My home is an utter fucking mess because I'm lazy

[hellooctober]

Just that really. I don't remember the last time behind the oven was cleaned, I have a box room full of clothes mainly from my two DC's that realistically could be donated and cut by 50%, I have so many things and not enough storage etc. I feel filthy and cluttered in my mind as well as my home.

I was fired on Friday from my 9-5and I find myself with lots of time between 9:30am and 2:30pm bar some freelance work with a two year old for company. I know I should be doing a big autumnal clean but I don't know where to start for instant refreshment to spur me on.

What would you do in a big autumn clean and clear out? Tips and advice? Lists of things I will forget?

Yy to radio!

radio, but ideally one with headphones so you can move between rooms

TV is good for getting the ironing done (I don't watch enough TV, hence overflowing basket)

Also have something to look forward to, like looking at nice things to put in the spare room when its done.

Even if you cant afford to decorate it, you may have things in other rooms that you can use.

I've got my iPod in a dock playing on shuffle to keep me motivated. Even working freelance I find it difficult to motivate myself but I know how nice it is to come home to a nice smelling house that looks organised so Id love DH to come home to that at least once a week. My children are like hurricanes and I am the tornado. So naturally messy!

Go you! to hellooctober.

also - it is amazing how much you can make selling certain stuff (not really clothes, gumtree's better for that) like DVDs etc on Ebay.

Also with the kids - I may sound naive - but get them organised re tidying or helping you. Bribe with pocket money/treats if need be or have a rota with e.g. stickers like stars etc for rewards.

Get them to help you do what they can, hoover, clean bathroom - whatever. Amazing how grown up they can feel helping mum. They can easily also sort toys etc for donating. My neighbour's 9 year old DD sorted out and donated lots of toys for our new neighbours 18 month old DD just the other week!

she also - bless her - (neighbours 9 year old DD) when they went on holiday she left post it notes for me (I asked her for instructions) on how to care for her hamster, very detailed etc but amazingly organised and almost like a school project - I was so impressed!