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Housekeeping

Find cleaning advice from other Mumsnetters on our Housekeeping forum.

Original poster

Need help with cleaning and decluttering...

320 replies

withaspongeandarustyspanner · 17/02/2016 09:53

DH is unhappy in our relationship and wants to leaveand has cited my housekeeping/lack of ability to get rid of stuff as a factor. I'm overwhelmed. Don't know where to start.

Any tips?

OP posts:
Original poster
withaspongeandarustyspanner · 24/02/2016 19:04

I really could do with a proper washing line: I have a baggy rotary line, which annoys me. I fantasise about a really long washing line and a prop like my Nan had. That's a bit sad, isn't it? Grin

OP posts:
EvaHomeServices · 25/02/2016 07:44

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Grumpyoldblonde · 25/02/2016 08:52

Above post reported.

I have run out of carrier bags! My charity shop is walking distance so I guess the last of my stuff will have to go in Bin liners.
Hope you are ok today Sponge and got a good nights sleep? I have some work coming in so will have to slow down my decluttering but the kitchen is still a haven of clean calm. I have some lemon slices simmering on the hob to scent the house and feel a bit 'Martha Stewart' .
Need to do a couple of loads of washing but that is about it for today.

charlesjackson269 · 25/02/2016 09:10

Change your way of thinking. Remove the old objects to make space for new. The other thing to consider is to keep your home clean. Old stuff, especially broken objects, can easily turn to trash. Get rid of them and get something brand new and high quality that is easy to maintain.

Original poster
withaspongeandarustyspanner · 25/02/2016 11:34

I have just started reading Marie Kondo's book. I think I need a whole new approach. My issues with tidying and housework are from within. I didn't used to be like this. I'm not sure when it happened. But I need to change it.

OP posts:
Grumpyoldblonde · 25/02/2016 12:33

I look forward to hearing your thoughts on the book. I haven't read it but have read loads of articles and the threads here, they have kind of 'upped the ante' for me, as I said before I am a pretty tidy person anyway but wanted to get the house really spot on and get rid of crap so everywhere is tidy not just the visible bits.
Be kind to yourself though, you have young children and a job, plus you are down enough to warrant meds and have worries about your marriage, all that is enough to send anyone into a downward spiral.
I will admit to having had a very tough couple of years (wont be far behind you to be seeing my GP tbh) and for me, having a clean and tidy house gives me a feeling of control, same as putting my make-up and perfume on, it is armour (even though I could happily stay in bed with a bottle of gin at the moment)
Will you let me know if the book is worth getting for a normally tidy person?

Sitoff · 25/02/2016 14:05

Sponge you have made me feel wistful about my old home with a long washing line and prop. Not even got a whirly gig here - have to drape it all over the clothes horse.

Grumpy I wonder about the Kondo book too but then i worry that this thread will have encouraged me to buy a washing line and a book rather than decluttering!

Clean and tidy house - that is my goal too and then the chance to enjoy family and friends without feeling dragged down by it all.

Grumpyoldblonde · 25/02/2016 14:16

Oh, by the way - I have a clothes line {smug} !!

Original poster
withaspongeandarustyspanner · 25/02/2016 16:59

I really like the book so far. It's a bold claim - you only ever have to tidy once more. Ever.

If it can work on me, I reckon it will work on anyone.

I've tidied the food cupboard today. There were things in there from 2011. Three bin bags later, everything is feeling much better.

Still keeping on top of the bathroom, downstairs loo and kitchen. And the laundry.

Also, I've cleared out more clothes.

OP posts:
Grumpyoldblonde · 25/02/2016 17:15

Blimey, you have turned into Wonderwoman! {star}

Grumpyoldblonde · 25/02/2016 17:15

Ooops Star

Sitoff · 25/02/2016 18:04

Wow - that is fantastic with everything else you are dealing with. I hope that the newly cleared spaces will start giving you some pleasure. I know I am finding that each small job calls me back to gaze at it on a regular basis.

Busy day for me but I have started on the kitchen as well. Quite a bit still to do however I have made a start and am pleased. Took a long hard look at the contents of the freezer as well and have meal planned for the next few days using up some stuff that has been hanging around. I though i might then manage to use the space to freeze some batch cooking like MNers keep suggesting.

Grumpyoldblonde · 26/02/2016 09:22

Sitoff Batch cooking is fantastic once you start, I often spend a Sunday morning cooking up a storm, I make large stews, chilli, pasta sauces and freeze in Tupperware style box that stack in the freezer, also shepherds pie freezes well - I often make 3 or 4 at a time and freeze in smaller oven to table dishes. I freeze mash spuds as only my OH eats them so it is easy to pull out and defrost a serving for him (although I am not adverse to buying frozen mash as only he eats them I get 4 meals out of a bag of frozen mash).

