So I have to clean my house properly by tomorrow afternoon...

[MrsFTHC]

Because we have people coming round in the evening, but it is an absolute tip. So far I've taken some stuff to the tip and done 3 loads of washing. I'd like to deal with the mess rather than move it (as that's what i've done for the last 3 years!) but obviously need to be realistic about what can be achieved in less than 24 hours. Any tips for making the most impact on the mess and keeping motivated?

I don't think you have a great deal of time to deal with mess. Focus on the areas your guests will be in. Air the rooms and clear them- deal with what you can but don't get bogged down and find its taking up the time you have. Once the clutter is removed, polish, hoover etcs. Make sure kitchen and bathroom are fresh and clean and keep doors closed to rooms you don't want people to see in. You can go through the clutter after your guests have gone.

Throw things into differently labelled boxes: charity, tip, re-gift, and a box for each room, so as you go around the lounge, for instance, you put a dc toy in the box for their room, hand cream for bathroom, yesterday's newspaper tip/recycling.

Make like a Yasmanian devil ans whizz through it!

Also, could you ask a neighbour/friend/family member to put stuff in their garage until you have time to chuck it after your visitors have left?

Yasmanian devil ? I think they're all female

Put clutter into black sacks and hide them somewhere the guests can't see. Give the main areas, like living room, kitchen and bathrooms a good clearing and scrubbing. If they're staying overnight give them clean bedding and a clear room. Open the windows to air the whole house. Declutter if you've got time, if not, black bag it if its not got a home, and sort it out later. What are your main areas of concern?

I chuck stuff in the spare room and shut the door. If we need the spare room, I chuck stuff in bin liners and bung them in the car.

Bin what you can and move clothes into one room that won't be seen. Scrub your bathroom and kitchen! Hoover and polish rest!

If they aren't staying then bathroom and kitchen are the priority IMO. Declutter both as needed - if too much to do in one go put paperwork in box / toiletries in box etx to sort through later. Clean toilet properly and sink , open windows and mop floor.

Clean all work surfaces in kitchen and clean sink and clear draining board. Make sure table clear if you have one. Mop floor.

Living room - declutter and put stuff I separate boxes as said up thread. Can your Dh / dc get involved? Dust very where and sweep / Hoover and mop if necessary, if you have a mantelpiece then make sure it's clear and dust free. Try and sweep / Hoover under couches and under cushions too.

Make sure entrance hall not too cluttered and floor isn't dusty etx. Air the whole house and burn some scented candles if you have any.

Don't get obsessed that it has to be perfect, it doesn't, focus on te bigger picture and don't get lost in the minute details, that can be dealt with later.

Thanks for the tips, main problems are kitchen and living room, bathroom is cluttered but quickly sorted as it is small. I've made s good start in the kitchen, one side is completely clear and wiped down, smaller side to go. The clothes have been moved from living room and put away in bedrooms. I really hope this will kick start me into getting this mess sorted, I can't cope with the clutter anymore. Being in a hurry is at least making me ruthless, I've thrown loads out!

My favourite rule to keep on top of things is 'Don't put it down, put it away'. I'm nowhere near as messy as I used to be. Hope you get it all sorted.

Goodjambadjar, I'm hoping to use that rule so that I never get back in this state again! Everywhere except our bedroom is okay now, except the loft has loads of bags in! Need to have a huge clear out, buy feeling muh better about having people round now

Glad you got it done, well done you! Even if you try and sort through one bag a week, it will help. Do you have a ruthless friend who will push you into chucking and donating stuff?