The Fledglings' nests will be clean in 2013!

[superfluouscurves]

(With many thanks to Jdub for title inspiration!!)

If your house is a mess and you are strugging with C.H.A.O.S. (can't have anyone over syndrome) and S.T.U.F.F. (something that undermines family fun) then this is the thread where we (loosely) follow the step-by-step Flylady housekeeping system (in our own, unique, relaxed style) with lots of chat, support and wine along the way.

This little-and-often system is designed so that you can follow a series of steps and routines each day (which gradually become second nature) in weekly designated zones of the house; defining and minimising housework - which in theory should leave you with more time to do other, more interesting things instead!

At the same time it is intended to reduce that panicky "rabbit in headlights" feeling when you are overwhelmed and everything needs doing all at once. No problem if you miss a day or two; just jump right back in and it will all come around next month again anyway!

We advise not signing up to receive the Flylady e-mails as you will be inundated (although some Fledglings find the compilation e-mails helpful)! All the information you need will be linked here on a daily basis.

From the first of the month, we will be following Flylady's steps and routines using a three-pronged approach (dependent on the stage everyone is at):

• start or repeat baby steps

• repeat baby steps + do 15 mins a day decluttering in the current zone

• reinforce babysteps and do daily missions if you have finished decluttering.

[And if you are really enthusiastic and have finished decluttering - you can go on to detailed deep cleaning in each zone.]

More info here on getting started and Flying lessons. Here's the launch pad for more experienced fledglings. Don't be put off by the barf-tastic language of the site - the underlying system is sound (and you may discover a few of our subversions of the vocabulary along the way).

Huge thanks to Lauren for being our incredibly reliable and organised shining star in the East and leading us throughout the very busy month of December!!

Happy New Year Fledglings!!

All welcome!!

have already sent three overexcited and over sugared kids to bed tonight, another one won't hurt

Albertan Rockies, DrR.

In the mornings I empty the dishwasher and reload it. That's about my limit.

Ellie - lovely news about your sister and the baby, it is amazing the things some people will do to help others.

Bitchy - fingers crossed for a calm morning, sorry to hear about the accident. I've only ever been first on the scene once and it really shook me up, even though no one was hurt, the driver was hysterical and had two children in the back, I just remember their calm faces as their mum cried and cried, it's still quite vivid 20+ years later.

DrR - welcome to the thread, I leave the house at 8.30 (school run, then go to work, so not such a rush for me). I find that if I put my mind to it and do as much as poss the night before I can get up, do morning routine and out the door with the DCs in 1hr 15 mins, the Flying stuff definitely slips a bit if I stay in bed till 7.30 though, that extra 15 mins really makes a difference. Not sure I'd manage if I had to leave at 7.15 though. I used to be much better at getting up early pre-DCs, when I wasn't tired all the time.

Silvery - well done on the ironing!

Morning everyone. Woken up to snow on the ground. Morning Fly routine done. Fed the birds. And checked the rabbits are warm enough - trying to work out if the silly creatures are actually deigning to use the insulated hutch (part of a much larger indoor enclosure) that has been provided for them at vast expense ...

[Puts strong coffee on hob and plate of croissants/pikelets with Marmite on naughty corner bar for all to consume...]

[Picks up cushions and re-arranges furniture following Bitchy's night time rampage ...)

... but also [prepares especially strong coffee for Bitchy with lots of for doing good deeds in the wee small hours] I bet there is a relieved mother out there who is feeling very grateful to you this morning.

Good your ds feeling a bit calmer this morning Bitchy too

Madwoman arf at your "balmy" -13. Tis just plain barmy here

DrRanj I don't have your early starts, so not best person to advise, but you can load more items on your afternoon/evening routine to enable quick launch in the morning. (Sounds as if you are already adapting system to suit yourself which is best policy.) The theory is that the longer you follow the system, the more decluttered the house becomes, the easier it is to clean and tidy up, and the easier it is to function in. So, in theory, things should get speedier as they go along. (I say "theory" because I never follow the system properly and get bogged down and keep starting from scratch again. House still better than it was though.)

Big feathery wing flaps to Whoknows and everyone else.

