I discovered the world of blogs about a year and a half ago, and I immediately thought that it was the thing for me. I mean, a reason to write – great! A chance of someone actually reading what I write – wow! So, I’ve researched, considered, planned, meant to and generally procrastinated in starting one. Why? Well, it hasn’t been for a lack of ideas. I have some great blog ideas, and I think they could really work. I’m passionate about being a mother and have had several people suggest that I do one about that. I’m quite the couponing expert now and love to give advice on that subject. So why the slob idea?
Basically, my reason for putting off the blog thing was that I knew it would/could be something I would really get into. I’ve always loved writing, but I’m not the type who keeps a journal by my bed. I need a purpose to get me to write. I also know that I’m easily consumed by new and exciting things and I didn’t really need another thing to distract me from that thing from which I get so easily distracted . . . housework. I could talk about motherhood, but I would be so afraid that if someone saw my house on the wrong day (translated – any day I’m not expecting company), I would feel like a fraud.
My house is messy. Really messy. And this is the area where I feel like a total failure. I am constantly frustrated with it and I know it affects all the other areas of my life, and the lives of each person in my family. Even the things I’m pretty good at could be so much better if it weren’t for this problem.
Every mother knows that the real time for resolutions is the beginning of the school year. This is when everything really starts over. So, in this year where I only have one at home, I wanted to finally get this thing conquered. Combining my desire to blog with my need to fix this area of my life is not going to be an overnight solution. I’m not doing a 30 day or even a 365 day plan to a cleaner house. I need to change my routine, my habits and finally be consistent in this.
My commitment to my non-existent readers is to be honest. Completely honest. I will stop making excuses and do what needs to be done. My hope is that writing daily on this blog will make me keep my focus.
Today I start to follow your journey. I am delighted that I heard about your blog. I too hope to be able to de-clutter and keep my home tidy.
Cheers!
Awesome idea, and I look forward to reading more! Glad I found your blog from a link over on today's WFMW posts!
i am not a slob, but i love reading your blog! i love the lists (huge list-maker here) and watching your mind/house transformation. you have a great sense of humor, and the blog is sprinkled with sage perceptions about life, clutter, value and yourself. thanks for opening up your deslobification to us on the web.
dawn
Thanks for the inspiration. I started my own blog about taking control of my clutter and all (a long journey, I am sure) and my first entry was entitled "Here we go!" in honor of this post. Thanks and I look forward to reading more of your blog.
I am on mat leave with my second child and have been bitten by the decluttering bug. Look forward to reading about your journey
Again as I read this I am amazed much like me you sound. I’m encouraged!
Wow there’s more of us out there. I’ve had hubby buy me strugglinghomemaker.com and then let it expire. I felt like I could’ve written this post myself. Looking forward to reading your blog!
Yes, Maggie . . . there are so many more of us than I ever imagined before I started this blog! Glad you found me!
wow you dont know how you inspired me to start my journey.i have been a slob for long but i did not know that i was one.however people around me started talking about it behind my back it hurt me so much but i told myself that i am going to change and no one will laugh at my daughter.today i am so proud of my progress
Oh My!! Thank you!! It´s like taking words out of my mouth. I´m so very glad you have a page for “New” people. I looked at your most recent blog and was completely intimidated. I´m much better now :)…Thanks!
-Heather Kaspar
http://buckupbaby.blogspot.com
I just found your blog and holy moses, there are people like me out there!!!!
I found your blog through The Finer Things in Life. I got the de-cluttering bug in April 2011 after my husband of 29 years passed away at the tender age of 50. He was sick for 17 years and was ready to go, but me and boys miss him, of course. Anyway, BOY did I get the de-cluttering bug after he passed! It felt so good to get rid of the hospital-related stuff first and continue on with cupboards, closets, garage, etc. There is still a LOT more I can find new homes for or just toss. Some people are still in the “acquiring stage” and they are happy to take the stuff that I don’t want. Now I have to learn to get rid of the big stuff like some furniture–and two electric wheelchairs. Wish me luck–and I’ll gladly accept prayer!
Wow, Kathy, you will definitely have my prayers. I’m so glad you found my blog. There are so many of us together on this journey.
If you have a local Restore, they will pick up for free.
