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Housekeeping

Find cleaning advice from other Mumsnetters on our Housekeeping forum.

This New Year, The Fledglings are Flying a new approach

824 replies

HillsBesideTheSea · 31/12/2021 16:54

Hello and welcome to new and old.

If you are new around here. Hi, introduce yourself around the fire pit in the naughty corner where we are all sitting comfortably. The naughty corner is decked out with comfy, and snacks, and a place just to have a chat when things haven't gone to plan. We are a very long running thread but do love new blood stopping by to join us.

Welcome to those who are returning.

We had a chat on the previous thread about possibly trying a new twist on the fly lady system. We all know that the fly lady system is good for establishing routines when we follow it. But we also know that sometimes we need a quick hit of a big declutter. And that life has a habit of throwing curve balls making it very difficult to stay on track.

So this is the plan. Each evening I will post the babystep, a thought point and the flylady daily focuses. We are not giving up on the fly lady system but just bringing it into line with the individuality of our lives, and trying to resolve some of the issues that comes from being the family brain, trying to do all the things and generally having modern busy lives. The thought point is to try to get you to think differently. And may require a click on a link (video), a discussion on the thread, or just you considering things. I do not promise it will make you feel better, or magically change your house straight away. But hopefully it will help with the overall flow and approach. And may just tweak the twee out of the fly lady system to the point where it is now your system.

But before you entirely regret your choices in letting my try this craziness we are going to start with some key basics that I really do think has been incorporated well into the Flylady system.

  1. the mess, disorder and chaos did not happen over night. Give yourself the grace and time to fix it. (also known as roman weren't built in a day so don't kill yourself trying to get your house immaculate in a day)
  1. Goals vs system.
We will go into this a little more shortly but to start, the fly lady system has an end goal - a house which is tidy and clean that comes second nature. It achieves it by building habits and routines that make the steps needed to achieve that goal second nature. There is a lot of research that says goals don't work, systems do. And systems are built on the formation of habits.
  1. You are never behind.
You might not be making the progress you would like, you may have taken a break. But you are not behind. So again, give yourself a break and drop the guilt. There is probably a reason why you have taken a break - illness, other demands on time, mental health etc etc. And yes some days it is an effort to make sure that everyone is fed and ok. But that is ok, so give yourself grace that on that day that was exactly what was needed and thus you succeeded in the essential goal of the day. guilt is just going to make things harder than it needs to be. It is ok not to feel guilty if you did not do all the things.

I will be back later with links for tomo. I am posting them in the evening the night before because some of us are morning people, and some of us are night people. And this way everyone will be able to see prior to when they need to consider it.

Come park your broom in the new thread for a little while and have a natter whilst we wait to bring in the New year.

OP posts:
Thread gallery
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Mc3209 · 05/01/2022 20:31

I conquered Mt Washmore! Including putting away dry stuff.
And I managed to do stuff with DS between nursery pick up, dinner, and quick tidy up.
I was off in the afternoon, so I managed to get few hours on the sofa with my feet up, watching Friends reruns, stuffing myself with take away. By myself. Alone in the house. Was bliss.

friedeggandsauce · 05/01/2022 20:32

Although a bit of a lazy day (last one before the children go back to school) I had some work to do and got it done in a fraction of the time I spent procrastinating on the same task yesterday!

I've been trying really hard to keep on top of the kitchen too, I just don't want to let things spiral out of control.

I need to look through the website again, I'm afraid I find the website a bit clunky and not very clear, even going from the launchpad I'm seemingly having to join the dots myself a bit- but that could just be my tired brain!

BeanAnTae · 05/01/2022 21:05

Yes the site is insanely clunky and very twee!

MC glad you enjoyed the bliss. Red how thoughtful of you to make cakes for DC. I love marzipan ❤️

Stilllivinginazoo · 05/01/2022 22:37

MClovely to enjoy a bit if downtime,well done on end Mt washmore
Egg well done on the efficient use of time
Red I've never made marzipan,but I do like to eat it!

