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Housekeeping

Find cleaning advice from other Mumsnetters on our Housekeeping forum.

Flying into Spring with icicles on it

266 replies

icypompoms · 28/02/2023 21:57

Hello everyone, iWelcome back to our regulars, and if you are new or returning, a huge welcome to you as well! Please feel free to post or lurk, whatever helps you most.

This is an incredibly helpful thread and the system can be confusing but someone on here will be able to answer your questions and get you on track.

So, Flylady. That mysterious system that promises a lovely clean house! This link is a good place to read about the basic principles, but we strongly recommend ignoring the first bit - do not sign up for emails as you’ll be inundated!

www.flylady.net/d/getting-started/

If you’re new to the system, or are wanting a refresher course, the baby steps may be a good idea. Some are more useful than others, we’ve found, and stuff like affirmations may not work for you, so pick and choose what you want to try. You don’t have to do it all! Perfectionism can be left at the door, we celebrate any achievement here no matter how small it seems (this is why you’ll see our Ta Da lists as well as To Do lists!).

www.flylady.net/d/getting-started/31-beginner-babysteps/

There are parts of the house called zones, each taking a different part of the month, and missions in those zones to do little tasks we may have neglected. If you don’t feel ready for those though, a good way to start is doing 15 minutes decluttering in that zone! Remember it didn’t get messy in a day so it won’t be fixed in a day either. Slow and steady.

Then there’s the daily focus - each day of the week has a theme, although many of us switch them around to suit our own lives.

Each day I’ll provide the link to the launch pad, which is where you can see what is meant to be done that day (but again don’t feel you have to do all of it! That way lies burnout!).

A couple of principles we talk about on here are:
Future Friend - the idea of doing something today that benefits you later, such as choosing your clothes or making your lunch the night before.
Power of Three (po3) - if you’re overwhelmed, just pick three easy tasks - no matter how small - and forget about the rest until they’re done. Then reassess and decide another three.

Finally a few acronyms:
DW - dishwasher, not dear wife!
LOL - load of laundry, we aren’t finding washing hilarious
WM - washing machine
TD - tumble dryer

OP posts:
Thread gallery
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Searchingforsunnydays · 22/03/2023 07:37

Good morning everyone, sending out strong coffees to those that need it ☕️☕️

I’ve tried to post a few times over the past few days and as soon as I press post , it disappears!

Hopefully you will be able to see this one 😂

Haddie321 · 22/03/2023 11:32

Morning all

My mod has been terrible recently but I've had a really productive week or three and sorted the majority of the house 😨I'm now absolutely exhausted.

I was diagnosed with a disability last year and keeping on top of the house (and working and looking after the children) has been really difficult. I'm so relieved to have finally broken the back of it. Hubby was wanting to hire a cleaner but I feel like I've got it to a state where I can keep on top of it myself and will continue to do so as long as my body lets me. I have no idea why I've just spilled all that needless information but it weirdly helped. Today I have managed

❤2X LOL
❤Made the kids beds
❤Tidied their toys and books in the playroom and bedrooms
❤cleaned the bathroom

Not much today but enough to keep things nice

Hope you're all having a wonderful day, I'm off to an Easter craft class at my daughters school this afternoon 🐰

DomesticElf · 22/03/2023 12:56

Haddie I find this thread is cathartic, not just because of all the cleaning chat, but because there is a bunch of great supportive people here with a sympathetic ear and a virtual brew. This is a safe space to spill the spillables.

Re cleaner, I have a cleaner coming once a week to do a home bleugh. It helps massively. On weeks when wheels completely come off the wagon, at least I know the hygiene basics are done 😬 I still do more in depth zone cleaning organising etc, but not having to worry about weekly home bleugh is a great relief.

Redsquirrel5 · 22/03/2023 14:32

Haddie we all spill stuff on here. it is the safe corner of mumsnet. Everyone is supportive of others needs and difficulties. So spill or rant away whenever you need to and yes it is cathartic as Elf says as sometimes you have no one else that you feel you can just be yourself with and that includes those that live with us.😏Congratulations of getting it to that stage I still haven't.I did for a while but then slipped well down the hole. Aiming to get back.

DD is keeping us busy.We are shifting some stufff I asked DH to move to DS3's years ago she asks and it is done next day...unbelieveable. It is because she wants the rugs and loves them so will eventually have them in her house.

Limited housework here today as spring had sprung this morning and we have been in the garden pruning buddleia.

Oh we are off again it seems.

icypompoms · 22/03/2023 19:05

I can't manage any personals right now as I'm beyond frazzled. Been up all night, H is pretty low at the moment, child off school I'll and we are going away this weekend.
I feel over committed in every aspect right now.

THURSDAY
www.flylady.net/c/fp.php?tzm=0&d=1
✅errand days
✅ mission: This week, we have been tackling clutter in our bedrooms. So, today we are going to clean off the nightstands! Get the tissues, cups and stuff that has piled up, toss and put away. Then grab a feather duster or dust rag and dust the surface. Place a pretty candle or picture there. Something that is new to that spot that you love to see.
Waking up and not seeing a pile of things on the nightstand and a pile of clothes will make your morning a little brighter!