I love that you are resharing this. I found you after reading your first book and never did read your blog. But I soooo need this right now. I am a homeschool mom so summer is when we start over and get back on track with all the projects that get neglected while we are schooling throughout the year. <3 you are amazing Dana! I can't wait til I am on the other other side of this awful shameful bad habit!
Hi Nony!
I’ve decided to take your advice and read your blog backwards. I’m not as big of a slob as I used to be. FlyLady has helped a lot, but like you, I got overwhelmed from all the emails and unsubscribed. I do make my bed every day now!
I used to post Clutterbug Confessions every week on my blog. It was great motivation. But then I deleted them all along with every other post because I’m moody/crazy/can’t make up my mind/or something like that. I just relaunched my blog August 1st. I don’t do Clutterbug Confessions anymore, but I might confess a few things here.
I am struggling! Especially since our newest blessing entered the scene. We’re a homeschooling family, and each day I resolve again to homeschool, respect my writing time, and keep a reasonably clean house.
I’m glad for the chance to read your journey as I live mine!
Rebecca
Welcome, Rebecca!
I use fly lady app and have listened to your latest book I like how you can stop and not have a huge mess trying to purge closets.
Joy
Hi Nony,
I just found you and started reading from the beginning. Just wanted to say how inspiring you are. I read about 30 posts then got up and washed the dishes and folded some laundry. You encouraged me to start when I just didn’t know where to start.
Thanks again,
Cathy
Welcome, Cathy! I’m so glad you found me! It’s amazing how much of a difference it makes to just do something . . . anything!
Just found your blog via OrgJunkie. I’m enjoying reading about your progress and how you are learning to change your thoughts and behaviors – you have great advice and a very honest voice.
Welcome, Amy!
Wow…I’m not alone! I found your blog through Mama’s Laundry Talk and I am so glad I did. I swore I wouldn’t turn into my mother (growing up I was too embarrassed to have friends over) and I did. This breaks my heart because now I’m too embarrassed for my kids to have friends over. 🙁 I love the concept of Flylady, and have started over SO many times, but I need to find a way that will not overwhelm me. I’m starting to read your blog backwards today! Maybe, just maybe, after 44 years I’ll succeed!! Thank you for being so willing to share your journey…..God bless!!
Oh Lord. I’m at the beginning. I know this is gonna be good because I hear in your words what is echoed in my head. My whole life is affected by the fact that I can’t keep it together with the cleaning. I’d rather be weeding the garden but alas, somehow somebody has to vacuum around here. Look forward to your journey!
I am a slob. That’s one of the reasons I started a section of my blog as Confessions of a Disorganized housewife. I haven’t posted every week *because* I’m so disorganized. I’ve read countless organizing/cleaning books and most were/are written by people who seemingly were born cleaning and organizing. Just two days ago I found your blog, and I realized, you get it. You’ve been where I am now. I’ve said it before, you inspire me. My dishes are done (for the moment.), my floor is swept, my stove is clean. I feel like i have a friend right here with me, encouraging me to continue decluttering and turning this house into a home. Thank you.
You speak from my soul….thank you
I just discovered your website and book (bought it) 2 days ago. My house has been overwhelming me for quite some time. Up until this January, I was homeschooling 2 of my children and just let the house go as I had no time to do it. (so was my excuse) I didn’t know that I wasn’t the only one with this problem.
I admit that I am a slob. That is hard to admit. I don’t know why I am. I don’t want to be.
I read your book (yes, all of it tho I did start a load of dishes before I finished 🙂 I did the dishes, 4 loads in the washer plus some by hand. All day, I kept saying to myself, “Do the dishes” even after I was done and while trying to get to sleep last night. I even made up a “do the dishes” song… lol It was amazing how good it felt to wake up to no dishes in the sink.
I already have hope for my home! I thank God that I’ve found your book and website. Thank you!
Now to go unload the dishwasher! 🙂
Wow Nony, you are my soulmate! I am also a slob, I also want to be a blogger but I don’t know what to blog about. I’m afraid of being judged, mostly! But the reason I am here is because of my kinship with your slobbyness. I am an Army Retiree with two school-age kids, and my military discipline retired when I did. I need my focus and discipline back, all of this free time has given me a “I have time, I’ll do it later” attitude, except that later never comes…..I can’t even admit to my hubby that I have a problem!