I am astonished at the progress you have made since just last week sponge and mightily impressed Smile

Original poster
withaspongeandarustyspanner · 26/02/2016 13:47

I've come into work today so no work done at home. Actually, I've done no work at work either but I did get to cuddle a 9 week old baby.

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Sitoff · 26/02/2016 18:26

Exactly the sort of thing I am hoping to do Grumpy - thanks for the suggestions.

Sponge cuddling a 9 week old baby sounds like the perfect day at work!

More progress in the kitchen this evening but not there yet. 2 carriers of stuff for the charity shop but more to come.

Original poster
withaspongeandarustyspanner · 26/02/2016 19:07

DH has noticed! He said things are feeling easier.

OP posts:
Original poster
withaspongeandarustyspanner · 26/02/2016 19:08

I realise it doesn't mean he's changed his mind, but it's a start.

OP posts:
Grumpyoldblonde · 27/02/2016 09:35

Morning!
That's a really positive step forward sponge, I really do hope things work out for you all.
Do you have plans today? I am working right now, then have to put the dry clothes away, get some food in and relax. House remains much easier to clean now there is little junk lying around.
I might cook a couple of large meals this afternoon for the freezer, save me time during the week. I will cook things that I can just prepare and leave in the oven so minimal effort.
One or two more bags are heading for charity later, then I can really organise my linen drawer, but that will take 10 minutes.

Original poster
withaspongeandarustyspanner · 27/02/2016 11:21

False hope. I think it's too late.

Today is always mad. Lots of rushing about with kids' clubs and classes.

It calms down around 2.

I plan to do lots of washing. And some more sorting of clothes. I asked DD2 (9) to find out some clothes that didn't 'spark joy' in her and she added a bundle to the pile. I will get DD1 to do the same.

I'll have to do the boys' clothes though. I don't think they're at that point.

OP posts:
yetanotherdeskmove · 27/02/2016 15:49

Even if it's too late to save your marriage (and let's hope not) it's s good thing to do for you as well.

This thread has totally inspired me and there are now 4 bin bags in my boot to go to the charity shop and dh has taken my example and tidied the front garden! We've also bought a few shrubs and summer bulbs and tomorrow I'm going to sort out the mess of weedy pots we have.

Grumpyoldblonde · 27/02/2016 16:22

I hope there is still at least some hope for your marriage sponge, but pp is right, it is a good thing for you to do for yourself.

yetanotherdeskmove not sure how to shorten your NN - =Yet? YADM? Smile Nice to know someone else has been inspired and is joining in the great declutter! I also have stuff to do in the garden but it is so cold it will be a while yet I think. Need a tip run too, we have an old paddling pool, broken solar lights, endless plant pots and so on to clear. I am saving for a plastic shed, not really my cup of tea as I prefer wood, but I think for maintenance and practicality it is for the best.

NoCapes · 27/02/2016 17:48

grumpy we're on our second plastic shed and are saving up for a wooden one, both plastic ones have been blown to bits (said bits then blown into neighbours' gardens) more times than I would like to mention
Wood is better than plastic that's what she said

Grumpyoldblonde · 27/02/2016 18:01

NoCapes Really? They look so sturdy - better think again. My wood shed is collapsing, roof caved in and home to mice. I am prepared to spend money on something good quality if it will last. I could get away with a storage box but I need the height of a shed for extra privacy, I will read some reviews on sheds I like the look of.

Sitoff · 27/02/2016 18:10

I am still enjoying my tidier outside spaces - it is freezing but sunny so perfect weather to enjoy the great outdoors from inside! No shed but I have a tiny wooden unit which stores the bins and recycling boxes and it is now totally rubbish free.

Kitchen still a work in progress but a batch of pasta sauce cooked and frozen in bags. Also 2 banana breads - one for today one for the freezer. If I manage to cook the curry for tonight and freeze another portion too I will be very pleased.

Sponge I am so impressed you are taking all the steps you can to improve your situation. It must be difficult to focus on housework with all the swirling emotions but it is quite inspiring.

PigeonPie · 27/02/2016 18:44

May I join please? I we started a big declutter before Christmas and a lot of the house is so much easier to manage now.

It's still a work in progress but we're getting there (decorating the sitting room and dining room is next on the list).

One really positive thing is that we had a letter through from the charity shop I took three large car loads to in December and they've already made over £100 from the donations, which we're pleased about.

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