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Housekeeping

Find cleaning advice from other Mumsnetters on our Housekeeping forum.

Original poster

What sort of state is your house *generally* in?

76 replies

Appuskidu · 25/09/2011 22:44

I was talking to some friends about this on Friday night-they were both saying that they were constantly moving stuff around and felt that they needed a week just to try to get to the bottom of their houses. One was saying that she was embarrassed when people dropped round because it was so messy.

It got me thinking really. I might have cupboards that need sorting out and God knows what's in the loft or garage, but generally each room is very tidy. There is a place for everything (we haven't got tonnes of storage, but don't hoard) and I try to leave a room tidy as I walk out-cushions back on the sofa, washing away, surfaces clear, chairs pushed in, toys picked up etc

I just didn't get that it bothered them so much that their houses were (in their words) 'tips', yet didn't just sort them out!

Both have children at school (I've got 2 at school and one toddler)-so they have time. I'm probably sounding annoying and perfect which isn't my intention at all-I'm just being nosy and wondered how you'd feel if people just dropped in-would your house be presentable, or would you try to herd them into one room that you knew was tidy!?

OP posts:
rubyrubyruby · 26/09/2011 11:59

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MrsBlarney · 26/09/2011 12:01

'Nope-not destructive or untidy children and neither of them work. They have energy for dog walking/gym etc'

Oh grand. So you're just being judgy then.

If it really bothers you why don't you ASK them? Or would that be, well, a bit rude?

rubyrubyruby · 26/09/2011 12:02

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droves · 26/09/2011 12:11

My home is usually in show home state ! ...but today its not. Sad

Laundry needs doing , rabbit cage needs cleaned out and the rabbits have kicked some sawdust onto the floor.
Living room floor is needing cleaned and polished .
Windows , mirrors and tvs need cleaning.
Oven needs cleaning.

Downstairs bedroom needs tidied , there is make up and hair products everywhere

Also need to hoover upstairs and make dd4`s bed and change sheets in master bedroom

Fresh flowers in bathroom and sitting room need replacing .

And the driveway needs debris and leaves tidied up .

Actually not bad for a monday ....dont do much housework at weekend and the carnage the kids cause is Shock Blush , terrible.

Also need to box all the shoes and have to steam clean the rugs, doormats and the tiles in shower .

Dh thinks its fine the way it is Hmm

DuelingFanjo · 26/09/2011 12:12

my house sounds like your friend's house too.

I found 2 festering chicken legs in the sink the other day, that is about as bad as it gets.

I always have stuff on the sofa, cushions all over the place, paperwork hanging about and so on. I don't like it but I find it hard to keep on top off.

PetiteRaleuse · 26/09/2011 12:19

I have a golden retriever, two indoor cats and a baby. Added to that I have not enough storage space, am very disorganised and an untidy person generally.

Plus I hate housework. As does my DH.

I think you know enough.

booyhoo · 26/09/2011 12:52

petite snap with the golden retriever, i have 3 cats though and a 2 year old whirlwind! he is going through a 'sorting' phase atm so my cutlery is a bit furry frm being laid out on the rug 1768 times a day! Grin

GetOrfMo1Land · 26/09/2011 12:58

Generally very clean and tidy and uncluttered.

Just don't open ANY cupboard doors.

AndiMac · 26/09/2011 13:24

Our place is usually very cluttered. Plus the floor under the table is often in need of a good sweep and probably mop. And as our kitchen is the main way into the house, the floor near the door is usually not something to spend too long staring at. Near the cooking part of the kitchen it's somewhat better, no cases of botulism or salmonella poisoning have been reported, but loads of crumbs on the cooker.

I am trying to convert to a tidier house and have made some progress since DD started school 3 weeks ago. But I have toddler at home still, which makes things a bit more difficult.

It sounds like excuses (and it probably is excuses) but it is really HARD to learn how to KEEP a house tidy. We are good at blitzing when we have invited people over for dinner and need things done, but you have to learn how to keep it in reasonable shape. If you aren't used to spending 10-30 minutes every evening picking up and putting things away. You think, ah, I can do it tomorrow (or the day after that, or that) and don't do it. It's a process to remember and to discipline yourself to do it.