Hi!! You have a great sense of humor and that’s what drew me to your site. I also can sooooo relate to you!! For the past month I’ve been in a sluggish rut and my house has steadily gotten worse. I’m so glad I found your website—I’m starting from the beginning and going to work my way thru your fun blog:) T
Welcome, Christina!
I just found this blog this morning! what an eye opener. right now I am staring at a box that fell over two days ago….I have just blindly walked by it. never again I tell ya! thank you for the inspiration.
I just found your blog through junkie.org and have been inspired to start a new blog about reorganizing my life one step at a time in my home. I am a mother of a two year old little boy and he loves to help mommy around the house. So perhaps I can create my blog around the adventures of mother and son and the adventures of decluttering life! There are so many things I need to do to de clutter, re-organize and just change my lifestyle. Its nice to know there are other people out there like me. I don’t consider myself a ‘slob’, however I am a bit disorganized. I suppose working full time outside the home, taking care of a toddler and running a business at home, life can certainly create a bit of mayhem!
Thank you for your inspirational ideas!
Cheers
Andrea
So, I’m reading through your posts from the begining and I’m looking at your pictures of your desk and your dinning table and I’m thinking, omg, that’s my desk and table. That clutter is my clutter.
I so want to be one of those people who can have anyone drop by at anytime and not feel embarrassed about the condition of my home. I don’t want to be the person who, when someone rings the doorbells, has to squish herself out a one foot crack in the door for fear they will see in, and blame it on the barking dog on the other side.
So ive decided to read your blot each day, three years to the day behind, and follow your schedule each day.
Wish me luck,
Laura
Laura, I don’t know if you will get this but I read your comment (a few years ago now) from A Slob Comes Clean and you cracked me up with:
“I so want to be one of those people who can have anyone drop by at anytime and not feel embarrassed about the condition of my home. I don’t want to be the person who, when someone rings the doorbells, has to squish herself out a one foot crack in the door for fear they will see in, and blame it on the barking dog on the other side.”
Thank you for my morning giggle. I just found this blog and I am hoping that this might be the ticket to get me started on a clutter free home.
You made my day because that is me right now! Sliding my back along the wall trying to get a peek to see who is at my door like a spy movie! Not letting that friend who has the ”
magazine home” step foot into my home. 😀
I discovered you last night, from a link posted to the “unclutterer.com” forums.
The first thing I saw was your video about the “Extreme decluttering” of the “out” bench. And I nearly squealed with delight at seeing the “Before” stage, because – Wow! You have the courage to SHARE what I have been hiding my whole adult life (and would have liked to hide earlier, but how can you hide your room from your parents?)!
“Even the things I’m pretty good at could be so much better if it weren’t for this problem.” Yes. this.
Both because I could find things better, invite people etc. – and because I would have less triggers to go into self-loathing mode upon sight of kitchen counters, clean clothes piled high on the bedroom floor, dirty clothes obscuring the bathtub rim even as the hamper is directly beside it…
Thanks for your courage and honesty. This gives me HOPE.
Holy cow! I am not alone! I feel like you have been spying on me and written down my life! I am so pleased to have found your blog, you have given me the encouragement and guidance I have been searching for. Thank you, and I am looking forward to following your blog.
Welcome!
Oh my goodness!… I can’t tell you how funny it is to watch you and your facial expressions!… I love it I really don’t know how I stumbled upon your site.. Well, I was really just going to drink a cup of coffee I told my daughter and then start cleaning… Yah, right!…lol.. Okay so then I find a video of you and talking about decluttering your house. I can’t tell you how many times I say I am going to start doing something and then end back on the couch. You sound so much like me and I guess thats why I am so intrigued by your videos. Hopefully you can get me motivated to move.. Thanks for doing this I absolutely love it.
Good Luck!… and I will keep watching and hopefully cleaning…………..Anita
Welcome, Anita!
I have eight kids, so I’ve spent the last thirteen years of my life filling my house with stuff I don’t need (mostly because I was too tired to deal with it). Now that my baby is two, I’m breaking free! Time to love my home and be able to invite guests into any room at any time. I just discoverd your blog and I’m looking forward reading all your posts and following your lead. Thanks for offering support to those of us who need a little encouragement.
