How do you learn housekeeping?

[MyGastIsFlabbered]

My parents weren't the best housekeepers and as a result nor am I. I don't tend to notice the clutter/mess until it gets to crisis point, then I get overwhelmed and haven't got a clue where to start.

I'm 43 now and have finally moved into my own place and want to keep it nice and tidy but I just feel it's pointless even trying because I know what I'm like.

Any tips to start me off in the right direction?

Congratulations on having your own place💐 I’d say that one way to keep a tidy home is to make sure everything has a proper ‘home’ - so your keys always live in the dish on the dresser, or the library books under the coffee table. Stay on top of the ephemeral stuff like newspapers and magazines; straight in the recycling bin when you’re done with them. Have a basket or something by the front door to put important stuff that needs dealing with, and sort it out soon.

There are some well-known methods of organising/tidying such as Flylady and Marie Kondo. Once you have learned the basics of either one, you can adapt it to suit yourself. Flylady sets you up gradually by introducing a new "babystep" to your routine each day, for example Day 1 is "Shine your sink".

Flylady's book is called "Sink Reflections" and Marie Kondo's books are "The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying" and "Spark Joy" (basically if something doesn't spark joy for you, and isn't otherwise important, you throw it out!)

Sometimes I have printed out task lists from the internet, to make sure I don't miss something. Some are from cleaning companies so are pretty thorough instructions to have as an "ideal".

GHI Cleaning Checklist

Daisies & Pie

Deep Cleaning Checklist

Phone apps such as "Home Routines" (Wunderbear) and "Brightnest" can be helpful. I like ticking off tasks on Wunderbear - there's something silly but satisfying in taking pride in a line of gold stars There are various apps out there, so hopefully there's something to suit you.

There are some podcasts which are very helpful too. Just for example, there's "A Slob Comes Clean", "Organize 365", "Flylady and Friends", and "Spark Joy".

You don't have to create and follow the perfect routine without fail. Just do what you can. Flylady recommends "progress, not perfection" because trying to get things perfect can slow you down.

I will keep an eye on this thread as I am always looking for ideas on this topic too. Good luck

Read the Marie Kondo book and watch ' Clean my space' on YouTube.

Yes to keeping on top of paperwork and random clutter. I use some of Kondos tips for clothes etc but cant say Im a convert. Ive tried most cleaning routines The organised Mum Method is great for me

Have a place for everything and put it back once used.

I too was/am still a bit like you OP. I come from a home where we would have enjoyed our spare time not cleaned all the time however my partner is very much in to cleaning - at the start she did most of it however I have picked up quite a few habits. I find now that once it's clean and tidy i be trying my best to keep it that way. I surprise myself loads like when I'm putting dishes into the dishwasher instead of on top,or putting away my clothes once I take them off,to cleaning up a tea cup stain instantly instead of drinking my tea first lol it really is just about small daily changes that make it all the better !

I'm the same.

My Mum was amazing at house work, she must have done hours everyday.

However she constantly cleaned and tidied up after me which means I'm terribly messy but have no idea how things seem to get so dirty.

Mess is my main issue I think. We have too much stuff and I never put something in the same place twice.

I found the bike rack fasteners in the baking cupboard yesterday.

I like the how clean is your house book from the TV show

I like that book too ginger. I wish they'd bring "How Clean Is Your House?" back, but even more so I wish they'd bring back "The Hoarder Next Door". I liked to see the psychotherapy conversations with Stelios. Most other shows don't seem as in-depth about the reasons behind people's behaviour, they have a "just do it" approach which upsets the client and won't change their long-term way of being.