Overwhelmed Accountability Thread

[OrangeOctopusEyes]

My house is hopelessly overwhelming - cluttered, messy, dirty and in need of some repairs. Would anyone be interested in being a sort of accountability/support buddy? I can feel it getting worse day by day and I’m at the point where I don’t know where to start. Work full time, 2 dc under 3 and some caring responsibilities. Thanks x

Hi there,

I could have written this.

My delay in replying is because I am at a very different stage of life, late 60s, so my challenges are no less real but different, and perhaps less immediate at times - I no longer have young children or pets,

I also don't know where to start, if you'd still like a buddy, sounds good to me.

Do message me if you wish.

I'm in, the mess is driving me mad

Are you looking for other people in the same boat to encourage you and share their troubles, or someone to guide you towards managing your situation better and celebrating small wins with you?

Can you throw money at the problem?

I got a bit overwhelmed with the jobs mounting up in my house. I hate spending money on it but had to accept that some maturity was required!

I am great at decluttering. Do it one room at a time and be ruthless. Get anything sellable on Vinted. Rest goes in the bin or charity.

Then I booked a decorated/handyman to give me a quote to decorate my entire house from top to bottom. Plus a list of little jobs, fixing drawers, resealing bath type things.

Once he was booked in, I booked a holiday for a week so I was away whilst the work was done.

I came back relaxed and happy to a shiny newly painted clean and tidy house. It has been much easier to keep on top of it. I have a couple of things need fixing that have broken since, but I can wait and get three or four done together.

Good luck!

Have you got a partner? It really helps to tackle things with someone else. You probably need help with fixing things so ask locally for a recommendation to help you with this. A message on a local WhatsApp group or Facebook group would get some names. Can you afford a cleaner? Getting someone in once a fortnight would provide some focus for decluttering and motivation to keep on top of things. I'd recommend building habits if you don't already have them. When I had a toddler and my house was a disaster area I focused on keeping the kitchen table completely clear. It really helped to have one clear space in the chaos. You've got a lot on so cut yourself some slack.

Hiya, sorry to hear you’re struggling. I’ll message you.

Absolutely this is exactly what I’d like to try.

I’ve just realised I’m replying wrong, sorry I’m technically useless! I don’t have muck money, but my ex partner (children’s dad) would probably do some jobs if I gave him a list

Hi @OrangeOctopusEyes

I don’t know if this would help you but there are lots of us on this thread plodding along with the sort of stuff you’re facing I think & you’d be very welcome to join - the thread title might explain the content 😀

https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/_chat/5469204-one-shitty-job-a-day-mission-to-get-all-the-crappy-tasks-done-this-year?utm_campaign=thread&utm_medium=app_share

Hi everyone, I started a few days ago and have decluttered (as in left the house gone gone) the following items -

• Small Empty boxes x2
• 2 baby vests
• 1 pair of tights
• 1 pair of kids leggings
• Refillable bottles x 2
• Jumper leggings baby outfit
• Large cardboard box
• Horse boots
• Cushion
• Packaging
• Expired vitamins

Barriers in letting things go for me are monetary value of something which I think started when an ex partner emptied a joint account and left me with literally nothing to pay all the bills. I’m always happy to sell items on Vinted eBay etc but throwing away is something I also struggle with because of the thought of all the landfill! Does anyone else struggle with similar barriers ?

Yes @OrangeOctopusEyesI really struggle with this too, it then leads to stuff building up and becoming problematic. I think mine comes from childhood, but the outcome is the same. In the past I’ve found using the freecycle / giveaway sites like Olio etc useful (as at least things are going to a good home). Need to get back into the swing of it as moving house soon and there’s lots to go!

Yes I am the same. I watch Sort Your Life Out on BBC for inspiration and motivation for decluttering and organising but they also give good tips for recycling/disposing of items. Unopened toiletries can go in collection bins inside boots/superdrug. Unwanted electricals can be recycled in Curry’s etc.

They have good upcycling ideas too so you can re-use what you already have. Very creative!