Welcome, Bethany!
Ok, so I’ve read your ebook (about 7 months ago) and I did great for 3 days and then abandoned all hope. Starting again, trying to stay positive 😀
You’ve already hit the key thing. Starting again. I’ve started again about sixty-thousand times, and that’s what has made the difference.
Okay, this really speaks to me. All of it. I came from a big, messy house and swore I wouldn’t be the same. I now live in a big, messy house and it makes me feel like a failure too. So I’m really glad to see this. We’ll see what happens, it’s exciting!!!
Welcome, Julie!
Hi Nony! I’ve been reading through your site to help motivate me for getting my apartment in shape. I’ve been collecting too much stuff for our apartments, with the idea that we’d “buy a bigger house and need it all someday.” Well, we decided to live in an urban area, so the space I have now is about what I’m going to have forever! Also, we have several big moves, including a year apart when I plan to move with what I can fit in our hatchback. I’ve been shedding layers of clutter and stuff that I love but that no longer fits with my lifestyle and goals, and it’s really starting to show now!
I’m actually commenting to share a trick I found for reading your blog from the beginning (there’s no commenting on the “getting started” page). I find it easier to read blogs when several posts show up on the same webpage, so I just kept trying page numbers until I found your first one (460, as of today). I type that page number into the address: https://www.aslobcomesclean.com/page/460/
Hope this can help others get through without quite so much clicking!
Cool! Thanks for the info!
One thing I’ve really been using from your blog is the “5 minute task” idea. The thought that most clutter/slob stuff that gets to me every time I see it would only take about 5 minutes (or LESS) to clean! This morning, I even used the 5 minute thing on my husband. I had a pile of stuff I had pulled out of his drawer, which is at least 70% clutter now. I very sweetly asked him if he could find time today to just work on it for 5 minutes, and stop whenever the time was up. (Last night I shared your genius question of “If I need this, will I remember that I already have it?”). I fully expect that he will finish the task in LESS than 5 minutes, because I’ve already put the most useful stuff back in his drawer, but I don’t want to get a bad rep for purging his stuff without his permission (except pens…that’s his kryptonite…he steals them from everywhere and I now shamelessly throw them in the trash). My secret hope is that it will inspire him to tackle the big pile of clutter sitting on top of the drawers!
You’ve also been reminding me about the “you can do anything for 15 minutes” principle with my dissertation writing — and I recommended it to my husband when he was feeling stuck with writing, too. I learned this a few years ago in the context of coping strategies for individuals with ADHD and have read it several times since, but this is a good season of life to be reminded of it!
I also did a “final” closet clean-out (I’m *hoping* we don’t need any more big purges) so we could see what we both need as we start “real jobs” that require “real clothes” this fall. I thought he had 6 pairs of dress pants, but when we were really honest (my question is “Would you EVER wear this if anything else is clean?”), he only had 2 and I had NONE that fit anymore. It’s so much easier to plan our shopping for the summer when we know what we really need, which means we can take advantage of sales and coupons at our favorite stores instead of buying ill-fitting or over-priced pieces at the last minute!
I’m writing a little novel here, but I used to blog and know how much bloggers love comments, and I really am pulling some great themes/principles from your blog. So instead of finding the appropriate posts, I’m just dumping them all here…very slob-like of me, but I guess that’s why I’m here. 🙂
One last thing — I had bought a really nice bamboo drawer organizer, that almost caused marital discord because it was “one more box to move.” I was back at Costco (I’m lucky my husband lets me go to Costco unsupervised!) and saw it was on sale, and *wanted* to buy a second one because “of course I’ll find a use for it.” Instead, I decided to bite the bullet, get it out of the storage unit, and actually start using it.
It took me maybe an hour (I was multitasking and didn’t time it) to re-organize the drawers, including purging a couple kitchen gadgets (hubby’s other kryptonite…). (I do understand that an hour to reorganize a couple drawers is a luxury of the childless.) “Of course I could find a use for” the neon-green plastic organizer someone gave me as part of a house-warming set when I moved into my first apartment at age 20…but instead I put it in the Goodwill pile. And when hubby saw the drawer in all its glory, he said “I feel like a grown-up!” (He might be in his 30s.) But even though I’m just going to have to pack it back up in less than 2 months, I decided to value myself and my husband enough to spend an hour to make our home look and work better.
