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[IncaMama]

if doing one whole room at a time feels overwhelming, maybe you can do categories at a time. i generally try to do that because i get overwhelmed with a *room* at a time.

so first i do all clothing. everywhere. i gather every single piece of dirty clothing and put it in the laundry room in baskets. every single piece of clothing that is clean gets put away.

then i do dishes. we generally only have dishes in the dining room, kitchen, and family room. but i will still do a full sweep of the house just in case the kids ran off with a cup or something. clean all dishes, put them all away.

this then typically turns into cleaning the rest of the kitchen (countertops, stovetop, microwave insides, etc).

the next thing i do is get a big storage bin and go through each floor and gather every.single.thing. that doesn't belong where it currently is. i start out on the top floor typically, because it's the easiest one. so no matter what it is and no matter where it goes, if it doesn't belong where it currently is, it goes in the big bin. this is even if i have an inkling that i won't be keeping it. all in the bin. so when i leave whatever room i start in, there will be nothing out of place, nothing that doesn't belong. granted, it's not where it belongs yet but at least it's contained. when the bin is full, i sit down in my comfy family room chair, turn on the TV and start sorting. : trash, sell, donate, put away.

now, i'm sure that there are better ways to do this. but this is what i have had success with given how my brain works and my own limits. maybe it'll work for you, maybe not. LOL

but i agree that you have too much stuff. and that you're not making good use of your storage/shelves.

but i see categories when i look at your pictures. clothes, papers/books, toys. i'd start there.

[Twocoolboys]

Originally Posted by BoringTales

As another poster said, start with ONE room one day. Clean that. EVERYTHING. Under everything. On top of everything. Get rid of anything you can. Craigslist and freecycle are great for this. Sell what you can and give away what doesn't sell. Use the money you make to buy some more storage and organization tools.

The next day, wake up and do what needs to be done to maintain the first room you tackled before you start on the next room.

Not to take over the thread, but I'm curious how one does this while still taking care of children, preparing meals, running errands, etc. I've got three kids, including a nursing baby, and there is not any time to take an entire day to devote to cleaning out one full room, much less several days in a row to do the whole house this way.

I used to declutter and do major cleaning this way (before I had 3 kids), but I really never learned how to maintain a clutter free state by doing a big cleaning binge. Things always built up again.

I guess everyone is different when it comes to cleaning and clutter. A big purge over a few days works for some. I need to work a few minutes of clutter control into every day, in addition to the daily chores, in order to get it under control and stay on top of it.

Frankly, I'm kind of surprised at all the advice to do a big purge of each room in a short amount of time. If you've ever really had a clutter problem, did this really work long-term? Or did you just have to repeat again in six months or a year? I'm building a long-term solution so that I will never get in that state again.

Feel free to check out my blog, it's in my profile (click on my name and the link in the drop down menu).

[IncaMama]

yeah, i generally don't have the time to do that either. which is why categories work for me, like i posted above. i can generally scoot away for about 20mins at a time before the kids start to murder each other. so i just do a mad dash and get as much done as i can.

i also have help from my mom a couple times a week, and have weekends where DH pretty much takes over all parenting duties (we set it up this way when i was writing my dissertation and it's sort of stuck, though now i'm just sitting on my arse or decluttering instead LOL).

but i agree that it's nearly impossible (at least for me!) to devote an entire day to this when it's just me and the kids.

Originally Posted by Twocoolboys

Not to take over the thread, but I'm curious how one does this while still taking care of children, preparing meals, running errands, etc. I've got three kids, including a nursing baby, and there is not any time to take an entire day to devote to cleaning out one full room, much less several days in a row to do the whole house this way.

I used to declutter and do major cleaning this way (before I had 3 kids), but I really never learned how to maintain a clutter free state by doing a big cleaning binge. Things always built up again.

I guess everyone is different when it comes to cleaning and clutter. A big purge over a few days works for some. I need to work a few minutes of clutter control into every day, in addition to the daily chores, in order to get it under control and stay on top of it.

Frankly, I'm kind of surprised at all the advice to do a big purge of each room in a short amount of time. If you've ever really had a clutter problem, did this really work long-term? Or did you just have to repeat again in six months or a year? I'm building a long-term solution so that I will never get in that state again.

Feel free to check out my blog, it's in my profile (click on my name and the link in the drop down menu).

[BoringTales]

Originally Posted by Twocoolboys

Not to take over the thread, but I'm curious how one does this while still taking care of children, preparing meals, running errands, etc. I've got three kids, including a nursing baby, and there is not any time to take an entire day to devote to cleaning out one full room, much less several days in a row to do the whole house this way.

