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Housekeeping

Find cleaning advice from other Mumsnetters on our Housekeeping forum.

🌷"Moving in May" - with Flylady🌷

175 replies

BloomingHazel · 30/04/2025 22:30

Join us in building routines to make housework more manageable. Start out with the baby steps, add in the missions in each zone, it will eventually become second nature. Jump right in, you're never left behind!

This is a long running thread, but we are a friendly bunch and all are welcome to join in 😊

May's habit of the month is daily loving movement. Whatever gets you moving, whether it's walking, dancing, cycling, gardening etc. 🚲🕺💃🏊

Do NOT sign up for the Flylady emails - it's an excessive amount sent every day.
There are Baby Steps for starting out, add one thing at a time to start good habits and routines.
There are 5 zones that we will rotate through, don't worry about finishing it all this month, it'll come around again next month! Flylady is NOT about perfectionism!
Daily missions: each day of the week has a different mission.

  • Monday: Home Blessing (or as we call it, home bleugh)
  • Tuesday: plan & play
  • Wednesday: anti-procrastination
  • Thursday: errand day
  • Friday: clean car & purse out a week. It's also date night (with your significant other, or friends, or yourself!)
  • Saturday: family fun day
  • Sunday: renew your spirit

Common acronyms we use:

  • LOL: load of laundry (washing is certainly NOT funny!)
  • DW: dishwasher, we are not rotating wives by any means, although an extra pair of hands could come in handy sometimes 😆
  • LMS: lose/lost my shit
  • DNLMS: did not lose my shit

There are more, feel free to ask us to explain something. I'll try to update links every day, although if you can, it's worth downloading the app, you can even have it send you notifications (although I only have it for when the zones change). You can also modify the tick lists to suit your home & lifestyle.

Links are below 👇 if I happen to not add links in time, they do update at midnight for you.

Zones: https://www.flylady.net/d/zones/

Baby Steps: https://www.flylady.net/d/getting-started/31-beginner-babysteps/

full disclosure: the Flylady website is going through some changes and there have been some issues with it loading/ updating, so I will do my best!

The Current FLY Zone | FlyLady.net

https://www.flylady.net/d/zones/

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EndlesslyDecluttering · 30/04/2025 22:32

Thanks @BloomingHazel I have just been investigating the app and that's not updating properly either, there are comments saying that the emails are working so I might go against thread rule number 1 and sign up.

BloomingHazel · 30/04/2025 22:35

Thanks for the heads up ED I have to admit I haven't been keeping up on the app, hence why I volunteered to run the thread, maybe it'll kick me up the arse to get back on track!
Thank you for running the April thread, I really appreciate it!

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BloomingHazel · 01/05/2025 03:56

It's the beginning of a new month, so back to zone 1 we go! This is the entrance, front porch & dining room. It'll only be for 2 days this month so let's make it count!

Our mission for the day is to clear away any decorations that's still outside, shake out the mats and sweep. This should only take you about 10 minutes, but can make a big difference.

Thursday is errand day, so complete any errands you need to do for this week.

Baby Step 1: shining your sink. https://www.flylady.net/d/getting-started/flying-lessons/shine-sink/
This is the detailed lesson on how to shine your sink, spoiler alert, there's no one right way to clean it, but an empty, shiny sink is the goal. Every night. Trust me, it makes a big difference to your morning to walk into the kitchen and see an empty, shiny sink.

https://www.flylady.net/d/zones/zone-1/

FLYing Lesson: Shining Your Sink | FlyLady.net

https://www.flylady.net/d/getting-started/flying-lessons/shine-sink/

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BloomingHazel · 01/05/2025 04:02

Ta das:
🌷 worked all day
🌷 grocery shop for a few things for dinner
🌷 helped DS cook dinner (I barely did anything actually!)
🌷 DS rotated DW
🌷 handwashed dishes
🌷 wiped countertops down & put away things that have been left out. Isn't it weird that when you're not well enough to have the energy to put things away that they just wait until you're better? 🙄
🌷 S&S both bathrooms (swish & swipe for any newbies out there)

Obviously I had a lot more energy tonight and feeling much better. I'm so glad I got those few things done!

I hope all is well with everyone 🍒👋

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DillyDeclutter · 01/05/2025 06:44

Thank you for the new thread Hazel

May continues to be a very busy work month so I'm hoping to keep on top of the basics but not likely to get to many missions! I am placemarking mainly to lurk, and hope to be in full flow for June.