Then I went one step farther and used another piece that came with the set to organize hubby’s coffee things (it took all of 5 minutes and he LOVED it). Then he suggested a use for the last piece, which prompted me to organize our chaotic entry area. I do think these things fit with the idea of blessing myself and my husband, and blessing everyone who enters my home with a peaceful (if not quite lovely yet) place to share an evening.
The part I’m most proud of? Hubby asked me if I wanted to get another organizer, since this one worked so well. (I had argued for it because I had never seen one with so many movable parts — and I did use the dividers creatively to make pockets just the right size for everything we needed to store.) That man loves me so much. He has put up with a descent into clutter for me and our small apartments, and now I realize how much I’ve “broken” him by encouraging him to engage in clutter/slob habits, too. I told him about the sale I had been tempted by, and how proud I was of my decision then to let go of the “but of course I’ll find a use for it” second organizer.
I knew I wanted a nice organizer someday, so when I found one, I bought it. Now that we have one, there’s no justification for another, even though “someday” I might wish I had another one and not be able to find it. That’s ok. TODAY, I’m happy not to have a closet full of things waiting for “someday.” It’s something I have to constantly self-talk myself about (and I ask my husband for praise multiple times for each area I purge/clean!), but it’s SO WORTH IT. And your blog is a constant reminder of the value I can get out of a home that is neat and clean.
I found your blog yesterday. I was raised by a wonderful mother. I’m the 2nd oldest of 9 children. Now, just picture that and imagine making time for cleaning and organizing too. She didn’t. So I grew up in a very cluttered home.
I’m 21 now, and see myself becoming a bigger slob than anyone I know. I love this blog! It’s so great to see you taking baby steps! I want to start making a “Daily Checklist” of things I’ve done each day. I totally relate to your comments about the way normal people think vrs me as a slob. What feels like a big accomplishment to me is a mindless habit to a normal person. I really want to stop this cycle before I get any older.
Thank you!
I’m so glad you found me! Welcome!
Wow, I am so glad to have found this. Sitting here at work, trying not to cry. I am so stuck in this slobby rut and have tried over and over to get out. I started this weekend, once again, but really don’t know what I’m doing. Great to find your blog and see that there might be some ideas that will help me. Thank you so much for your honesty. It is really encouraging.
Oh thank you, Nicki! And welcome!!
I just wanted to say that I am ready to change, and I think your blog might really help along the way. Your most recent post realy resonated with me because just this morning I hesitated about taking a 3rd birthday photo of my daughter… because everywhere I turned was a mess. It’s sad because I grew up in a home where I never ever had friends over to play because of the mess. And now I cringe at the idea of my kids having friends over. I need better for me and better for her.
But thanks for letting me see that I’m not the only one who lives like this!
~Katie
Welcome, Katie!!
Wow! I was scrolling through itunes and found your podcast. I think you may be my long lost sister.
Starting here will be very good for me.
So glad that I found you!
This made my day!! So glad to know new people can find me through iTunes! Welcome!
Hi Dana,
I am overwhelmed, cluttered, dirty and just plain sad. I came from a family whose home had a housekeeper. I continued that path for 19 years until my second marriage (8 wonderful years ago) when I married for LOVE not money. I started cleaning my own home and it was just fine until last year. Not sure what happened but things are now filthy and I am in a serious ‘too much stuff’ spot. I think my perfectionism got the best of me. I started sub teaching this semester and now finding time to ‘dig out’ is becoming scary. My son will move back home in December for two months and I am so glad to have a dead line. Just want you to know I simply googled “how to clean my dirty house” and found YOU and what I hope to be help for my poor soul 🙂 I have not read much but what I have read is motivating and comforting. I am not one to ever post in comments but I wanted to make my self accountable……..
I CAN DO THIS!!!!!!!!
Thanks a TON,
Dana
You can totally do this, Dana!! And welcome!
Where have you been all my life? Just what I need, someone who is honest that I can be honest right back with about these struggles!!!:)
THANK YOU so much for your honesty. I can’t tell you how much I truly appreciate knowing that I’m not the only one. Truly, thank you for giving me hope and God bless!