Redsquirrel5 · 06/01/2022 00:25

Joins MC in victory laps. Completed all my planned chores and a few others like dinner and clearing up after it. LoL x3

ladyrattles · 06/01/2022 00:28

Got a company to track down our missing furniture order. Cleaned the fridge. Dusted DH's desk as it's his first day back tomorrow. Booked a booster jab for our youngest. Had ideas about the cat area.

But I ran out of energy and didn't shine my sink. I don't know what possessed me to pick the white option.

Red I didn't know marzipan is something you can make. And I hardly ever wear make up as well.

Stilllivinginazoo · 06/01/2022 05:21

Morning
One of mines back to school today,so naturally I'm awake really early to ensure we don't oversleepConfused

MrsTidyHouse · 06/01/2022 06:10

Got muxed ip over days of the week, and discovered on Tuesday evening that school starts today, not yesterday. Once they're back at school this morning, I'm going to sit down and read this thread from the beginning.

LG was heartbroken last night telling me that on the very last teaching day of last term the school moved the maths classes around based on ability. She is now separated from all her friends, who have been moved up, and I'm worried that she'll slowly stop trying. The kids in the top groups are mostly from one primary in a more prosperous area, who probably had much better lockdown provision. I'm trying to remain positive, but not feeling it.

I think I just come on here for a moan. I'm getting up now to get the kitchen nice, and find something positive to post.

Stilllivinginazoo · 06/01/2022 06:27

tidy it's ok to moan,and to be worried about your child.please don't apologise for thatFlowers
Hope today is ok for her.x

ExtremelyDetermined · 06/01/2022 06:45

Oh bless MrsT - it is sad when something like that happens, we've had those conversations about maths groups too. They can be so sensitive to changes at age.

Zoo - I hear you re DWP at age 16, give me a yell if you need a listening ear.

Red - we had Clementine flavour marzipan from Sainsburys this year, it was lovely.

Shannara - I'd be fuming too, hope it gets sorted.

Swallowed - takeaway sounds like an excellent plan for start of term.

I've got DS going back today (DD went back yesterday). Need to go and
chivvy him up and make sure he does his LFT on time.

Tada!
Tabletted cat. Cat is on steroids and antibiotics for a skin condition. Luckily it's the gentle one of our pair not the "rip your arm off" one.
Fed cats
Took laundry off airer
Took mug of hot water back to bed

swallowedAfly · 06/01/2022 09:01

Morning.

Need to start with a po3 I think:
-fill dw
-put on a lol
-bring vacuum cleaner upstairs

I have shopping coming between 10 and 11 and I need to pop out to the chemist to pick up my prescription which I've been putting off since before New Years and I have plenty that needs doing around the house. Will see how I go.

SingToTheSky · 06/01/2022 09:05

MrsT 💐

YesTaDa
🧡shower
🧡audiobook
🧡lovely catch up with friend who dropped her DD round to see mine (haven’t seen each other since covid!)
🧡DLMS despite several opportunities… hid in bed for much of the evening to avoid killing anyone

No other achievements. Jab effects seem to be longer lasting than second dose. This morning I abandoned the routine (which I know is ok! Progress not perfection!) and dragged my duvet down to the sofa instead. I hurt everywhere. 🤬

Plans for the day - dunno really. Luckily my work coach has said she can call me instead of me having to make the journey (I assume they’ve changed the rules again due to covid, normally you have to be seen in person) so that’s due later. Will probably log on to work laptop later but nothing pressing happening today.

swallowedAfly · 06/01/2022 09:54

Sorry you're suffering Sing. I should just focus on being comfortable and not worry about anything else if I was you.

I've done my po3.1 and put a few bits away also. Just waiting on grocery delivery now.

Next po3
-put away groceries
-vacuum ds's bedroom
-bring rug for ds's bedroom up from downstairs and vacuum it and see if it works in the room.

Shannaratiger · 06/01/2022 11:06

Morning all

Sing hope you feel better soon, I felt so ill after my booster was fine with first 2.
MrsT we had a similar situation here as well. DS got moved down a set for maths which is one of his best subjects because his anxiety makes tests so difficult for him although he could cope fine in class time and homework. His feelings were so hurt I'm worried about him giving up as well.