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DitzyDaffodils · 23/03/2023 01:45

I'm glad it's not just me who struggles with the zone cleaning. Today went badly wrong and I've done nothing of use ☹️ except the morning and evening routine (and I still haven't finished that!) Need to work on my inner peace 🧘 🕉️

Hope the pressure eases off for you Pompoms and you get to enjoy this weekend 🏖️🏙️🏕️ or whatever you may be upto

Hope the dirt bike trial goes ok Hazel 👩‍🔧🚴

Well done for getting on top of the house Haddie. Spill away, it's good to let it out sometimes. I love Easter crafts too 🐰🐇🥚🐣🐤🐥

👋 waves "hi" to Sunny we see you! ☀️

HungryHazelEyes · 23/03/2023 03:26

Ditzy the dirty bike did run, it needs some more work to make it run well though. Of course that also means more money 🙄

No flying today since Iworked all day, other than DS doing one LOL. I didn't even have the chicken wings thawed out so we ended up going out for dinner 🤦‍♀️ we did use my birthday present which was a gift certificate for our favourite restaurant!
I'm about to get into the bath, I'm trying out my new wooden wick candle and I'm a little excited!

DitzyDaffodils · 23/03/2023 18:47

Today has gone tits up too, not even got the basics done. I'm giving up.

P.o.3:

Pyjamas
Cup of tea and something to eat
Bed

icypompoms · 24/03/2023 05:58

@DitzyDaffodils sometimes you just need to write off the day.

Here's this link for today:

www.flylady.net/c/fp.php?tzm=0

🍷 clean out car and bag.
🍷 Today is the last day in the Master Bedroom. Take 15 minutes to declutter your dresser. Get the things off the top of your dresser that you have placed there that you were going to put away later. Later is now. Take the time to take care of this; it really makes a great difference.
🍷pamper sessions: moisturise moisturise moisturise. All the bits! www.flylady.net/c/pampering.php?tzm=0
🍷reminder: drink your water

OP posts:
icypompoms · 24/03/2023 21:05

Tomorrow is family fun day.

Have some good times if you can.

Sunday is renew your spirit by doing something just for you.

OP posts:
DomesticElf · 24/03/2023 21:10

Hazel wooden wick candle.. now that sounds fancy. How was it?
Ditzy here is some hot chocolate and cake. Flying can wait.

Ta das:
💪Finally unpacked. No more freaking boxes! The house is set up! <Caveat: there 4 small boxes in DH's study which he will need to sort out once we buy more furniture for said study. But that's not my problem, woo hoo!>
💪3 runs to the recycling centre getting rid of all the empty boxes 🥵🥵
💪I flexed a bit on zones as bedroom is fine, and washed shower curtain, bathroom mat, and put pipe unblocker in all plugholes.
💪DW rotated, kitchen cleaned, dining room tidied
💪LOLs X2. Dry laundry put away.
💪Quick hoover around
💪Taken rubbish out of the car

This weekend planning to be relaxed pottering about.

HungryHazelEyes · 25/03/2023 03:24

Elf the wooden wick candle was cool! It crackled like a wood fire, very relaxing!
Well done on emptying all the boxes! We'll ignore the boxes I still have in a few rooms its only been almost 2 years

EspeciallyDedicated · 25/03/2023 07:11

A relative keeps buying me those wood wick candles, interesting you find the noise relaxing @HungryHazelEyes I find the opposite, I can't relax around them because the sound keeps making me think something's on fire. They burn well though with the wick staying the same length and not falling over into a pool of molten wax.

Searchingforsunnydays · 25/03/2023 07:34

Good morning everyone ☕️

Happy you can see me again, I have a new phone , I don't know whether that was the issue or my internet was a bit glitchy but every time I posted , it disappeared! I hope it hasn't gone onto some random thread 😂

Daffodils I have days where I don't get much done , either a busy day or I'm having a low mood . Today is a new day 💐

Hazel I have never heard of a wooden wick candle!! I love candles, I am going to Google and treat myself to one !

Elf you have done an amazing job with the unpacking ! I hope you feel like you have settled into your home now.

Haddie amazing you have got on top of the housework- well done. This group is amazing and supportive , I've found this thread isn't just housework related which is why I like it . Life gets in the way sometimes and everyone on here completely understands that life isn't perfect all of the time ❤️

Red I haven't even though about gardening yet ! May have to get out there and neaten it up soon . Glad you had a lovely day in the garden - it feels like we've all been waiting a long time for some good weather !

Hills would you recommend listening to atomic habits ?

Waving to anyone I have missed 👋

Tada
1st cup of coffee

I am off to make another coffee to carry it round with me whilst I have a 30 minute blast around . Everyone else is in bed and my home is resembling the aftermath of a party that didn't happen 🤣 it's been a super busy week . On the countdown to half term so the days can slow down a little !