Welcome, Cassie!
WOW! I’m a slob, too! A.K.A. Major Packrat. I’ve been overwhelmed and unsure of where or how to start for so long, but I think I’ve finally hit rock bottom and am ready to conquer the beast. Can’t wait to read through your posts!
Welcome, Pattie!
So…. I’ve been following you on and off since late 2011 and I was doing great with cleaing and organizing my apartment sporadically. Over Christmas vacation (teacher) I realized several things:1. After visiting my mom, i come by my sloppyness honestly. 2. Dirty, clutter and unorganized junk makes mevreally uneasy.It is all starting to get to me!!! Ahhhh! 3. Since becoming a teacher in August it has taken over my life and cleaning amd everything along with it has taken a HUGE backburner (not that i minded- lets face it, i hate cleaning.) Last year i was an assistant so i didnt have to bring ANYTHING home with me, i had time to cook, clean and organize I even noticed my unorganized and cluttery ways carryingninto
Into my classroom.
But i am ready to get started and declutter/reorganize my life. Starting today!!
Just found you. What an opportune time – being New Years Eve and all. Once again, I’ve got “Get my house in shape” as one of my goals for 2014. I plan to read along and do and, hopefully, not feel so alone and defective.
Welcome!
Never wanted to admit that I was untidy, unorganised, possibly lazy with a terrible procrastination habit but I can’t stand it any longer as it’s affecting all aspects of my life. So I’m finally being honest with myself and going to tackle this thing for the long term, I know it’s going to take some determination but living in chaos has to end. Time to retrain myself into new habits to benefit me and my family.
I will be here on a regular basis, 2014 WILL be a whole lot more organised and decluttered.
Thanks
You can do it, Helen!
I think you are my long lost sister. I’m not afraid to admit that I’m extremely messy and unorganized. I also suffer from depression, and that just magnifies my flaws by 1000x. I’m a mom of three too. My habits are just horrible. I never stick to a plan. My husband, is just as bad too! Granted, he can pick himself back up when I can’t. So I am thankful for him. Otherwise our home would be a disaster. We do not allow house guests. Yup. His parents especially. Even when we clean, it’s never perfect enough for him moma. She drives me nuts. I can say 2014 will be a new year. But I know that I’m never going to stop. I just have to find a plan I can and will actually stick with. I give up to easily.
I’ve read a lot of your posts in a random sort of way, but now that I’m going to start my own daily accountability journal as a small part of my blog, I thought it would help to read your blog in order. I need the daily encouragement and accountability that your blog has already started to do. I tried Flylady and it just didn’t work. I love your honesty and willingness to write about the failures along with your successes. I linked to your blog to let people know who gave me the inspiration. Thank you, thank you, thank you!! -Tabitha
Yay! And I’m excited for you to use your blog for accountability in this. It works!
Sounds like my kind of people! Take the three kids, the disorganization, the depression. Then add a toddler who’s smack in the middle of the dump-out-all-the-things! phase. Wheeeeee!
I love to READ about how to de-clutter and organize, but never seem to actually DO much of it, while our home continues to look like Chaos Central. That’s starting to change, but it’s going so slooooooooowwwwwww.
Looking forward to catching up on these posts.
Sincerely,
Not Supermom.
Welcome!!
here we go indeed! i stumbled on your blog a few weeks ago.. (gah, has it been that long already?) mainly just jumping around to whatever you’ve linked on facebook. today i finally start to read from the beginning. so. here we go.
So I have recently found your podcast, and have listened to your first couple of episodes. So far it’s been great about motivating me. Your “slob story” is just like mine could go (I don’t have children yet). But I have always been this way and have always just assumed the next phase in life would be better. So far I have decided to do two things to help me keep up with my house. 1) I will always do my dishes, and at least get them in the dishwasher and 2) I will keep up with the mail (seems like papers stay everywhere all the time). So far it’s been good, and I have been doing one or two other little things each day. I’m starting to see a slow improvement in my home and my husband is pleased with it for sure. (Though like yours did at one point I doubt he believes I will keep up with it).
You took the words right out of my mouth. I too enjoy writing but struggle with my home. Hope to feels as inspired like you… as you know, the modivate comes and goes.
