Fledglings Flying into June - In or Out we'll find out soon.

[WhoKnowsWhereTheTimeG0es]

Welcome all - and thanks to CotswoldStrife for leading us through May. It's going to be a momentous month on the political front, but this is where we can concentrate on the domestic front instead.

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 support and chat along the way.

Link to the Flylady website Flylady

Don't let the somewhat sickly and barftastic language of the site put you off: 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 swamped with masses of bumph. 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.

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 brew + the power of three technique + a bit of support on here can work wonders!

Here's the launch pad for more experienced fledglings Launch Pad

Oh and 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 and some of us natter rather a lot – but all lurkers, intermittent returnees, oldies and newcomers are very, very welcome!

Well, the thread has been busy in my absence!

Smokey Joe the kitten looks gorgeous, could I just stick up a little for the home inspections? Firstly the people doing them are volunteers and giving up their own time to make sure cats go to homes that suit them. And it really is mainly checking that your set-up is right for the cat you've chosen, or to guide them in which cats would be suitable for you if you haven't chosen yet. Our cat inspector didn't venture past the living room, but advised us to choose female cats because of our proximity to main roads, and gave us lots of useful advice. The last thing they want is to hear that a cat has been run over, or having to have them back again because they didn't get on with existing pets, young children etc. Anyway, glad it all went well in the end Blue .

Thank you for doing the links today SC, I didn't get back till after 11 last night (it was a great day out) and then slept till 10 this morning (unheard of).

Today has been mainly laundry and tidying. Yesterday morning I told everyone we were putting off all phones, computers, TV etc at 10am and doing half an hour of solid cleaning and tidying, downstairs only, a room each. It went really well, and has made such a difference. DS did a really good job of cleaning and tidying the bathroom considering he's never done it before. Tried to do the same upstairs today, which was less effective (it is untidier up there) but still has helped. I was allocated DD's room (by her, she tackled ours) and carried on way past my half hour. She has been moaning for weeks that she likes it untidy and doesn't want it sorting, but has agreed to let me blitz it now.

Links for Monday as we enter Zone 3, the bathroom and one other room

Babystep - do a mission.

So, here is one mission - delcutter your linen cupboard and hotspot the other room.

Home blessing is our habit for Monday

and our monthly habit is Drinking Water.

Still, so sorry for your loss - you never expect to lose someone of a similar age to yourself (no matter what age you are). It is such a shock.

I seem to be finally getting over my cold, the cough is still giving me a few bad coughing fits every day and really worrying DD but I haven't been as bad over the weekend (I was actually sick a couple of times last week which is really unusual even for my bad coughs!).

Have slightly overbooked myself in the first half of the week which should make things interesting. No chance of an anchor day (a day at home without commitments apart from school run and activities) until Thurs or Fri. Meh.

Will head up to bed and finish my glass of wine ready to attack the week!

Oh no Still I'm so sorry :( what a horrible shock (and it IS still a shock, even when you expect it due to illness like that) :( I do hope you and your DC are ok and can take time to adjust.

Who that's great progress, well done!

I had a lazy afternoon, faffed about online far too much and finished the decluttering ebook (I am not going to recommend it because it was pants). But had a late surge of energy/motivation so managed some dusting and organising - various surfaces look so much better and cleaner. Some resources are ready for my class, the printing/laminating stuff will be done tomorrow along with more tidying (need to sort the landing and bathroom). :)

Sending Still

My airing cupboard does need a sort. I don't know about all of you, but it starts with neatly piled up towels and bedding, but slowly becomes a rambling mess. Does anyone have ideas for how to sort and stay neat and tidy?