HillsBesideTheSea · 25/03/2023 08:09

Yes. others on the thread have read it in the past and i went into it really skeptical. Really skeptical but actually it was balanced and i found it good even though i do half the stuff anyway. Habit stacking. making it easy etc. Some of it i approach in a different way but the principles are sound.
I was recommended it on youtube by youtube where you can find it being read on many channels for free. But then i also listened to it at time and half speed whilst working on a spread sheet so the 5 and half hour book (actual video length took me about 3 and a half) might have separate mileage for you. but yes, i and i suspect the others who have read it on the thread would reckomend it.

EspeciallyDedicated · 25/03/2023 08:13

I tried reading it but didn't get very far, just kept thinking "well I do most of this already" so I gave up. Maybe I should try again.

HillsBesideTheSea · 25/03/2023 08:53

It wasn't the what that was interesting it was the why iyswim. I agree most of the principles we have discussed over the years and they are not earth shattering. But i did like the why this worked/was a problem. I think it was the speed i was listening to that helped me on that because at time and half speed it went so quick i didnt get bogged down or frustrated. Also having half my brain busy with something else. But then i am pretty much always doing 2 things. Listening to something and doing something else. Just my default.

EspeciallyDedicated · 25/03/2023 09:06

Mine too, which is why I listen to an awful lot of audio content but virtually no video as I have to stop what I’m doing and actually watch it. I have got the kindle version, I will have a look in the library app for audio (I don’t really use youtube).

Searchingforsunnydays · 25/03/2023 09:44

I like to listen to audio books or podcasts whilst I'm doing the housework or getting ready - it takes away the boredom !

I've downloaded atomic habits , I'll give it a listen -thanks for recommending it !

Tada
👏LOL hung up
👏Another LOL in the washer
😬A small amount of time tidying the kitchen and living room which has made a small dent on the rooms
👏Showered, dressed and ready for the day
👏Made bed

Off to take dd2 to gymnastics, then out all afternoon for ds's early birthday celebrations , may manage to get a little more done in between the chaos .

HungryHazelEyes · 25/03/2023 14:55

Oooh, I may have to have a listen to that too!
sunny I just got a new phone too! It arrived yesterday, so spent last night activating it and setting it up. I'm sure I still have things I've missed. I also went through my apps and deleted several from my new phone that were transferred over (games I no longer play, apps there for God knows why).

I work at my 2nd job today, so not much flying will happen here. I do need to wash the towels after I take a shower this morning. I have a case of I don't want to's today though. ILs are coming here tonight instead of us going there for dinner. I was going to throw something into the slow cooker, but DH said he could smoke something, so we're having burgers tonight instead! FIL said anything is good, so hopefully he meant it!
I have 1 1/2 hours till I need to be ready to go to work. I'm enjoying sitting on the couch though, oh dear!
I may or may not be back on here today 🍒👋

THATissoooFETCH · 25/03/2023 15:39

<crawls into the naughty corner and reads thread with a blanket>

EspeciallyDedicated · 25/03/2023 17:24

Look at all these wood wick candles I spotted in town just now

Flying into Spring with icicles on it
Searchingforsunnydays · 25/03/2023 20:05

<sending that a g&t and cake to go with the blanket in the naughty corner>

ED I had never heard of them before today so I will keep a lookout in my local shops !

Hazel my new phone has been a nightmare! I can't log in to a lot of my apps , my Apple Watch won't sync , I'm sure there is an easy way to swap everything over but I seem to be allergic to phones, laptops and anything else that's technology based 😂 I am sure yours will all swap over smoothly!

Tada :
👏dd2 gymnastics
👏card shop for balloons on the way home
👏collected all the people going out for ds birthday treats
👏bowling
👏MacDonald's
👏dropped boys off at cinema
👏shops for last few bits and cake baking stuff
👏wrapped presents

I'm now procrastinating because I need to start the housework but I'm soooo tired !! I might just set a 15 minute timer and see what I get done then leave the rest until tomorrow!

DomesticElf · 25/03/2023 21:51

Sunny happy birthday to DS! How was it? How old is he now?
Hills good to see you, how is life?
Hazel smoked burgers 🤤🤤 if your ILs won't eat them, I will gladly come over and eat for them 😂
That hands another g&t. How are you?

Speaking of habits, I am trying to add on to my evening routine. I am trialling out folding clean laundry daily when I straighten the house up in the evening. I tend to do that routine between dinner and DS' bathtime, so it will be adding yet another thing. It has been working ok so far, let's see if it sticks. My evening routine looks a bit like this:

Home from work, laundry on, dinner sorted, eaten, and cleared away. Play hour with DS. Tidy away toys in living room. Fold and put away clean laundry and put wet one to dry, bath time then bedtime with DS, then fall into bed and pass out at 9pm.

It's the speed at which I need to do the flying during the week that's tiring, need to go fast, otherwise I won't get McToddler into bed on time (and I don't have the will to do any housework once he is in bed, that's my me time).

THATissoooFETCH · 26/03/2023 08:19

I am run down and full of germs. Worked over time this week meaning i did less around the house and also now have less energy to catch up. Fun.

My evening routine isnt great. Some days i dont get home til near 7pm (after leaving the house before 7am 😒

Ta da
🌟 washing on radiators rotated
🌟 finished loading dw and turned on (should have been done before bed so annoyed)
🌟 washer and dryer on
🌟 logged on to hmrc and updated childcare costs