EndlesslyDecluttering · 01/05/2025 08:40

I don’t want to take down my Easter wreath yet @BloomingHazel Grin it’s so pretty. Lots of houses still have them up here, so it’s staying for now. I need to find a nice summer one, I have autumn and winter ones as well as the Easter (spring) one. But I do need to get rid of the ivy which is crawling in at the bottom of the front door.

Tada! (been up for a couple of hours, the weather is so lovely)
✅10 minute room rescue of my potting shed
✅watered seedlings
✅filled bird feeders
✅depooped litter trays
✅quick tidy of understairs cupboard (location of said trays)
✅last night.s LOL on line, one more done and hung out, just waiting for 3rd to finish
✅bit of email admin
✅quick chat with DH about weekend plans (nothing exciting)

BloomingHazel · 01/05/2025 16:53

I see nothing wrong with leaving the Easter wreath up for a little longer ED 🐰 you've been busy already!

Dilly keeping up on the basics is a good idea, hopefully it'll keep everything more manageable when you have more time for flying!

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BloomingHazel · 02/05/2025 06:09

Friday is clean out your car & purse day. It is also date night.
We are actually going out for dinner, but taking a friend out for his birthday, a little late, but he kind of really did a number on himself on his actually birthday and ended up in hospital. Better late than never! And most importantly, he's alive to tell the tale.

Friday's mission is to spend 15 minutes to clear out the clutter in your entryway. Set your timer, put away the winter coats no longer needed, tidy the shoes, put away the excess, chuck the junk mail, etc.

Baby Step 2: get dressed to shoes. This means get dressed and ready to go out, hair done, face (whether you wear makeup or not, at least moisturise!)
https://www.flylady.net/d/getting-started/31-beginner-babysteps/day-2/

Beginner BabySteps: Day 2 | FlyLady.net

https://www.flylady.net/d/getting-started/31-beginner-babysteps/day-2/

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BloomingHazel · 02/05/2025 06:10

I only rotated the DW tonight, no other flying, but we were at a band concert, watching (& listening!) to DS play in the school band. They all did really well!

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Tiddlersfish · 02/05/2025 07:17

Jumping in on here as a newbie. I’ve had the fly lady app for ages but haven’t taken the plunge yet!

2in2022twoyearson · 02/05/2025 09:59

Place marking 👋

BloomingHazel · 02/05/2025 15:32

Welcome @Tiddlersfish 👋 jump on and start today!

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BloomingHazel · 02/05/2025 15:36

👋 2in2022

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CherryogDog · 03/05/2025 08:21

I've been in the naughty corner for far too long.
I LMS far too often.
I'm in the process of turning my spare room into my office/reading/music room, I'm really looking forward to getting it finished and my things finally getting a home.
I've had another clothes declutter, stalled because my bedroom is piled with stuff from the spare room.
So I'm back to wearing clothes straight from the laundry, which is now completely taught me (at last) that I don't need so many clothes, it's very freeing!
On the cleaning front very little is happening, I've washed the dog room and kitchen floor because they were minging.
I need to change my mindset on not cleaning something because I don't have the time or energy for the whole room.
So my kitchen sink doesn't get shone because there's clutter on the work top and the cupboard fronts need wiping.

Anyway, before I slink back to the naughty corner, thanks to @BloomingHazel for the thread, and hi 👋 to everyone else.

BloomingHazel · 03/05/2025 14:24

Cherry very good to see you appear on here 👋 your own space sounds lovely. You can still chat from the naughty corner though!
Please try to remember that flylady is about making your house better, not perfect.

We went out for dinner last night, taking a friend out for his belated birthday.
I'm still getting over this sickness, it's been weird with the waves of feeling better then another awful symptom appearing. The worst part was having to show up to work all week as we're short staffed due to holidays being taken.
I've decided I'm taking Monday off as a sick day to recover, regardless on how I'm feeling at that time. Whether I actually do, I don't know, but I need to give my body a chance to get over this sickness!

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BloomingHazel · 03/05/2025 14:27

Saturday is family fun day.
What is everyone up to today? I know I'm a little later posting, I was so tired last night that I didn't get on my phone in bed (bad habit, I know), so didn't post before then.
As predicted, the dogs woke me up just before 7am, but I slept a lot better last night than the night before! So I'm currently enjoying my coffee in a quiet house, while everyone sleeps (including the dogs 🙄)

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BloomingHazel · 03/05/2025 14:30

Baby Step 3: https://www.flylady.net/d/getting-started/31-beginner-babysteps/day-3/
Keep doing what we've already started; shine your sink & get dressed to shoes.

