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Housekeeping

Find cleaning advice from other Mumsnetters on our Housekeeping forum.

Mad Fledglings March through the Spring cleaning

820 replies

BitchytheGreat · 28/02/2014 20:40

So here we are, March already.

So for those who don't know the fledglings is a long running thread. Some of us seem clicky but that is because we have been chatting on these threads for nearly half a decade makes everyone feel old we quite like fresh blood though so feel free to jump in and join us.

Three key points to keep in mind:
(1)No perfectionism allowed - this is harder than you would imagine
(2)You are never behind just start where you are and anything you do is progress.
(3) It didn't get into a mess overnight, it won't get tidy over night - accept it will take time to get on top of things and you will be happier.

If you are new then trying to spend 15mins decluttering and the babysteps is the most. Some of us Bitchy can have scary looking lists. One word of advice ignore them. Do what you can, anything is better then nothing, and don't judge yourself against others.

OP posts:
Thread gallery
7
BitchytheGreat · 06/03/2014 18:58

ta da
spin and dry ds' bedding that got forgotten last night
put blanket gate blanket I on to wash
Hoover kitchen and downstairs
Appologise to ds' teacher about molting costume
Find school trip letter and deal with it
Sort through ds' poster paints and cull dead dried up ones
Sort through ds' paint brushes that are obvious and ditto
Move car ready for dealing with
make up Jelly cups for ds
carry stuff up into ds' room
carry washing downstairs for dealing with
collect washing up into kitchen
negotiate washing machine usage
Hang up blanket
Sort through the meds and find ds' hayfever meds - trees are a blooming.
Sewing closing mechanism onto cloak
Deal with ds' floor - including boxing the lego to be confiscated
deal with 3 bags of clutter from back bedroom
gather more stuff for nursery together
spend 5 mins in bathroom sorting stuff
spend 5 mins in utility room sorting stuff
make to do list
Think of new whitty posters to put up.
Empty car
Fold washing
find portalable hard drive and put to virus check...
empty hot water bottles and put into storage
Start collecting handwarmers for going into storage
move harry potter films from adult storage area to assesible for ds.
Scan and print document that a duplicate is needed of
print out a file of stuff for memory books making sure right thing is on right coloured paper
Put finishing touches to vol 1 2009 finally!
Start memory book 2014 so it can be added to as we go along...
5 mins more decluttering back bedroom
Pick on one of the people and give them a huge box of stuff to sort
make sure dead things are boxed and ready to go back in storage
pick on other person and organise them into doing stuff
5 mins more decluttering in utility room
deal with toy corner of doom - 10mins worth
Reclaim washing machine and put a load through
Deal with random medicine stuff culling old and putting stuff in the medicine cupboard where it should be
Another load of washing
Speak to dsis who was in need of adult conversation being stuck at home with poorly dc
research new books for ds to read Grin Hmm
hoover car
fit new windscreen wipers
check oil, coolant and windscreen wash
change headlight bulb
Take down forgotten birthday banner from lounge wall Blush
deal with hungry grumpy child
Alert ds to box of confiscated lego due to being left on floor
Put all of cups in to soak ready for dw
more folding
another load of washing on to wash
Finish putting cord into ds' blind
Tidy and clean ds' window sil
nail hook to ds' wall
pull everything off one kitchen bench and give it a thorough clean
hoover ds' floor
re hoover the kitchen floor
hoover the washroom floor
wash the washroom floor
Wash out ds' draw that was mended
sew cord into place.
hang newly fixed blind
another load into the washing machine
more folding
ironing
put ds' clothes away
layout clothes for tomo
Sort out dimensions for project on to do list.
Put pattern pieces for the creation process the other day away Blush
check ds' school bag and sort out lunch box/water bottle
move table from back bedroom into lounge so that more stuff can be accessed to be sorted out
Prep salt dough shapes with white paint and pva glue - first side drying

Right that is it! I really cba to do anything more. Just enough energy to clean the few bits on my bed and sit with hook and finish those last 7 bloody meters....

OP posts:
BitchytheGreat · 06/03/2014 19:00

Ok folks, friday tomo and nearly the weekend. So you know what that means.

Friday is fuck fun night and clean your car and purse day

Babystep 7 is here

Your missions are here

Enjoy your evenings!

