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Housekeeping

Find cleaning advice from other Mumsnetters on our Housekeeping forum.

I just found out how tidy people keep tidy!!!!!

524 replies

MrsBobDylan · 25/10/2021 20:37

I have not felt this excited since I discovered sanitary towels can prevent new boot blisters.

You had better sit down.

Tidy people have less stuff. That's how they stay tidy.

No one bothered to tell me this life changing information. Bastards.

We are downsizing to a flat from a four bed house with a garage. I reckon I have donated/taken to the tip, at least half of the contents of our house.

We didn't need all that shit. I don't think I liked most of it.

Turns out, two mixing bowls is fine, 3 pans, 10 mugs, one duvet cover/pillowcase for each bed, no spare bedding for guests since they can bring their own, 6 bath towels, one coat each, three pairs of shoes each...I could go on.

Since decanting half of my house, it is lovely and tidy. I move a few things from room to room each day and clear the kitchen at the end of day. All manageable. I even have time for a nap on the sofa fgs.

Now my cupboards are not filled to the brim, I can PUT THINGS IN THEM.

The easiest and most satisfying clear out, was the knick knack cull. Photo frame we got for our wedding? Gone. Glass vase from my Uncle Harry? Gone. Mini collection of ornamental owls? Get in there!

It is easier to clean a house with less stuff in it. Surfaces get a quick wipe, floors are mopped without have to slalom round tables, chairs and plant stands.

If you have a friend who feels overwhelmed by keeping house, please pass this on.

You're welcome

OP posts:
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Chicchicchicchiclana · 25/10/2021 20:38

You didn't know that having less stuff makes it easier to be tidy?

Really?!!!!????

WaltzingBetty · 25/10/2021 20:38

Thus is helpful. But what's the sanitary towel boot tip please??

DramaAlpaca · 25/10/2021 20:40

Hang on... I know how to keep tidy, but what's that tip about boots and blisters??

Sleepinghyena · 25/10/2021 20:40

No spare bedding???

MargotEmin · 25/10/2021 20:40

Err your guests need bedding, bringing your own is not a thing!

Otherwise though, I'm delighted for you Grin

TheFoundations · 25/10/2021 20:42

I think you'll regret it when it comes to the ornamental owls. I'd be lost without mine.

minniemoll · 25/10/2021 20:43

You want your guests to bring their own bedding????

I can't see you having many guests, somehow....

olivehater · 25/10/2021 20:43

We have no spare bedding. We bimble along just fine. Only occasionally end up sleeping in a sleeping bag because the sheets aren’t dry!

Total clothes hoarder though. But I still wear things from ten years ago happily so don’t think I can change that.

stairgates · 25/10/2021 20:43

And you have to be ruthless in your cullGrin literally get rid of everything you can!

thelegohooverer · 25/10/2021 20:43

Yup. I spent years thinking I needed more storage. I just needed less crap stuff

ABitOfAShitShow · 25/10/2021 20:44

@TheFoundations

I think you'll regret it when it comes to the ornamental owls. I'd be lost without mine.
😂😂😂
MilkCereal · 25/10/2021 20:44

I need to do this! We are overwhelmed with stuff!

rrhuth · 25/10/2021 20:46

@minniemoll

You want your guests to bring their own bedding????

I can't see you having many guests, somehow....

Another bonus Grin
LawnFever · 25/10/2021 20:46

The only thing I question is having only one feeding set per bed, I guess that only works if you have a tumble dryer but yeah the rest of it I agree on!

rrhuth · 25/10/2021 20:47

But yes I agree. I had a major minimalism phase and whilst I have gone back a bit I have maintained most of it - it is bliss not having much stuff.

Ionlydomassiveones · 25/10/2021 20:48

This reply has been withdrawn

This has been withdrawn at the poster's request.

PinkStink · 25/10/2021 20:48

@LawnFever

The only thing I question is having only one feeding set per bed, I guess that only works if you have a tumble dryer but yeah the rest of it I agree on!
Well if you're feeding in bed then there will be trouble Wink
grafittiartist · 25/10/2021 20:50

Sadly I think you are right.
Hard to part with stuff though isn't it.
Well done!!

dancemom · 25/10/2021 20:50

A wise woman once told me

Don't put it down, put it away.

Stood me in great stead when it comes to a tidy home.

MrsCardone · 25/10/2021 20:50

This is so true. We have no spare bedding. Everyone has one duvet cover set and when they wear out, we throw them away and get new ones.

Everyone has one towel.

The DC have one set of school uniform that I wash on a quick wash every night.

Much simpler. And tidier.

MrsTophamHat · 25/10/2021 20:51

You are so right. Since I had children I can't stand how much stuff there is everywhere. Sadly I am married to Mr It Might Come In Handy One Day so my culls are not as ruthless as i'd like.

Monsterpumpkins · 25/10/2021 20:51

Dc moving out =less stuff..
Ds moved out 3 years ago this week (Sad).. Took an assortment of biker clothing +helmets.
About 10 coats.. 20 pairs of shoes. Assortment of pans and boxes of knives (chef not a cannibal serial killer)..
A dozen sets of chef whites.
And a push bike...
I acquired a huge cupboard...
So I filled it.
With Christmas decoration storage boxes
FULL ONES!!
Blush

DuvetDayIsEveryDay · 25/10/2021 20:52

Once every 2 years I get a skip and fill it.

It's fab.

MrsBobDylan · 25/10/2021 20:53

Yes, who wants guests?! My in laws are our only guests and they choose to bring their own bedding. I have camping sleeping bags for the dc to have their friends to stay.

You may be right about the ornamental owls...I kept my best one though.

Sanitary towel boots - Get a sanitary towels and use the sticky side to fix one of the back of your heel before you wear your new boots for the first time. No blisters, it's brilliant!

OP posts:
rrhuth · 25/10/2021 20:53

@DuvetDayIsEveryDay

Once every 2 years I get a skip and fill it.

It's fab.

Wouldn't it be cheaper not to buy it in the first place - what the hell are you buying that you need a skip every two years?