My house is a tip, as a result I feel out of control of my simple little life, I'm fed up of feeling like this but I don't know where to start!

[McDreamy]

That's it really - any ideas?

Black sack, chuck old magazines, broken toys, get a bucket or tub for odd bits of toys and stuff that someone might want - give them a week to claim it and then chuck it too.

Basically throw stuff away till yo have room to get down to some real tidying and cleaning etc.

start with one room at a time, make a list of what needs doing and get on with it - it's as simple as that and you'll have a great feeling of satisfaction at the end! keeping off mumsnet helps too

Get a good friend round and make clearing up a more enjoyable experience. Maybe take her (or him!) out for a meal to say thanks.

I feel the same McDreamy.. I'm going to make a start on sorting out my house this weekend!

Yes that is what I'm planning too! Nothing much on so would like to make a start but I want it to STAY that way too. I'm very good at having a really good sort out but I somehow can't keep on top of it and before I know I'm back to square 1 !!!!!!!!

Have you found flylady? How long does it take to get yourself sorted?

I've looked at Fly Lady but I would never stick to it. too regimented and I work fulltime.

I'm going to do ironing pile tonight and start the living room.

Good for you closet! I don't even have the excuse that I work - I'm a SAHM and I still can't seem to get myself organised grrrr!!!

McD, I know just what you mean. I too start off with good intentions and somehow it all manages to creep back! It's hard to keep on top of things when I go to work. I've had a look at the flylady website, but all that shining your sink stuff sounds a load of nonsense
Actually, you've inspired me - the upstairs of my house is a bit of a tip, so I'll make a list tonight and work my way gradually through it.

I'm not sure if you're the same of not but I suffer from mild depression and I alwasy feel better when my house is tidy but I can never keep it that way despite my good intentions!

I'm the same, post Christmas detritis everywhere and distict lack of motivation to sort it out today. Took down the decs today and althgouh ds tidied his room yesterday there is still stuff everywhere. Will have to have a more thorough go next week whent hey go back to school . Little point atm as everything just comes out again !

Did clean the cooker today though

Mine is similar and so at the mo my rule is that I must chuck out at least 2 extra bags of rubbish with the normal household rubbish.

It is working, the house is definatly less cluttered.

I am a lazy slob by nature, yet cruelly clutter and mess drives me insane. But I do always find chucking a load of stuff out massively cathartic

I reckon a key thing is to get your storage sorted out. Work out where things need to be kept and keep them there. Get some more boxes or shelves organised if you need to.

And to get your other half to understand that they are grown up now and need to clear up after themselves as they go along. Easier said than done I know.

The state of my house is very often reflective of the state of my mind with the result that it is often untidy!

Well done cleaning the cooker LIZS - my microwave is minging - I really need to sort that out. Bought a couple of nice wooden storage boxes yesterday to keep toys under control. Going to hire a carpet cleaner next week, bought myself an organised mum diary/organiser thing - need to start using it, Xmas tree coming down tomorrow and I think I will follow it up with the black bin bag idea!

Thought I was a bit barmy with the state of my house effecting my mind so glad to hear I'm not alone

You're right about training your partener and both DH and myself are similar (which doesn't help) in that we are both lazy but hate untidiness!!

flylady is like a god

believe in her

Really Cap - how long before it makes a difference? I'm scared of her

Message withdrawn

I leave a lot of the mad American psychobabble

but I do like the fact that you don't have to do it all at once; you feel like she'll tell you what to do when it needs doing so you can abandon your scary two-page long to do list

I found that after a couple of weeks it had made a difference; as much to my stress levels as to my house

the flylady thread on here I find even scarier than the flyster herself if I'm honest

well after your opinion Capp I might just try her.

Shosha - do you know my husband? You seem too!!!

Message withdrawn

Message withdrawn

Yep he is, hope she is enjoying it here.

Message withdrawn

Awwww bless her! Not a great trip, still she's arrived at a good time of year. Weather wet and cool at the moment so come summer she will be well into Cypriot life Is she actually at Akrotiri?