Efficient house-keeping, ie. can't be arsed but it needs doing.

[vastingavay]

Or.. keeping the shitwork to a minimum.

I want to spend as little time, energy and thought on running the house as possible.

I am a SAHM at present, but would love to hear from all on this subject.

On the storage front. We need some hallway storage for all the usual- a few pairs of shoes, hats, gloves, bags. Also we need somewhere for coats. Any ideas?

I'm another non ironer - I can't bear the mountain sitting there waiting for me.

I try to keep one room downstairs clean and tidy as a priority so that we can "hide" there if needed.

Good thread

Feel I have spent the last decade trying to answer this.

At best - my house is a bit like Freak (though I certainly don't hoover every day) - but it has taken a while to get there and I still need to clear out lots of stuff.

The best tip I was ever given was NEVER leave a room emprty handed. There is always something that needs to be put back in its "home".

I am still struggling to find the most effecient method of tacking larger jobs. Everyone seems to think that doing certain tasks on a particular day works best. My problem is that I work part time (am shagged when I get home from work so rule these days out) and my working days are not the same every week. Anyone else in this position?

Finally if you do not already have one - get a dishwasher. A cleaner is worth considering. However I found when I had one it did solve many problems but created some others.

Wanted to say thanks to everyone on this thread. I have found it both inspirational and reassuring! I have made a few changes since reading this, and you know what, I think they might just work!!

The problem I have is not different days at work, but hugely differing energy levels. Some days, I just can't...Am trying vitamins!

Re: socks. Not original, but I have a lost sock bag. All go in there and dc's pair them every couple of weeks. Like idea of sock box. Thanks!

40 - i have a sock basket which they all go in and the kids have to find their own. i also encourage lots of socks in same style - so losing 1 less of a problem.

if house is untidy i give a warning and if people don't tidy i gather things up in a black bin bag and put it in the garage.

i wouldnt attempt anything if i was tierd. leave to another day when your energy levels are better.

other tips please

My tips are :
Always put music on when you do housework - it makes it go faster and it's more enjoyable.
Buy Flash wipes so you can give the loo a quick wipe around every day (having a ds means this maybe twice a day ).
Open the windows regularly.
A sneaky tip - if the heating's on, put biological washing powder in a bowl of hot water, soak a clean cloth, wring it out and leave it to dry on the radiator. It smells gorgeous and gives the illusion of fresh laundry!
Get the kids involved as much as possible. Put socks on little one's hands and get them to go around the room "dusting". Play "Snap" by getting them to match clean, dry socks.

Hoover as many surfaces as possible to cut down dust so you don't have to polish as much.
Do one room really thoroughly every week.

If finances permit, go and get yourself a hand-held steamer. It really makes light and quick work of really grubby areas and is surprisingly satisfying to watch ground-in dirt melt away.

If, say, you have 8 rooms to clean in a week, instead of doing 8 in a rushed and hurried manner on the same day, do 1 of the rooms thoroughly on another day and give it your full attention. Knowing you've only the one room on that day will make it seem less burdensome.
It will take eight weeks to do this, but eventually the whole cleaning business will become much easier as you declutter and clean properly.

Some more good ideas.

Glad it's been helpful 40.

Cleaning wipes are top tip for efficiency.

I have another - vacuum everything in sight rather than dust! Curtains, TV screens, skirting boards and doors, window ledges the lot. Use the softer head brush adapter thingy. Also traps all that dust.

I think with the old fashioned days of family on the doorstep to help each other out and the 'freedom' of mothers destined to house work going out to work surely the only fair and manageable way is a paid house cleaner? Spotless Organic home n garden cleaning services is a brilliant modern service that supports 'freedom' and delivers excellent and affordable housekeeping!

Extra cost isn't necessarily efficient.

I agree that decluttering is the best way to save hours of resented housework. It's so difficult to clean clutter and even after you have, the house still looks messy. Chuck it all. I don't do it often but when I do it feels soooo good.

Ours is still a bit of a tip but downstairs is usually 15 minutes from company ready - or at least living room and kitchen/diner are. (Open the utility room door and everything from broken mops to guinea pigs will fall on your head.)