To do
Put washing away.
Vacuum downstairs.
Sort under stairs shoes, coats etc.
Sort ds10 clothesstill

I keep duvet covers and any extra pillowcases on one matching cases (tip found on here before)

As expect sleep elusive so geres a ta da
Fed cats l
Clean litter tray-clearly to wet to shat outside
Made start sort cuboard under stairs(had reach the open doors and get ready catch/protect head from what spills out at you stage)-did 2hour on that before start morning routine
Woke dd2 with hardhat on
Made lunches
Feed zoolets
Wipe bath and sink
Harpic lav
2nd load wash in dryer(1st dry,fold and put away)
Sort and sign book diary's,letters etc
retrieved schoolbags
Bins out
Recycling out
School run
Pop shops for bread,milk etc
Sort box all shoes live inthat was empty as dd2 dump her crap from bag on top shoes and little zoo upturn box as fastest option to find her school shoes

Will be back later with more..

Does anyone have ideas for how to sort and stay neat and tidy?

'Fraid not. I suspect if I did, I wouldn't be on the thread :o

Making signs and printing resources for my class today. DH has tackled the landing and bathroom a bit, will carry on later. Hoping it won't be necessary for anyone to go upstairs though!

ta da
wake whole house hold
feed and water the masses
1 load of washing
1 load of drying
make a double batch of flapjack
wonder where the actual fuck the handwashing bowl has gone
swear after standing on sharp things
air house out - stupidly hot and stuffy this morning
long soak in the bath
put missing items in pe kit
check and sign off planner
Throw clothes at child and suggest leaving the house without wearing them would him.
make up lunch box
sort sock drawer
sort and clear out underwear drawer
make a short (only 1 side of A4) to do list for today
check which stair gate fits the doorway between kitchen and lounge and if possible to get rid of my old one.
bump into one man and his dog whilst running errands
shopping errands

Hi everyone is it too late for me to join in?
Friday I got all 4 bedrooms hot press kitchen and living room cleared out and delivered 19 bin bags full of clothes toys and bit s and pieces all away to charity shop. House feels so clear and airy, even knowing everything was in cupboards. Feels like a real weight lifted!

Dh cleared out garage , we ordered a skip for that and do all the outside he knocking walls and replacing them in garden so a lot of rubble.
Took two days which I imagined would take a week
Brilliant what you can do when you are in the zone.
Anyway what to join this to help me stay on top of things.

What I have done today.. washed all coats in garage hung back up
Load washing put on
Two children bathed and cleaned bathroom at same time
Beds made
Downstairs brushed and mopped
Dishwasher finished (needs emptied)

Dishwasher emptied. Cleans ensure shower toilet sink while I was in it.
Having a coffee and watching two year old wreck (my hard work) living room lol
Followed this while pregnant made life easier. Baby 17 weeks now so life easier to keep on-top of things . Bath baby when wakes up then go fill my car with diesel :)

I'm back :) had a lovely time in Cornwall but now it's time to get stuck in.

Ta da
Shined sink this morning
Rebooted laundry twice
Cleaned out the airing cupboard
Swish and swiped
Fed the babies

To do
Go and feed the ducks
Bath the boys
Cook dinner
Hot spots
Clear the hallway
Ask OH to put things in garage
Game of thrones tonight!!

Question for you long time flyers, I have a lot of baby junk (swings, baths etc) and no intention of having another baby, I don't drive so I can't get to the tip. Some of it isn't really saleable, battery cover broken off swing etc. So far I'm 'storing' it in the garage. Any suggestions on how I can get rid? I don't want a cluttered garage when I'm done.

Do you have access to freecycle/freegle, Kruck? Or put it outside with a "free to a good home" sign?

WhoKnows I do understand about the kitten check really, just a very frustrating period of waiting while the boys were rolling around bored and fractious not daring to do anything in case they missed the excitement!

Waves to 3perfect.

Have done errands this morning, and a bit of work. Really want to keep on top of things being tidy while it lasts, so will attempt a bit of hotspotting and hoovering in a mo.

Thanks Still and Caliogostro (hope I've spelt it correctly). I was hoping that there might be a secret trick to neat towels

It is totally rubbish weather here again, rain for the next few days, so washing hung up inside cluttering up the place My garden is appreciating it though.

I hadn't thought of freecycle thank you Blue

MadSprocker is it possible you've got too many towels? We have very few because, it helps keep the cupboard tidy and saves on lots of washing.

I took mine to a local charity shop, walked each piece down one at a time, so lots of exercise as was a 10min walk each way but you do have to ignore the odd looks and comments you get.