OP posts:
dizzyday07 · 06/03/2014 22:52

Can't remember what I did yesterday - so I can only surmise it wasn't much!

Ta Da

  • Loaded and emptied D/W
  • Stripped sofa of loose covers
  • Washed loose covers and put out on the line to (mostly) dry
  • Planted out tayberry and blackberry plants
  • Out for a run with DD
  • Made tea
  • Washed pots and shined sink
  • Bags ready for early training tomorrow

I really need to book the car in for an MOT as it's only got a week left to run Blush

BitchytheGreat · 07/03/2014 00:23

Will you all come back if i promise not to post a scary list for a few days?

Blush
OP posts:
ToffeeWhirl · 07/03/2014 00:28

Can't remember what I did either, dizzy. It involved having both DC at home and a poorly DH, though. Oh, and the lovely cleaner came and did lots of Flying for me Grin.

Taking DS2 to visit his new school this morning. I washed his hair at bathtime and managed to cut his nails whilst he slept (he won't let me touch them when he's awake). All our clothes are laid out, ready. I have caught DH's cold, but will dose myself up before we go so I don't sneeze all over the headmistress.

JustGettingOnWithIt · 07/03/2014 06:07

It was an impressively scary list Bitchy

Today is get everything left (which is actually quite a lot) into boxes desperately.
And if time try and stip more mouldy wallpaper from key parts of flat as I know once we're in there it's going to be really hard to manage.

Sillybillybob · 07/03/2014 06:18

I need some of Bitchy's special brew! J woke up with a fever at 3.15 so we had to come straight to hospital. Waiting on blood results so they can decide what to do.

He has a bed. I don't. Actually scared of being discharged and having to look after 2 under 5s on no sleep. Plus Friday is the morning our lovely helper comes to clean. Except she also helps other cancer families so she can't risk getting any germs so will have to stay away Sad Sad

I've just written off any possibility of flying for the day. Still, at least meal plan and shopping delivery were done last night.

thinking101 · 07/03/2014 09:02

I too a the bitchy list....Grin fairplay to ya. Sometimes we need to see every little thing we have done.

No flying here today DD still poorly. The house is tidy though thanks to the flying I have done the other weeks.

I might manage an online shop.

JustGettingOnWithIt · 07/03/2014 09:13

Dam, dam, dam! So bloody stressed I forgot that I have to be at bloody work motivation thing and take another person, that's four desperately needed hours gone out of officially last day! Arrghhh! Packing miracles needed.

feetheart · 07/03/2014 09:19

Right as bitchy has tried to have kill off the thread with humungmous lists I am going to attempt to do the same with a mega round-up - a daily one may be better for my sanity :)

Just - Oh that's really not fair, my thoughts are with you even if I can't be of any practical help.
Much respect for being able to dispense wisdom about both the statementing process and drawers/cupboards whilst up to your neck and beyond with your own stuff.

Silly - thoughts are with you too and fingers-crossed. My remedy for 2 small DC and no sleep was rubbish food (for them and you) and CBeebies in vast quantities. Good luck.

Toffee - good luck to you all as well today. I hope the school is all you want and that DS loves it and can start asap.

Alice – has been spoiling herself and her DD. Sounds perfect to me
Big OUCH to car repair costs.

SC - got roundly nagged (in a good way) about sorting out an op she needs
Had a mega sort out of kitchen to create more storage and even popped in whilst travelling. Hope you are having a lovely time and stocking up on all the essentials.

Swan - may need to be nagged about health issues too!
Is waiting for an allotment, tidied her bedroom and has been visiting friends.