Right, having completed my morning routine, and sent dd off to stables (we alternate with another family) I am going to take full advantage of dh's absence and plunge back in to bed for 30 mins with a large cup of tea, a good book and Radio 4 [sighs blissfully]

Then, to do:
sort laundry room
ironing
washing
rabbits big clean up
wrap presents for office b'day
hwk supervision
thank you letters & cards
supervise dd hwk
clear out three carrier bags full of baking ingredients in the pantry
clear sideboard
tidy up playroom
as many 15 min tidying/decluttering blasts in bedroom as humanly possible
prep roast chicken with all the trimmings
afternoon/evening routine

Have a relaxing day everyone!

I have a rabbit too super - she was a house rabbit but we acclimatised her to outdoors over the summer so I do worry about her! She always seems to be it the main bit of her hutch, no matter how late I go to bed, instead of in the little enclosed bit that I have lined with copious amounts of hay and put a microwaveable heat pad in every night! I think she must go in there at some point though as the hay is always flattened and there is the odd bit of white fluff in there! I feel bad for her as she doesn't have any companions to snuggle with, but dp would actually kill me if I got another one! She has full run of the back yard all day so I hope she gets to warm up during the day!

DrRanj I'm out of the house by 7:15 in the week. With 2 children (3 and 5). I get up about 6. Get the dc's breakfast, jump in the shower for 15 mins, swish and swipe whilst in there, come out and clear away after breakfast (I don't wash up, all dirty plates/bowels go into a storage box in the cupboard under the sink to be done later), do a hotspot, get dressed, by this time the boys are dressed, shoes on and out.
Then we do a half hour walk to the CM's and I get the bus from there to work.
When dp is able to stay up (he works nights mostly) to come in the car with me (I'm a learner) I get up at 6:30 to be ready to leave about 8.

Ds's friend has just gone home. I'm now just going to lounge about for a bit before having a bath and then I don't know what to do. Ds2 wants to go to the park!!!!

Oh, there's also laundry in there. I set the machine to come on in the night, so I then have to empty machine and hang washing to dry plus re-load machine. That can all take about 15 mins

Morning all.

Productive morning so far. Only 1 job done but a big one. Have sorted out dc's wardrobes, cleared out all stuff that is too small/ruined etc and reorganised. I have also ploughed on with the washing.

No snow here. It tried to last night/this morning but was just sleet. We have lots forecast tomorrow though. It either needs to dump 3ft so I can't leave my house or stay the hell away.

dr i work full time and dh is out very early so I have myself and 2 dc's to get out of the door by 7.50. My morning routine is adapted to suit. I do a load of washing last thing at night and then ( while kettle is boiling) slam in the dryer first thing in the morning. Beds are made as we get out of them, swish and swipe done as I supervise dc's teeth brushing. 15 mins is given over to a quick tidy, wash pots, put bin out etc. and everything else is done the night before (uniform, packed lunches etc.). Everything else is picked up in the evening.

Better get on, more washing to do!

Morning everyone! Not much of a list today as I will be out for a lot of the day, laundry is on though and the dogs have been walked.

Ill be back tomorrow with a nice long list

Haven't read the thread so I hope everyone is ok!

Hahaha, I typed bowels instead of bowls I obviously don't put anybodies bowels in my kitchen cupboard

Visitors today, so most of my tasks involve cooking a delicious nutritious meal, but have
tidied,
cleaned the kitchen,
shined the sink,
wiped down doors and surfaces

To do:
dust (ugh)
vacuum
put sofa covers right, they've done some wierd peculiar thing
sweep leaves from the deck

no time to write much but just to say sc we bought a Knight piano from our local specialists shop. at the moment the arts council is doing 0% finance for parents buying an instrument for their children. the piano we bought is a mid price one as I am grade 8 but can not afford and don't want an expensive one with 3 young boys! we were given a piano but had to get rid as it could never be tuned. we decided to pay more from a specialist to make sure it was not a 'turkey'

Am very relieved to hear that, Silvery (phew)!

Yesterday, DH and I made a start on one of the cupboards in DS1's loft bedroom. His room was uninhabitable for several hours, but we managed to declutter three boxes of books to a local charity shop .

Today is Part 2 of Mission Declutter and we are back in the loft again...

Today's planned to do list (as was yesterday)
Do not kill ds.

it's looking achievable today. not been much sleep. not sure what actual flying will get done.

Well I've still got some motivation pulsing through me thank heavens but have had a bit of a reality check this morning.

