's hinges and propped up against my hall wall for maybe a year.

I reckon one shitty job a day (or for an hour towards it say, after work, longer crap jobs can be done at the weekend) I can do. I can finally finish decorating the kitchen. I can finally finish painting the landing/stairs/hall after the ceiling collapsed in Autumn 2024, I can sort out the front garden one job at a time (hell, I can even get rid of the ironing mountain and charity shop everything I no longer wear for an hour a day).

Anyone want to join me? Or any tips for starting AND STICKING WITH domestic routines?

Bin cleaned (and skanky cupboard) but paperwork did not arrive. Stalled again after tea so ironing not done, but towels are folded and cleaning cloths drying on the airer.

Ordered a replacement panel for the side of the cupboard in the kitchen today. I've been glaring at the gap (and then ignoring the need to do anything about it) for maybe 2 years now. Best thing was I called the original kitchen company who pulled up my order from 6 years ago, the lady saved me £80 by suggesting a different way to cover the gap which will absolutely work PLUS she called me back to offer free delivery! Another job ticked off, fitting the panel added to The List.

Not my best day, but I did two exercise classes (first since before Xmas), changed some batteries in fairy lights and I’m hoping you’ll allow me a bonus point for delegation, having persuaded DH to chop the Xmas tree into small pieces so we can put it in the garden bin or take it to the tip.

I’m loving this thread - just the right mixture of humour, humanity and accountability xx

Sold a couple of things on eBay overnight which I was very surprised and pleased about as it's decluttering the house bit by bit & made just short of £100 which is great for post Christmas. Now got to pack them and take down to the post office which is somewhat challenging being disabled. I could get a collection but need to exercise & also get some gluten free bread & collect a prescription whilst I'm out. Will list some more things today on eBay. My shower is looking really manky & needs a good deep clean, that's a real SJ for me & I've been putting it off & just doing the worst bits whilst I'm in the shower & spraying with Method daily shower cleaner.

Managed to sort my toiletries out, clean the extractor hood (rank), demould windows and some of the bathroom. I also signed up the child for swimming lessons.

Not working today so will try a few more things!

Put new smoke alarms up, which have been in their packets for 2 months! 👍

I'm in but a terrible procrastinator. New kitchen put in a year ago and still haven't ordered the flooring! But want Ikea to come and do remedial work first so not entirely my fault. Ikea is as slow as I am for finishing jobs.

But already cleaned the kitchen cabinet fronts today. Must clean rest of kitchen now.

I just stumbled across this and love the idea! I'm about to go on a work trip for a week and a half (does that count as my shitty thing for the time I'm away?), but I will start working on my to do list of shitty things to start when I get back!

@SqueakyDinosaurit’s applying for jobs after many years of only having a ‘hobby’ business.

I also still need to file my tax return so the plan is to deal with that today, get another shock of how little I make now, and put the cv on my screen…

If you'd like an impartial eye cast over your cv, happy to help. I spent 20 years in Big Four consulting and did a LOT of interviews! DM me if so and I'll pick up later.

@CherryRipe1 Cleaning the shower? The worst bit is the (mouldy?) sealant around the tray. Pull off a long strip of loo paper and place it along the sealant. Squirt it with Milton and press it firmly on to the sealant. Leave overnight. Voila!! Snow white sealant with minimal effort.

@SqueakyDinosaur that’s amazing! Will do - thank you!

Can I join please!?

Took down the tree at the weekend, yesterday sorted all the clutter that'd accumulated on the kitchen table.

This morning before starting work I went through the bags of too small / too big clothes in the kids' warbrobe, sorted and consolidated and chucked some things and found the next size of wellies for my daughter!

Later I might do my tax return haha!

The house is an absolute tip and we just fired our cleaner but I think half an hour a day (and finding a new cleaner) will sort it out!

Virtually the only helpful tip I have for clutter is - always have a bag "on the go" for the charity shop. In the wardrobe or airing cupboard or something, and just add to it as you go. Then when it's full, take it to the charity shop and start again.

I’ve been trying to declutter for the last 12 months but progress has been slow due to new baby and house renovations. Starting to see a difference now and loving the idea of one shitty job a day as I don’t always have time to do big bursts. It often feels like I spend each day cleaning and tidying the same things and it’s just tinkering round the edges!

so far today I’ve cleared drawers and wardrobes in kids room and got a bag for bin, recycling and charity. Washing put away and going to hang up the next load shortly.

I am way behind. Done no SJs except take some cardboard boxes out ( which I call housework).
Roping in DH on the weekend for a kitchen cupboard clearout of his expired spices!

A quick scan through the thread has inspired me to join too.
This year I'm on a mission to end this house being a cluttered "shit tip".
I'm off to complete my first task and then catch up properly for lots of hints and tips. (especially on how to deal with hoarder type dh's)

I am in! Have been quietly watching from the sidelines as one of my New Year’s resolutions is to spend less time arseing about on MN.

So far, I have made a list of SJs and made a start on three of them. Just 7206 left to go 🙄

For longer-term organization, I can wholeheartedly recommend having a fortnightly admin night. We basically save up the non-urgent admin and tackle it together every other Tuesday evening – it means that every two weeks stuff gets done and you don’t need to think about it in the meantime because you know it will be done on Tuesday. We also do as much as we can in an hour and then reward ourselves with some nice telly and a hot choc before bed!

I’m in! The bloody bathroom grouting always needs a scrub if I can’t find anything else!

Hello 👋

This is my first time posting a reply on here, I hope it works. I think I might be the creator of the videos from the first post. I started a list of jobs I wanted to get done during my gardening leave, I’m not 140 odd days in, and although I have a new job I have carried on. It’s a lot less overwhelming looking at one job rather than lots, and it’s working well for me so far (undiagnosed, but strong suspicion I have ADHD). I’m really glad you’re all tackling one job a day, and feeling motivated. If you’d like to follow along, or look through my old videos for inspo I’m on Instagram, Facebook & TikTok as Homebuiltwithlove xx

All Returns done. Halfway through the admin

Tomorrow will be cleaning out the snack drawers and putting more stuff on Vinted.

I've just cleaned out my Eufy and replaced the filter with a new one, dehaired and washed its roller brush and I can tell you, jobs don't come much more disgusting than this.

SJ indeed.

Finally tackled my under stairs cupboard. It was very dusty and lots of cob webs to get rid off. Chucked a ridiculous amount of shoes that haven’t been worn for years and a few old coats too. Then made a trip to the tip and got rid of some stuff that’s been piling up in the garage. Feeling virtuous now.
Hope you all manage to tick one shitty job off your list.

Finally tackled the bottleneck of washing and putting clothes away. It had been piling up for a while.
I'm also in the middle of sorting out returns - I hate this job as they all seem to have a slightly different process. Returns seem to be my life!

Love this thread.

Hoorah!

I have finally hoovered the whole house🎉

Thanks for the tip, I shall try that!