Whoknows – is still struggling with bad cold, is dealing with the LA who
have refused to assess DS and has given up some of MN for Lent though luckily not the fledglings :)

Goth – had a go at ski-ing and snowboarding but may prefer the bar. I'm hiding this from DS who REALLY wants to have a go at snowboarding – inspired by Winter Olympics – and no doubt would be good at it (sporty, coordinated child who may be a changeling :))
Thought she had got away with WBD but hasn't. If you want an age 8 Thing 2 sweatshirt I have one, only two careful owners.
Bought a mattresss and watched her DH eat meatballs :)

Peanut – is enjoying another dog

Mercury – is on placement in a Reception class and, unsurprisingly, is tired

Cybermam – is doing at least one thing everyday inspite of stupidly late hours at work

BlueEyeshadow – enjoyed sunshine and found bucket and dinosaurs but then the washing machine packed up Hmm

Buddha – doesn't seem to be getting a moments peace but does have 5 DSs, a job and has just run a half marathon so I'm not really surprised though I am very impressed :)

Thinking – has been having a difficult week but has a tidy house inspite of lack of sleep thanks to a poorly DD. A good day is not false it is a Good Day

Eustacia – Reminded us all how important it is to take time for ourselves and she has a clever daughter :)

Engels - has done a lot of school work over her half-term but hopefully has taken Eustacia's advice and had time to herself too

There has also been lots of pancakes (and we were introduced to another food-related tradition involving buns which I think we need to adopt – Fledgling buns anyone?), trainee magicians, odd socks and major World Book Day angst – usual week then :)

feetheart · 07/03/2014 09:30

After that lot I need a lie-down but a list will have to do:
Ta da:

  • All up and out
  • S&S x 2
  • 1 load washing done and another in (just waiting for forecasted shower to come and go before hanging it out

To do:

  • Work - chase people who owe us money Angry plus other bits
  • Important letter
  • Check Easter flights and book
  • Ring carpenter
  • Top-up online thing for school dinners
  • Lunch in town with DH
  • Get passport form for DH - the long-running saga about him trying to prove his full name to the mortgage company continues Angry
  • Few bits of shopping in town
  • Email SiL who will think we have forgotten her and take it personally Hmm
  • 15mins room rescue of whole house before the w/e
  • 15mins decluttering
  • Feed family at various times
  • DD to dancing
  • Collapse
Swanhildapirouetting · 07/03/2014 10:20

Silly I am so sorry you have to be back in hospital again

I am absolutely knackered again this morning, after long drive and rushing around for the cleaning lady - stripping beds etc.
We have a visitor from Germany for supper , thank goodness he is not staying, and dh told me to be sure to leave house looking chaotic so that he will understand why there was no room for him to stay! (He and his wife are staying in a b & b instead..they are very mean and quite rich so dh had to be quite forceful to insist on this) He is dd's godfather and hasn't given her a present for the last 12 years, despite staying with us twice before for a few days.

However it turns out he is foodie, so now I am fretting about supper actually I'm not, we've given up trying to impress people

Also feeling a bit glum over Easter plans...not sure whether to go to Ireland or not and whether ds2 will cause trouble once there, dd complain bitterly about absence of cousins blah blah blah...I'm having a worry morning, and by afternoon I hope it will be out of my system..

Also have to renew passports which drives me potty as the Irish system is ridiculously pettifogging, and I hate having to find someone to notarize the photos.

Back to the sorting out of the bedrooms now...waves of anxiety at thought of cleaning lady catching up with me before I remove the worst excesses

BlueEyeshadow · 07/03/2014 10:27

Hoping that the washing machine repair man will be here before too long... Have used the impending visit as the necessary kick up the backside to get the utility room cleared. :)

Thanks for round-up feet, and for supplies, Bitchy.

Sorry to hear you're in hospital again Silly.

Hals und Beinbruch for the German visitor, swan!

Can't quite manage a Bitchy special brew, but here's a Brew for anyone in need.

BitchytheGreat · 07/03/2014 10:57

So ta da list today promise.

ta da
Paint 2nd side of salt dough things
find maps for tomo and print route
Create map folder for car

next on my list is to turn old pairs of jeans into useful stuff. I could be a while...

OP posts:
BitchytheGreat · 07/03/2014 10:57

*small ta da list today... Blush

clearly i have burn out today Hmm Yes fat fairy, I ignored your a little at a time rule and have burn out.

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GoingGoingGoth · 07/03/2014 11:13

Morning all

Silly fingers crossed as always.

Swan love the fact you have to make the house look chaotic.

Feeling a bit more active today.