There's snow on the ground and it's sunny, and light is being reflected in to the kitchen from the garden. (Lovely day actually!) Having got to grips with a bit of tidying/sorting, I can see how grimy everything is looking (and although I'm probably a dreadful Flyer by many people's standards, I do pride myself on a thoroughly clean kitchen and bathroom. It's going to take huge effort to turn the house around ... very unFlylady to say it ... but it all needs a thorough scrub and deep spring clean. Major operation as ceilings are just short of 10 ft - going to need scaffolding! May as well redecorate frankly. Ho hum.

Yay DrRanj a fellow rabbit owner!! Yes, they definitely prefer to be out in all weathers. One of them has started digging a burrow in one of the borders. It's just one hole atm but I was inspecting it the other day, inserted the reverse end of a broom handle, and it went in 5 ft!! I am worried they are going to tunnel under the wall and in to next door's garden!! Microwaveable pads good idea - daren't risk portable radiator in their quarters as they love a good chew on electrical cabling. Mine were house rabbits during their first summer but they grew to be too huge (and destructive) to remain inside. I'm quite sad about it because you lose that close bond with them (mine also have full run of garden) but the upside is that I guess it is a more natural life for them, as long as they get enough stimulation during the day.

Arf at Silvery's bowel storage!! We'll call you Mrs Lector from now on ...

Hope the snow cooperates Ellie and well done re: wardrobe clear outs. I'm barely keeping pace with dd's clothing atm as she is in the middle of a major growth spurt. Items only seem to be in the wardrobe for 5 mins before she's outgrown them and they have to be decluttered in to the charity bag.

Enjoy your day with visitors Doublemum

Thanks for the info Loris that's just about the same sort of level of beast I am looking for. Nothing too fancy (for dh to play and dd to be learning on) but something that will maintain its tune and last for a while. Will investigate Knight .... Thanks again.

Good luck with Part 2 of declutter project Toffee Wish I could persuade dh to even approach the attics!!

Good luck with yr list Bitchy

Better get back to it.

Thanks so much for everyone's advice about whether I should give up work or not. It's really helpful - definitely food for thought and really good points about keeping financial independence. If I do jump, it won't be until the summer and I would spend my time doing voluntary work.

Ta da list:
Morning routine
Went for run
took DD to climbing club
DD having play date with friends here

To do
JUst about everything!

Not had chance to get online for a few days, very busy at work and had one grandchild or another all weekend. Just got rid of the last one and having a cuppa before I tackle the mess.

I managed to do all last week's missions, not necessarily on the right day, but they got done. Yesterday I did the home blessing, just need a quick tidy and hoover today, then yet another big pile of ironing to tackle. Tea is cooking in the slow cooker. DP is out playing golf, in the snow, so planning to catch up on some dvds while I do the ironing.

DrRanj I work full-time and am usually out of the house for seven, so here's my routine. I don't have children though, and have a partner who spends several days a week with me.

Get up about 5.30, splash my face with water and clean my teeth to wake me up
Go downstairs, let dog out and put kettle on
Whilst kettle is boiling quick tidy up of kitchen (put any pots away that were left to drain the previous day, empty bin/recycling)
Breakfast - usually toast or microwave porridge
Quick tidy in living room if needed
Go upstairs and get ready for work, swish and swipe bathroom whilst in there, sort a load of washing to put on
Come back down, make lunch (partner does this if here), take vitamins/medication
Out of house for seven.

Home about five, get changed straight away and take dog for a walk (DP picks up any shopping on his way home, if not I call whilst on dog walk)
Cook tea, sort laundry whilst tea cooking
Wash pots (DP does this if here)
Daily mission/ironing

About 8.30, I have a quick tidy, then go for a bath and sort out clothes etc for work tomorrow. I am usually in bed for 9.30.

I do most of my housework over the weekend, along with anything else that needs doing. I have my main shopping delivered every 2-3 weeks, DP does a top up shop at the weekend.

I also try to hoover up every couple of days, in the living room, hall and kitchen as I have a long haired dog and am asthmatic. I have found that if I keep on top of the hoovering/dusting I have no breathing problems.