It stresses me out, as I do think people judge you somewhat based on what your house looks like inside. I try and pick friends who I feel don't judge me like that. I then try not to judge them on doing crazy amounts of ironing of things that don't need it.

ladyintheradiator · 26/09/2011 13:30

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Mousey84 · 26/09/2011 13:39

It depends if Im working to an assignment deadline, or other project. If I am, the housework falls to the wayside but nothing that I couldnt sort in half an hour.

Generally could invite someone in without worrying.

Could still use a week to deep clean and declutter though (once assignment is done)

Pootles2010 · 26/09/2011 13:40

Bet they wonder why you don't go to the gym or go out anywhere - 'she's got time to keep her house immaculate'!

People have different priorities. Why do you care?

Original poster
Appuskidu · 26/09/2011 13:58

*Bet they wonder why you don't go to the gym or go out anywhere - 'she's got time to keep her house immaculate'!

People have different priorities. Why do you care?*

I work 3 days a week, go out lots and walk the dogs daily. There's no need to be snippy- I was just interested in what other people did.

OP posts:
startail · 26/09/2011 14:03

Mine is always a tipBlush
It will be Rostock for a few days over Xmas then chaos will return. I wish it didn't, but no one here is remotely tidy except for DD2 (who sometimes decides her room needs tidying, but no other part of the house. Even if it's her junk)

startail · 26/09/2011 14:04

You see chaos even gets into my MN posts - reasonably! No idea what planet auto correct is on.

Pissfarterleech · 26/09/2011 14:05

Very tidy, always. Can't live in mess or clutter.

Because it's uncluttered and tidy, takes twenty mins tops to whip round with vac.

If you are at the point where you won't have people over because of the state of your house, you probably need to do something about it.

Georgimama · 26/09/2011 14:05

Mine is like yours OP. I couldn't relax in chaos. Which is odd because I was a complete slob as a teenager.

Georgimama · 26/09/2011 14:07

I agree with those who say storage is the key to an organised, tidy home. Moving piles of stuff around trying to clean around it is miserable. Put stuff away - and if there is no room make some or get more storage.

SouthernandCross · 26/09/2011 14:09

Chaos! It's fine after the cleaner has been but 5 mins after the kids are home, then it's dreadful again.
It doesn't bother me too much but it would be nice if it was more organised.

bibbitybobbityhat · 26/09/2011 14:12

Extremely untidy and cluttered all the time, but not dirty.

JeanBodel · 26/09/2011 14:15

My house is usually a disgrace. Messy and needs cleaning. Yes, it bothers me, no, I don't seem to have sorted it out.

You asked, I told you. Feel free to judge me. :)

ILoveDolly · 26/09/2011 14:20

my house looks OK unless you turn your eyes to the corners or try to open a cupboard. Apart from my kitchen - husband is averse to doing his share here - and the main bedroom, which is always the last room to get tidied or hoovered, and is constantly where people seem to dump piles of papers, clothes and toys they don't know what to do with. That is indeed a pigs palace.

I have friends whose houses are always lovely and tidy no matter when I seem to go around. Some people are just messier than others - for instance I have a number of things that I prioritise over cleaning. It' s part of lifes rich tapestry eh

MurunBuchstansangur · 26/09/2011 14:21

Tidy. There are bits of toast under the table I've just noticed, but that will be sorted before I go out.

I have a system where the washing dishwasher etc is done in the morning and I clean the kitchen up after tea. I hoover as and when every day and DS does dusting.

I have 1 at school and a 10MO, and 3 cats.

I need to clean the kitchen floor more often. I hate mopping.

Pootles2010 · 26/09/2011 14:23

Sorry didn't mean to be snippy. Just that mine is very like your friends houses, and you sound quite judgey.

I suppose I'm imagining other people thinking same about my house, which they probably do.

rubyrubyruby · 26/09/2011 14:23

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