how to get back on top of housework after illness?

[CurlyhairedAssassin]

Hi all, just wanted to see if anyone has tips on getting back on top of things in the house after a few weeks of everyone being ill. Since beginning of December either I, DH, or the kids have been ill basically with flu-like viruses or very bad coughs. I am on my second illness - very bad chesty cough/cold sore throat/sinuses etc,for well over a week now. I'm not sleeping at night so knackered and am having to go to work (every day) as had to have a week off work before Xmas due to flu type thing.

I've basically only got enough energy to see to kids, go to work, see to kids and go to bed. So things have slipped so badly in the house. eg huge piles of ironing and washing everwhere. Huge amounts of clutter. Bathrooms a mess etc.

We wanted to do some decorating over Xmas hols but couldn't cos we were all ill, so also I feel the general decor is terrible - i.e. stained curtains from a spilled drink, marks over most of the walls, and dirty paintwork.

It's just horrible. I'm just starting to get my energy back so am doing housework this weekend but I can't do it ALL weekend cos not fair on the kids, and I just don't see how I'm ever going to get back on top of things.

Well, after all that waffle, what I mean is - has anyone got any tips on clearing a housework backlog when you really have got minimal time because of work and you can only just fit in your usual "upkeep" routine?

Hope all that makes sense.....

my advice - get a one off cleaner in and sent some of ur ironing off to an ironing company. even if u only get the cleaning done it will make u feel less stressed.

just do it a room at a time, do your basic suff daily, and then tackle 1 area a day, so monday concentrate soley on bathroom, tues do iroing etc etc, uou;ll be back to normal in no time (get dh to help too !) whatever you do don't try and get it all done in one weekend as you;ll never get it to the standard you want and you'll also knacker yourself out.

mummylouise, I would love to get a cleaner in but I'd be too embarrassed to let them in and see the dirt everywhere!

I think that's good advice, Sanesometimes. Unfortunately, while DH has been quite good this weekend, he's not there in the weekk to help out usually because of long working hours so it falls to me. I think the one area a day on top of my usual basic stuff might do it.

Still not feeling good, had a bad night coughing so had a lie-in while lovely DH got up with kids. And then felt guilty because I'd wasted time having a lie-ine when I could have been, say, cleaning the bathroom!!

Suppose I'm just having a whinge really, so thanks for listening, and the good advice!

I am a cleaner and often oneoff cleans, i can promise you that a good cleaner would not judgeat all and you really don't need to feel embarrased

and often do one off cleans, thats what i should have typed

I would get a one off clean too They have seen it all My friend just did this and it was A MIRACLE!

curlyhair - you have been ill! no need to feel guilt. if u delagate the cleaning u will feel so much better and will have a clean house too.

As long as everyone is fed and watered and can leave the house each morning looking half respectable just go with it for now. You have been ill and these viruses really knock you out. Those that love and care about you will understand your situation.
I recently had surgery on my foot that restricted my mobility considerable, closely followed by this flu virus. I concentrated on the kitchen and bathroom and left the rest. I must say that the 'one off cleaner; sounds a brilliant idea, and one worth considering.
Good luck and hope you are soon feeling better. Hellebore

Awwwww....such lovely replies! I am feeling quite a bit more energetic today and have managed to do a bit of housework despite a busy day and an exercise class tonight. I think I just couldn't see an end to it all a few days ago!

I think I will just do one bit at a time in addition to the usual and not worry to much. And will definitely get a one-off cleaner if this situation ever happens again, after seeing your replies. I suppose cleaners get called out to all sort of situations, eg cleanups after parties etc, that I hadn't really considered before.

Thanks, all.

ps Hope your foot is all better now, Hellebore