First of all, a big thank you to Dogsbum for leading us (for the very first time) through the April thread; fantastic job!
If you are struggling 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 chat along the way.
The FlyLady link is here Don't be put off by the barf-tastic language of the site - the underlying system is sound!
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 zones of the house which are designated weekly; defining and minimising housework - which in theory should leave you with loads more time to do something more interesting 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!
It's up to you, but we advise not signing up to receive the Flylady e-mails as you will be inundated! 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 minutes 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.
There are three key points to keep in mind throughout:
- No perfectionism allowed - this is harder than you would imagine and many of us on this thread struggle with this one!
- You are never behind - just start where you are and anything you do is progress.
- 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 daily and doing the babysteps is a good way to start. Some of us (mentioning no names!) can have scary looking ‘ta-da’ lists but don't let that worry you! Do what you can, anything is better than nothing, and don't judge yourself against others.
If all else fails, a 
+ the power of three technique + a bit of support on here can work wonders!
Here's the launch pad for more experienced fledglings.
Don’t let it put you off if we appear a bit cliquey, we really aren’t! Some of us have been on here for years – but all lurkers, intermittent returnees, oldies and newcomers very, very welcome