Easy mistake to make on boards such as this, I am still learning
By apt I meant suitable/appropriate. Certainly is for me. Thing is, we think it all has to be perfect, dishes done, living room tidy, laundry all done - when in fact, the very act of living in a place means that it isn't like that for long, is it?
Progress not perfection is a lovely slogan that praises effort and doesn't let us beat ourselves up because the magazines are left trewn amongst the lego, etc! Kids still have to play, but getting them to put away one thing before getting out the next makes sense.
I have a lovely fridge magnet which says 'my house was clean last week - sorry you missed it!' But I am trying, and I can really see a difference over time. Like us all, I wished it was overnight, but short of getting those tv folk in who sort out the house with a crew of two dozen cleaners and organiser-types, it will just have to happen the slow way.
Get rid of a some clutter every day. I so understand your feeling of not knowing where to begin and being exhausted at the very thought. You are right, it does affect your health. And your emotions. But you can do it, a bit at a time, and that is the secret, really.
You are onto a good start already 'cause you know you have just had enough of how things have been and want to sort it. There is help to encourage you and noone is going to beat you with a big stick if you don't do your dishes till the next morning, but after a while you will realise that those days happen far less often; you will begin to feel more in control and the house will improve. You can't change how the rest of the household think, it has to come from you first, and with a bit of luck, might rub off on them
Go for it!!!!!!!!!!!