I used to declutter and do major cleaning this way (before I had 3 kids), but I really never learned how to maintain a clutter free state by doing a big cleaning binge. Things always built up again.

I guess everyone is different when it comes to cleaning and clutter. A big purge over a few days works for some. I need to work a few minutes of clutter control into every day, in addition to the daily chores, in order to get it under control and stay on top of it.

Frankly, I'm kind of surprised at all the advice to do a big purge of each room in a short amount of time. If you've ever really had a clutter problem, did this really work long-term? Or did you just have to repeat again in six months or a year? I'm building a long-term solution so that I will never get in that state again.

Feel free to check out my blog, it's in my profile (click on my name and the link in the drop down menu).

I have three kids too, 4.5, 3, and 1.5, and I'm due with #4 in July. It isn't easy!!

I've personally found that I have more than enough time to do this if I cut out other unnecessary things....like the internet & tv. There's more than enough time in one day to clean out one room and change diapers, make meals and snacks. It helps if you have a partner that is willing to pitch in on the other things (dishes, a load of laundry or two) in the evenings too.

[Twocoolboys]

Originally Posted by IncaMama

yeah, i generally don't have the time to do that either.

Whew! I thought it was just me - lol!

I love the category idea. I usually take one small area and tackle that. But, I'm going to incorporate some categories in there, too. Thanks!

[IncaMama]

i think kids' temperaments have a lot to do with it too, though. my kids aer up.my.arse all day long. i really can't do anything without them wanting to be right by my side unless i turn on the TV for a bit and distract them that way. but i also don't wanna have the TV on all day so i can declutter, kwim?

[Twocoolboys]

Originally Posted by BoringTales

I have three kids too, 4.5, 3, and 1.5, and I'm due with #4 in July. It isn't easy!!

I've personally found that I have more than enough time to do this if I cut out other unnecessary things....like the internet & tv. There's more than enough time in one day to clean out one room and change diapers, make meals and snacks. It helps if you have a partner that is willing to pitch in on the other things (dishes, a load of laundry or two) in the evenings too.

But, is it a long-term solution? Or do you find yourself having to repeat it in a few months?

I know that for me, it wouldn't work. Different strokes for different folks, even when it comes to cleaning - lol.

[Twocoolboys]

Originally Posted by IncaMama

i think kids' temperaments have a lot to do with it too, though. my kids aer up.my.arse all day long.

That's a good point. Mine are right up mine, too - lol!

[Twocoolboys]

[QUOTE=BoringTales;13439127]I have three kids too, 4.5, 3, and 1.5, and I'm due with #4 in July. It isn't easy!!

QUOTE]

Are you nesting? Or is this typical for you? Great way to use the nesting energy, if that's what it is!

[IncaMama]

i should add that i'm due in 2 weeks with #3 so some of the energy i've had is nesting too. until last week when my body suddenly came to a screeching halt so now i just look around *thinking* about what i want to declutter. LOL

[chiromamma]

Originally Posted by IncaMama

if doing one whole room at a time feels overwhelming, maybe you can do categories at a time. i generally try to do that because i get overwhelmed with a *room* at a time.

so first i do all clothing. everywhere. i gather every single piece of dirty clothing and put it in the laundry room in baskets. every single piece of clothing that is clean gets put away.

then i do dishes. we generally only have dishes in the dining room, kitchen, and family room. but i will still do a full sweep of the house just in case the kids ran off with a cup or something. clean all dishes, put them all away.

this then typically turns into cleaning the rest of the kitchen (countertops, stovetop, microwave insides, etc).

the next thing i do is get a big storage bin and go through each floor and gather every.single.thing. that doesn't belong where it currently is. i start out on the top floor typically, because it's the easiest one. so no matter what it is and no matter where it goes, if it doesn't belong where it currently is, it goes in the big bin. this is even if i have an inkling that i won't be keeping it. all in the bin. so when i leave whatever room i start in, there will be nothing out of place, nothing that doesn't belong. granted, it's not where it belongs yet but at least it's contained. when the bin is full, i sit down in my comfy family room chair, turn on the TV and start sorting. : trash, sell, donate, put away.

now, i'm sure that there are better ways to do this. but this is what i have had success with given how my brain works and my own limits. maybe it'll work for you, maybe not. LOL

but i agree that you have too much stuff. and that you're not making good use of your storage/shelves.

but i see categories when i look at your pictures. clothes, papers/books, toys. i'd start there.