Afternoon all. Id like to say Ive not come on here till nearly 3PM as Ive been Flying, but Id be lying

tada

• jigsaw with DD1
• Bedding
• wash up 2X
• Hotspot
• dyed hair

to do

• 5 Min room rescue
• 15 min declutter
• wash up
• Shine Sink
• Fill Washing Machine up for tomorrow

not doing

• Help DS do his homework (only because he's left his homework book at school and hasn't the foggiest of his password for Mathletics - its not due till Wed anyway)

I was looking at the missions and saw that you have to look up, so I did. Can't do anything about it though until we get something like a feather duster which is now on the ongoing shopping list we keep. What's good for getting those ceilings?

Hi DrRanj Hope you have a successful Flying. Ive only just started this month too and not got to grips with the daily 5 min room rescues or the 15 mins declutter, but tomorrow's a new day and all that. Welcome.

Thats lovely Ellie Good luck with your sister and the new arrival coming shortly.

Madwoman Can I come and move there. Id love to live somewhere like that.

at bowels in the cupboard silvery

Hope you manage to not kill DS Bitchy and well done for helping out with the accident you saw. I was once the first on a scene to an accident too and it was scary to think what could have happened if I was a few mins earlier. The accident I saw was also more shock than any other damage (apart from to the car which was upside down in a hedge). Could have been a lot worse if there were any other cars about.

Well done on the missions baker I hope I will do that one day, then again I think I should get to grips with the declutter first, but the missions might be easier.

Anyway got stuff to do, I only came to check the weather as Im a little nervous about driving about tomorrow and Tues. Have a good afternoon everyone, I'll be back tonight with a complete tada list and everything will be done promise

Lilleth unfortunately I still have loads of clutter, it is mainly hidden in cupboards, under the beds and in the loft. It is much easier to do the missions and ignore the clutter

Me too worried about the weather, I have a ten mile drive to work, some of it through country roads so hoping it either snows a lot overnight so I can't get to work, or doesn't snow at all.

done :

more rubbish bagged up to go to the dump tomorrow
retrieved books for DS2
boxed up books that we don't want to throw away yet and put back in loft
boxed up stuff to go to charity shop
boxed up books to sell through DH's work
transferred Xmas box and two Hallowe'en boxes to the accessible cupboard (the one where you don't have to move DS1's bed out of the way first)
listed what is in the cupboard and stuck it to the door
organised 13-year-old DS1's bookcase into books for him and books for 7-year-old DS2 (told DS2 not to touch the graphic horror comics - hmm, am wondering if that's a bit of an invitation?). Not enough bookcase room in DS2's room.
asked DC to choose which cuddly toys to keep. They chose 1/3rd each, which left 1/3rd to give to charity
made sandwiches for lunch

to do :

box up some of my books from my bedroom to store in loft cupboard, thus clearing space
put DS1's bed back in place
hoover his room
allow him on his XBox (he has been waiting all day, like a restless lion, pacing up and down)

Have found enough books and old toys to keep DS2 busy for many, many rainy days . Told him never to dare say he is bored again (usually code for "I want to go on the computer").

I did it! First baby step, cleaned my sink. And I do feel disproportionately virtuous and proud of myself!

Thanks to all who shared their morning routines with me. I have a very wilful 2 year old, so even though i get up at 6 I struggle to get out the door on time as it is, by the time she has messed up the bed that I have already made 5 times, knocked over her milk somewhere, tipped out her toy box, and refused to put on her coat and shoes! But I am going to try and do my best. I already lay out both of our clothes, and pack my lunch/bag etc the night before so I don't know what more I can do really, although I guess sometimes I am guilty of hitting the snooze button a couple of times (if dd hasn't already woken me up), so I suppose I can fix this by making sure I get to bed early. Would be nice if I didn't have to come home to a load of jobs to do...

achieved to do list. actually ds has suffered attention wise due to lack of sleep on my part but he has chilled out, been mostly good and had a dvd kinda day. He will be glad to be back at school for something to occupy his mind.

tomo is going to be a hugely busy kinda day.
rescue my room
laundry
put clean and folded/ironed clothes away
put christmas decorations into the loft
job applications
thank you cards
ds' homework
and a very much needed early night!

WARNING not to be read by new flyers

Done
Overslept
Wash load on
Washing up done
Took Dd to party
Read

to do
Ironing (small amount)
Dinner
Wash up & shine sink

I'll do much better tomorrow

All to do list has been done. Dinner eaten. Cleaning up done. House (well downstairs at least) looks clean and tidy! If only it would stay that way.