Ta Da

Town, brought tooth repair kit for Dd. She needs a filling but her fear of needles and hypersensitivity means she will need to be put under for them to get anywhere near her. With Covid think it could, although I think that it could be hard with staff shortages due to Covid.

Haven't done anything else except put yestereday's washing into the T/D Blush
Off to work - a cold playground and year's 3 &4!

Shannaratiger · 06/01/2022 11:08

Sorry messed up last post! It mixed up Dd's tooth issues and DS's work experience issues! really should preview first!

IWasWillingToGoWassailing · 06/01/2022 11:20

Morning! Today is 1921 Census Release Day, so I have been on t'interweb since 6.30am. I was very restrained and did NOT go on at midnight last night. 😁. I suspect Merryhouse might be similarly distracted today.

Shannara sorry about the tooth issues and DD. We have a similar issue here with needles and a fasting blood test tomorrow. Hope the work experience gets sorted out.

Red how lovely of you to make cakes for your boys.

ED, zoo, MrsT, Fly, Hills and everyone else madly applying LFT tests and trying to persuade teens to have a wash and go to school - thinking of you.

Ta da:
❤️ Up early, family history for me 🥰
🧡 Breakfast, vitamins and steroids. Must stay aware as historically they have made me manic.
💛 Entire Pilates class (go me!)
💚 Washed, dressed and facing the day
💙 DH dealt with LOL and put it on to dry, because we are a team
💜 Bathrooms S&S, bed made, pilates kit away

To do
🥶 Review work proposal someone has sent me
🥶 Start building database for house client
🥶 Look at other client work
🥶 Make soup
🥶 Enormous little power nap.

HillsBesideTheSea · 06/01/2022 11:29

Ta da
Sleep 12 hours HmmShock[Blush]

To do
all the things.

BUT there is white fluffy stuff falling from the sky and I am going to see if i can hit my step target before i hunker down with sat still activities. I suspect there will be ice this evening and i am not sure that i want to risk a fall on it with an evening walk.

Babystep for today is HOTSPOTS!
Thursday is errand day

OP posts:
SlamCrump · 06/01/2022 11:33

Morning all!

Good luck to everyone returning back to school...must admit I do not miss washing uniform and prepping packed lunch... I am liberated this year!

Halving a half day off today but all a bit tense as DD has uni exams so hiding in laundry room. Our young guest has just left Sad. She is such a lovely young person, fits in so well, we all miss her when she is not here. It is slightly worrying me that we seem to get on better in a four, than with a dynamic of three, which can be problematic. Confused

Ta da:
dishwasher emptied
sink shone
early morning washing in dryer
pick up wet towels draped on bathroom floor Angry
early morning dog walk
dropped guest off at station
popped in at bakery on way home

Now having coffee and toast and a pause Smile

Aw Tidy that seems v unfair on your dd and please don't worry about moaning; I am moaner in chief on here!

Totally hear you about energy dips frankiefirstyear! Very wise strategy to prioritise! (I am crap at it though.)

So lovely to see you Foxes! (Waves frantically!)

Still up hope your first trip out with new baby went well and that you are getting enough rest Flowers

Zoo good luck to DD returning to school today and to your two ED!

Hills how did your ds get on rtning to school yesterday?

Take care Sing Flowers

Lady rattles can sympathize with menopausal sleep issues

And well done Mc3209 for conquering the wash pile ...

...I am just going in to do battle with mine ...it won't stop growing ...!!

RedSquirrel your dinner sounds delicious btw!

Lots of love and best wishes to Dancing hope your tech issues resolve soon Flowers. And thanks to Wassail for passing on message! Hope your asthma improves and you manage to get rdv.

Star for Swallowedafly great lists!

Waves to everyone I have missed! Hope all newcomers getting on ok. Flylady website is dreadful I'm afraid friedeggandsauce but underlying system sound!

foxessocks · 06/01/2022 12:06

Good to see you too sc ! Smile

Afternoon, a day off for me today and I've spent a large chunk reading my book so far!
It's very quiet...