This why I like flylady's baby steps and 15 minutes/day structure. That's how I decluttered when my kids were little and at home all day.

[AllisonK]

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[mommaof3boz]

allison-good job on the home management binder update. The fort removal and bathroom clean are less than an hour of work, but it will make a start. looking at the pics toys and books are the biggest issue. if you feel you need to keep everything, which I'm not on board with but its not my stuff, maybe you could make fabric curtains to cover the bookshelves. you could use a tension rod in the top and hang it like a shower curtain over the front. when you want something just move the fabric. the toy organizer would look so much better if you invested in the cloth boxes that fit in each square so everything isn't totally visable. what about getting a wooden desk for the living room and getting rid of the folding table. you could store crafting supplies in the drawers and the machine could sit on top. just some thoughts...

[Delicateflower]

Originally Posted by Twocoolboys

Not to take over the thread, but I'm curious how one does this while still taking care of children, preparing meals, running errands, etc. I've got three kids, including a nursing baby, and there is not any time to take an entire day to devote to cleaning out one full room, much less several days in a row to do the whole house this way.

It depends if you have a partner and/or kids that sleep. But I can easily send my family to the zoo or close the door on them on weekend. And I get 3-4 hours in the evening to do things. I also get a decent hour or two of nap time almost every day, with only one child awake.

Originally Posted by LisainCalifornia

The rest of the week is all about maintenance all day long. I never would eat lunch with breakfast dishes in the sink! I eat my meal, and within the hour I am cleaning it up. If you start making changes like this, eventually you will find that your house never gets so out of control.

I agree that decluttering is a big necessary step, but you can't let that stop you from doing the basics--like cleaning your kitchen after every meal and doing your laundy.

But with young kids it's not three meals a day. Mine eat every two hours. There is no way, absolutely NO WAY I will clean the whole kitchen up after every snack. I spend enough time getting meals and snacks and cleaning up the table and high chair afterwards. NFW will I do the dishes as well.

[2cutiekitties]

Have you thought about the palooza from the Land of Nod? I can see it helping in a few of those shots. They look deceiving. I can store ALL of my sons toys in there, and he has tons.

http://www.landofnod.com/spill.aspx?c=2860&pc=4

My house is way worse, so dont feel bad. My hubby works from home and that is killing us storage wise.

Hmmm, maybe I will post my house sometime

[BoringTales]

Originally Posted by Twocoolboys

But, is it a long-term solution? Or do you find yourself having to repeat it in a few months?

I know that for me, it wouldn't work. Different strokes for different folks, even when it comes to cleaning - lol.

When my house gets out of hand it isn't because I 'don't have time' to clean it, its because I've become lazy and complacent and have been spending WAY too much time on the computer every day.

I have three small boys who are little tornadoes. They make a mess just by walking through a room it seems like. Its a LOT of work having small children, but you just have to DO IT.

I'm not coming down on the OP at ALL. As I've said, I've been there (not *there* with that much stuff, but *there* with a house equally not presentable to any one outside our immediate family). I'm also not saying that MY way is the only way, by any means! I definitely don't have any method perfected yet, and if I took pictures of my house right this second, it would demonstrate that.

Good luck on your cleaning quest! Its not fun to live like that. I know!

[AllisonK]

Originally Posted by mommaof3boz

what about getting a wooden desk for the living room and getting rid of the folding table. you could store crafting supplies in the drawers and the machine could sit on top. just some thoughts...

When I am not sewing the table and machine go away. Table fits under my bed and the rubbermaids go in various closets. The machines themselves have homes in the hall closet. I just can't be getting everything in and out when I am in the middle of a big project (currently its summer clothes for the kids). Takes me so long to get everything set up that by the time I am done the kids are hungry or need something or baby needs to nurse. The table is not really an issue for me as it all has a home and is not there all the time, just when I'm using it.

I love the idea of hanging curtains but the baby would pull those down on herself. As they are in the playroom I don't really care that the shelves are full. I enjoy that the kids have an assortment of books to pick up and read at any time. DD especially loves picking a random topic and doing "reports" she does not know they are reports but they are. she even does an outline and notes. lol

Originally Posted by 2cutiekitties

Have you thought about the palooza from the Land of Nod? I can see it helping in a few of those shots. They look deceiving. I can store ALL of my sons toys in there, and he has tons.

http://www.landofnod.com/spill.aspx?c=2860&pc=4

My house is way worse, so dont feel bad. My hubby works from home and that is killing us storage wise.