Done
Bed
Packed lunch
Washing up
Dry laundry away
Laundry rebooted

Turned DD's bed 'upside down' so it's now a cabin bed rather than a four poster
Vacuumed DD's room
Made a den under her bed Grin she's a bit reticent re change so it's best to show her what can be done and then let her alter it to her liking. She's knows I'm doing it, and that if she doesn't like it that I will change it back. Cat's a bit freaked out by the change, he usually sleeps on the bottom of her bed in the day and now it's 4ft up in the air!

AliceinWinterWonderland · 07/03/2014 11:29

Swan I would have to do the same thing - clean before the cleaner gets there. Grin

ta da
morning routines, school runs (yay!!)
supermarket for small shop
boots to pick up a few items
petrol in car
top up gas/electric meters
washing up
checked bank
tidied living room
tidied kitchen
looked over post and some paperwork that needed reviewing
emailed reply to solicitor

to do
debating going to b&q and picking up a few things (paint, roller, paint tray) to get my entry/hall ceiling painted on Monday ... decisions decisions

If I don't paint it Monday, I won't be able to get it done until Thursday or Friday at best, possibly not until the next Monday. Oh, I hate trying to make decisions. And I can't put the flooring down until I've painted the ceiling. Hmm

AliceinWinterWonderland · 07/03/2014 13:34

Yes, well, I took the lazy approach. I didn't go to b&q. Slight headache, so staying home to rest up for the weekend.

Maybe I will prowl the kitchen to see if there's any chocolate. lol Just in case, of course.

BitchytheGreat · 07/03/2014 14:44

If it makes you feel any better Alice I have a giant pile of cut up pieces of jeans all over the lounge floor. Looks like a disaster zone rather then a creative one. Hmm 4 sewing machine needles down and i have finally found the extra strong ones HmmGrin might start moving in the right direction now... just in time for the school run...

OP posts:
GoingGoingGoth · 07/03/2014 18:21

Dd loves her bed, phew.

Done
Built storage unit for DH's work stuff, I lurve flat pack.
Vacuumed rest of flat.
Packed away mattress pad that DD had been sleeping on (DH pushed it on top of wardrobe) think we'll keep it so DH's friend doesn't have to doss down on sofa next time he stays.
Took apart DD's bed canopy, so I can reuse it
Dinner

To do
Washing up & SS
More crotcheting

BlueEyeshadow · 07/03/2014 18:47

Quite a good day...

Ta da!
Tidied utility room
Cleaned kitchen
Hoovered downstairs
Washing machine repaired
Cleaned behind machine while it was out
Started catching up with laundry
Clean clothes away
Lunch out and stroll in sunshine with DH
Visited friend and her DH and had lovely baby cuddles
Lovely curry for tea

To do
Boys to bed
Clear up kitchen wreckage
Collapse

Upside down bed sounds good Goth
Hope you and Bitchy can both get some rest, Alice

On to the Wine now.

Cheers!

EustaciaVye · 07/03/2014 18:51

thanks thinking101

Awesome roundup feetheart.

Thanks andBrew for anyone who needs it.

BitchytheGreat · 07/03/2014 19:05

Nothing but neat vodka or Wine is going to help here. I have the rages AngryAngryAngry

Ds has been lying to me about eating again. He got caught out after some disgraceful behaviour because he was hungry. I know he controls his food intake when he gets stressed but the resulting behaviour makes everything ten times worse. So we are back to observed eating and no access to kitchen and room checking for hoarding. Oh the fucking joys!

OP posts:
BitchytheGreat · 07/03/2014 20:26

linkies because i am off for sleep.

No missions as it is the weekends

saturday is family fun day. do something with the family and don't feel guilty about not doing anything flying wise.

babystep 8

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ToffeeWhirl · 07/03/2014 23:35

Just popping in before bed.

DS2 had a look round the new school. He loves it and wants to start asap. He was happy for the rest of the day. He told me he usually hates Sundays, because the next day means school, but if he goes to this school he might hate Fridays instead. Smile

Other ta das

Work
Home for lunch
Sat with DS1 whilst he had an online English lesson
Nap
Woke up feeling ill - headache, sore throat, wheezy
Took ParaCodal - magic
Made dinner
Did all the washing up (including last night's)
Phoned DM
Made apple pie with DS2
Bedtime routine with DS2
Telly time

Hope everyone has a good weekend and that poorly DC recover (sorry you had to take DS back to hospital, Silly).

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