to ask if anyone managed to become a clean person after being a slob?

[Nb12]

Just this really. I'm a slob, but now I have two little children and I don't want them to grow up like this /become like me.

If you managed to become a clean/neat person after being a slob for years, how did you achieve this? What were your hacks?

Thanks in advance xx

I hired a cleaner to come two hours every fortnight, so it didn't break the bank, but it forced me to at least get the house tidy before she came once a fortnight in terms of putting all clothes away, putting all dishes away and picking up things off the floor. At first it felt like a big job every two weeks but now its got me in more a routine and I am able to keep on top of things before she comes. Its really helped me, knowing that "a stranger" was coming to the house and I had to get it semi presentable! Also got a joiner to build me a big wall mounted unit in my daughter's room and shelves, so that I have places off the floor to put things away. Sometimes untidiness comes from lack of storage, so make sure you've got places to put things. Decluttering also helps. I try and do things as I see them now, e.g. when my daughter is in the bath I'll fold clothes and put them away in room next door, or I'll clean the sink / loo. Also things like setting a timer for 15 mins and seeing how much you can get done in that time (more than you think).

I wouldn't say I was ever a 'slob' but I've certainly got my sh*t together over the last few years. My tips

Declutter and invest in good storage solutions for what you do keep

Invest in decent cleaning equipment to allow you to use your time efficiently (eg. cordless stick vacuum cleaner with a soft dusting attachment & a spray mop)

Be systematic - use the organised mum method.

But also think about why you are the way you are. ADDitude website and podcast are really good if you are disorganised, a procrastinator and/or have ADHD. Becoming minimalist blog is really good for tackling your clutter habits.

Then once you've figured out how to keep your house in order, apply what you've learnt to other areas of life, like households admin.

Yes, I got a dx of ADD, and now I take dexamphetamine. Whole new world.

A lot of us on here end up recommending A Slob Comes Clean podcast. She has a blog and books too.

Very easy and realistic approach to decluttering and cleaning with extremely basic routines like do the dishes every day, nothing too time consuming or complicated.

If you search for other threads lots of advice will come up, I'm afraid I don't know how to link on the app but there's been quite a few recently.