Hmmm, maybe I will post my house sometime

Those are really cute! I wish we had extra money for them but sadly we do not. And yes please post your house next.

[AllisonK]

delete

[Adamsmama]

Originally Posted by Twocoolboys

Not to take over the thread, but I'm curious how one does this while still taking care of children, preparing meals, running errands, etc. I've got three kids, including a nursing baby, and there is not any time to take an entire day to devote to cleaning out one full room, much less several days in a row to do the whole house this way.

I used to declutter and do major cleaning this way (before I had 3 kids), but I really never learned how to maintain a clutter free state by doing a big cleaning binge. Things always built up again.

I guess everyone is different when it comes to cleaning and clutter. A big purge over a few days works for some. I need to work a few minutes of clutter control into every day, in addition to the daily chores, in order to get it under control and stay on top of it.

Frankly, I'm kind of surprised at all the advice to do a big purge of each room in a short amount of time. If you've ever really had a clutter problem, did this really work long-term? Or did you just have to repeat again in six months or a year? I'm building a long-term solution so that I will never get in that state again.

Feel free to check out my blog, it's in my profile (click on my name and the link in the drop down menu).

I have 3 small kids and I did this about 3 months ago. My kids ages were 5, 3, and 1.5 at the time. I did a lot of it over the Christmas/New Years holiday -- so I guess DH was home a little more to help with the kids and I also worked to do this on weekends. This has worked for me - I packed as if I were going to move next week. I packed up stuff that I would bring with me in a move (books, etc.) also decluttered majorly in the mean time. I did it all myself (he didn't help with the decluttering). I packed up boxes of stuff from each room that we want to store (photo albums - things like that). I put bags full of stuff to give to good will and other stuff to Craiglist. I was realistic -- would I bring this to another home with me. Have I used it in a year? Do I like it and want it? (Clothes, electronics, DVDs, books, furniture ... got given away or sold) While the kids played I listed things on Ebay/Craiglist, DH would drive things to Good Will, etc. I could stop at any time to care for the kids but I also just had a mindset of get this done. I also did most of this at night once the kids went to bed.

I was going to suggest to start a cleaning routine that makes sense for you and your family. For me it is unload dishes every morning, clean kitchen if it isn't cleaned, reload dishes, bake something (most mornings bread or muffins get started...) or prep for dinner (ex: make a pie crust if you are going to make chicken pot pie for dinner ... and then refrigerate it). Next I might tidy something/some other room. Once the baby wakes up I start a load of laundry. I get the younger kids dressed and then play for a while and relax. Then it is more laundry and redo dishes after lunch. Then more laundry/put away/folded, tidy and sweep before DH gets home, put away toys. Randomly throughout the day I'll pick a room to clean up, too. That is most days -- other days I have added chores like Wash Sheets Day, or Clean Bathrooms Day or Baking Day. I do things that I can get done either while the kids nap or play.

[hillymum]

I agree with a pp that there is way too much stuff in your home, but all the extra stuff appeared to be toys. Your two older children should be looking after their own mess and not letting it take over the whole house like thay have done.
I don't know what parenting method you are modeling but it isn't working if you don't like living with the mess? (That sounds so ..............., sorry! Trying to be straight with you.) Once I reached that point I had y two older boys get all the toys into their rooms and told the toys could come into the family room but at the end of the day they HAD TO BE RETURNED TO THEIR ROOM. The differencce has been amazing. Now I have one basket for my 4yr olds toys and its a 2 minute job to get him to collect his toys and throw them into the basket. I also have a container for baby toys as we have a regular flow of friends with babies plus I sometimes babysit. Board gaes and art supplies are in two cupboards near where they are used so cleanup is easy. It's good to see that all the boys are able to clean up after themselves as it's now easier for them to do. This has left me so uch more time to tackle the rrest of the house. In your case your main problem areas are laundry room and kitchen which I would suggest a little at a time. If something is in the wrrong room pick it up as you haed in the direction you would like it to be in and take the few extra seconds to put that pone item away where it really should belong. it will take a while to get everything into the right place, but it's a great habit to get into. it's not overwhelming to do and each little thing adds up really fast if you do it every time you go from one area to another. It is also possile to do when you have an exta body attached to you.

The other way of getting my home back in order is to declare a cleaning hour where everyone has to help. I delegate age appropriate jobs to everyone, dh included.

Your home might look a mess but it's only surface mess which can be managed! I'm looking forwards to seeing the after pictures!