Yes, the secret is how you fold them so when the buggers pull them out of the cupboard they leave them tidy. how is it even possible to have too many towels?!

I took a 4 hour nap. Absolutely shattered still but it was needed, could have done with more but ds would not have liked to be sat out in the rain and as he does not have a key I kinda had to be awake to let him in.

Just drinking a coffee and putting a body into water again. It is so flipping hot and stuffy atm [hmm

Einstein you had some serious motivation there! I've seen online that they will collect so that's my mission for the week.

When we had too many we would leave them on the floor after baths and ended using a new one every day. Knowing that there isn't one in the cupboard is very motivational to hanging them up

There is only sooo many times you can trip over and kick something before you are angry enough at it for anger motivation

Decided we actually have too many duvet covers . Put spare cover and sheets in a box for when we have visitors in the top of the airing cupboard. Our spare cover and sheet is in a corresponding pillow case.
I am going to try to make a toga for ds10 school play out of one of the white covers we don't use.
All towels folded and looking neat.
I do, however, have too many flannels.

Ta da
Clothes put away and sorted for ironing
Old receipts cleared out of handbag.
Airing cupboard sorted
Rubbish picked up of floor of ds10 room and put in bin
Raggedy pj bottoms sorted for the clothing bank

Trial classes done for the day. They went ok. House looked ok-ish. Definitely more to do in the house though!

< slinks back in after being AWOL >

Not a huge amount of flying done really. The boudoir looks as though the laundry basket has thrown up in it... And horrible rainy muggy weather here so can't hang up laundry outside.

DS is being rather bratty at the moment. It feels really mean to describe him like that, but it really feels that way. He is only three :(
He is constantly saying "I want..." whenever he sees a toy advertised or in a shop, same with sweets. We do give him nice things and we both love to see how happy he is when he gets new bits. He just seems really ungrateful and unappreciative a lot of the time; he often treats his toys badly (throwing and bashing). I have no clue how to nip this in the bud, any thoughts?

Blue - yippee for Smokey! on Channel 5 tonight (8 or 9pm) is the first of a two part documentary "The Secret Life of Kittens" You must watch! For educational purposes of course...

x-post

Well done Cag on your first classes!

So I spent 5hours beavering away at cupboard under stairs. Its nearly there
Things in neat boxes,just a few bits to finish off.very satisfying!also sort and tidy a kitchen cupboard

We don't have linen cupboard
Towels live in box on landing, everyone has bedding in their wardrobes so that's a task I don't have to do!!

Picked up Sophy's roar-tip it down on way back so abandon plans plant GWR for another day
Pick up Zoolets and went hunt a card with rainbow on front,blank inside.(want use sympathy card but positive-her friendship add colour to our lives)so far proving elusive.dp off wed so may head local shop centre and try there

Made tea
Yell at dd2 a lot to do homework rather prat on computer
Wash kitchen floor(coz mad moggie drag wet meat round it then leave bits didn't want right on middle floor!!)

In mo be bedtime story for little Zoo (bfg in progress)
I not look forward when she in bed and Ds reading in his bed.I've not stop all day and don't relish time to think
I shall be give all Zoolets extra love before bed as time really is precious
slopes off before brings everyone down

I mean Sophy's rose and plant her another day.this phone really pissing me off today!!

Thanks Grey!

I'm feeling a bit wrung out TBH, the first class was really stressful as lots of people in a tiny space (normally will be just the pupils rather than parents and siblings) but I think I did ok in the end. Second class was quieter and went brilliantly. :)

House feels a lot brighter and clearer (well if you ignore the bedrooms where everything was dumped! ) and just want to make sure we build on that now. Didn't quite get to finish the bathroom as people arrived early! Got another couple of groups planned so it looks like there's going to be a steady stream of people coming in. I've never had this before - home is really my haven, an overgrown pillow fort! But it could be a really good thing for the house because we will HAVE TO keep on top of things. I will have to be mindful of my mental health though. I do need a lot of solitude.

Cherish those snuggles Still.