She wants you to explore the website today, which might be a little tricky right now where not all the links are working. There is also the app and the Flylady Facebook page, which I have yet to check out as I'm never on Facebook!

Beginner BabySteps: Day 3 | FlyLady.net

https://www.flylady.net/d/getting-started/31-beginner-babysteps/day-3/

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Tiddlersfish · 03/05/2025 18:29

We’ve been to the local farmers market today - the honey lady who I was hoping to buy from wasn’t there but got a gorgeous embroidered jacket for DD. We’ve just had Korean chicken thighs, sweet potato wedges and green beans for tea after doing a proper meal plan for this week. Off to load the dishwasher and shine the sink shortly!
Thanks for having me along for the ride!

BloomingHazel · 04/05/2025 06:45

Tiddlersfish that sounds like a delicious dinner! You are making a great start, and ahead, since you're already meal planning.

I did get some laundry done today, 5 total, as well as rotated the DW and wiped down the countertops & sink.
Still feeling crappy, had DS bake the rolls to take with us to ILs for dinner. I even got a nap!

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BloomingHazel · 04/05/2025 06:50

Sunday is renew your spirit day. This could mean church, a walk in nature, reading a book, taking a relaxing bath, anything!

There are no missions on the weekends, enjoy your family time (or alone time).

Baby Step 4: https://www.flylady.net/d/getting-started/31-beginner-babysteps/day-4/
Shine your sink
Get dressed to shoes
Read the Flylady message on the website

Today, write these on sticky notes and put where you will see them, on the fridge, mirror in the bathroom etc.

Beginner BabySteps: Day 4 | FlyLady.net

https://www.flylady.net/d/getting-started/31-beginner-babysteps/day-4/

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SparrowFeet · 04/05/2025 07:34

Morning! I've started FlyLady this week on the app and I really want to keep it up.
I'm good with weekly house work but keeping rooms clutter free and general every day sprucing I'm quite slovenly (just looking over at my office space now and I just don't understand how it gets so bad so quickly).
Ive been shining my sink all week, and getting through as much of the dailies as possible. Laying out my clothes is one that I'm tending to miss as it stresses me out too much before bed as I'd rather wait for the morning to realise I have nothing to wear but that's another story 😃.
Yesterday I cleaned the entrance mat and the living room carpet and was shocked at the dirt that washed out. Must do that more often as it was rather satisfying.

CherryogDog · 04/05/2025 09:08

@BloomingHazel I haven't been keeping up with the threads so missed that you've been unwell, hope you're on the mend.
I've had nearly 5 months of colds and flu, I'd just be getting over it and then catch something else. Touchwood I've had 3 good weeks but still feel run down.

My DP is still practicing Olympic level procrastination, because of my knackered hands I need him to do the cutting in, which he was going to do yesterday, but didn't. So doesn't look like I'll get my final coat of paint on today.

I started sorting my patio pots last night, ready for giving it a bit of a makeover, and repotted 2 of my indoor plants. I'm waiting to see if I've killed them before I do the rest.

BloomingHazel · 04/05/2025 16:36

Welcome @SparrowFeet 👋 you have made a great start!
I really find it helps to get my clothes out for the next day. I look at the weather, so I'm dressed appropriately but do it shortly after eating dinner, so it's earlier (not right before bed). Then again, I have to be at work before DH even wakes up so I don't want to wake him in the morning.

Cherry I'm hoping I'm about about over it, but still not 100%. I'm expecting to be told that a coworker has already texted to say she's sick. She has form for that. So even though I plan on not going in tomorrow, I'm sure I'll have to anyway 😪
I'm sorry your DH didn't do what he needed to do for you to finish the paint job. What room are you painting?

DH got up with the dogs this morning so I was able to sleep in. Felt great to catch up on sleep!

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THATbasicgirl · 04/05/2025 17:13

Happy May everyone!

We didn't get the house. Feeling pretty down about that. But have one lined up to view this week and another likely the following week

Is the flylady app worth having?

BloomingHazel · 04/05/2025 17:57

I'm sorry to hear about the house THAT I'm sure you'll get one soon 🤞
I think the app is worth it, although the missions aren't being updated properly on there either, there is someone who adds a comment each day with the correct mission, so that helps!
You can modify the tick lists to make it personalised for you.

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