My ta da list
Got the dc off to school
Came home and sorted dishwasher, the laundry and decluttered one kitchen cupboard
Watered the plants
Tidied living room of toys and then hoovered
Did a 15 minute pilates stretch routine
Played the piano only for about 10 mins if that but it was nice...unfortunately dh is storing some coving by the piano and it's a bit in the way and I can't move it by myself because of the angle it's at.

I've also written a shopping list for Saturday which now includes football kit and decent trainers for dd because she got a place at football club this term. Don't want to spend a fortune in case she doesn't want to continue for more than one term HmmGrin

Going to make some lunch. This afternoon's vague aim is to change the bed sheets.

Catch you all later!

SlamCrump · 06/01/2022 15:34

Hope you have enjoyed a bit of peace today Foxes

HillsBesideTheSea · 06/01/2022 16:13

I got a new book in. All i want to do is curl up and read. It was horribly miserably icey rain when I walked earlier. And still chilled to the bone.

But my to do list:
tidy lounge enough for bringing boxes out of the loft
ensure everything that needs to be washed before going away in boxes has been washed/dried/ironed
coordinate rescuing of boxes
assist in the putting away of the decorations.
ensure there is tea for all - cook the peoples and figure out what i am going to have
another 2hrs of study.
book into online student event
update bujo
finish writing goals for this year
print out some things
curl up and read for half hour - want to finish the book i am currently reading before I start the new one.
Early night.

Going to be honest, as horrible as it was earlier, i am kinda glad that i got the walk out of the way early. But must not worm hole there is too much to do before Sunday!

OP posts:
Ladyrattles · 06/01/2022 18:05

Evening everyone Daffodil

Thanks to this group & flylady I think we averted a disaster. I was deep cleaning the microwave (as it's on my app zone 2 list) and I discovered a load of crystalline stuff had leaked inside at the top and eaten through the coating and exposed the metal. I'm assuming it must have happened during the house move. The microwave is now in the pile of items going to the dump on Saturday. The best thing is I got to have a very satisfying "I told you so" to DH, as I'd insisted we kept my late mothers identical flatbed microwave that he said was silly to keep.

Also ta da, finally got round to joining the pets up at the local vets and cleaned the oven. My step mum told me to get silicone sheets for the bottoms, and I was super impressed with how quickly they wiped clean. And soaking the hob vent panels in the sink with a dishwasher tablet not only cleaned the panels but cleaned the sink. Win Win.

The whole process of getting out of bed and getting fully dressed has really helped me get motivated, even when I'm not feeling 100%. How is everyone else getting on today?

MrsTidyHouse · 06/01/2022 18:10

From Hills day one. So your thought point for day one: What is that job that should be simple, but you never seem to just get it done because you get side tracked, because there are other things in the way. What are the obstacles for getting it done? IS there something that you can work on so that it becomes less of an obstacle to achieving that one "simple" task?

We need better meal-planning and dishes washed. Every few days, I have to spend far too much time dealing with my general slobbishness. Which means the meals are too much processed food because I've run out of cutlery and energy. The LOs end up watching too much tv while I catch up, and we all get grumpy. Too much tv leads to lethergy and homework refusal.

So every morning I will wash dishes and prepare our tea. This will let us eat calmly in the kitchen in the evening, and I will not be crashing around. Tv will be limited because I'll have more energy to help with homework.

swallowedAfly · 06/01/2022 19:02

Today not too bad for me. I did my 2 x po3 lists plus got a lot of rubbish out of ds's room, added another armful of clothes to the charity bag that are too big for me and tidied the kitchen and put a few clothes away.

I'm now trialling my new heated throw. Loving it! I've got it between me and the duvet and am hoping it will both keep me warm and ease the peri aches I get in my hips and knees at night. I am sounding like a very old lady and I don't care.

Tomorrow is a work day but not an early start so can hopefully do some more laundry and maybe get round to cleaning the sink and wiping the sides down in the kitchen.

Mc3209 · 06/01/2022 21:22

Ladyrattles that's a close call on the microwave.
I have those silicon sheets for the oven too, they have been a game changer!
Will definitely be trying soaking extractor panels in dishwasher tablet. I am strangely excited to try that out 🤣

I have managed to finish my to do list for this week, and feeling pretty good about it.

Tomorrow I need to clean the fridge.