Just found your blog and it’s really inspiring to a fellow slob like me. (I’ve never called myself that, but it’s strangely liberating.) I need HELP. Glad to have found your blog and your tips for how to start out. Thanks for writing this! P.S. How did you find time to blog and clean?
Welcome!! You’ll see how that all worked as I went! It’s not easy!
So, here I am…again. I have started reading your blog a couple times. Usually at night after everyone has gone to bed and I’m here alone in te midst of the mess, and somehow by morning I magically forget the promises I make myself to start tomorrow. I am like the worst slob of all time. I have 3 kids 5 and under. I use every excuse in the book not to clean. The truth is, #1 cleaning just isn’t fun. And there are so many other things I “NEED” to be doing. #2 I get overwhelmed SO EASILY and then I give up. I despise having a messy house. It makes me sad and anxious and the lack if organization allows my ADD to completely take over. I truly spend hours a week looking for my keys or wallet, one sons shoe or the babies pacifier….it’s always something. I’ve been married for 6 years and my husband is very traditional. He goes to work and I do everything else. I’m failing miserably. I have been declaring for years that I will be better at this thing called life. I will be more organized. But it’s really in the last 6 months that I’m realizing how unfair it is to my kids to live in this disaster. My son started kindergarten this year. It’s been rough to say the least. Constantly losing this paper or that book. Forgetting to wash his spirit shirt for spirit day every week. And then today as we walked towards our minivan (that is full of jackets shoes random papers and empty drink containers) he turned around and said to his this adorable little girl who says good morning to him every single morning, hey you wanna come to my house to play tomorrow. Omg I thought I was going to have a panic attack. I immediately turned to him and said loud enough for her mom to hear oh honey not this weekend cuz we already have plans. I shrugged it off until after every one went to bed. I went in the bathroom and ugly cried.
SO, this is it. I am not putting it of any more. I may never be a neat freak or have each item in my pantry labeled but dang it my kids deserve to be able to invite their friends over without a two week notice.
You have no idea how much you have already helped me. THANK YOU.
Ps, I cleared the sink tonight! And tomorrow morning before I go anywhere or text anyone, the eight loads of clean laundry that are residing on the “laundry couch” are being sorted and put away IN THE RIGHT DRESSERS or taken to the donation bin! I think I can I think I can I think I can…
This is me. Reading this I nearly cried. Only difference is I only have one child but it’s only us two. Even people coming too close to my messy car mortifies me and I’ve struggled with this for nearly 3 years. I convinced myself that our 3 bedroom house is just too much for me to handle, but no more! I started my cleaning journey about a week ago and even enlisted the help of a friend. (Eek! It was so hard to let a nonresident in our disaster zone.) I think having that outside disapproval was an added push.
Good luck on your journey. I hope we are both successful!!
A single mom on a mission
I am so pleased I found this sight.
It helps knowing other people are in the same boat. I have not been well for a long time, but I have done de cluttering when I do feel well. But now the house is terrible, there are piles everywhere. I am trying very hard but my get up and go has got up and gone. I do read your blogs since I found you.
Bless you.
Just started reading your posts from the beginning today….hope I can be motivated to clear the clutter and become organized! Looks like you are offering some great advice! Here I go!
I AM A SLOB! There, I said it. Well, I guess I wrote it, but I have never thought of myself this way before. I always just assumed my organizational skills were lacking and my house was too small so I didn’t have a place for everything. I have started listening to your podcasts and have literally finished a couple of your sentences…I think we may be long lost relatives! But seriously, I am so glad I came across your podcasts and your blog and I am now following you on Pinterest and Instagram! Thank you for sharing your slob story and helping many of us to feel less alone; that there is hope that someday I will not cringe when someone unexpectedly shows up at my door.
There’s definitely hope, Mandy! And welcome!
I happened to stumble upon your post about the only two questions one needs to declutter – and eureka! – someone who is speaking my language. Other methods never work for me because they are so ambiguous and subjective…this is simple. Doable. Real.
Looking forward to reading backwards. I plan to use reading your posts as my daily reward for completing each of the 28 Days in your book I just downloaded.
(BTW: Day I dishes = done) : )
Oh Nony, I’m so glad I found you! <3
I've been following your Facebook page for a while, but I recently started listening to your podcast and really reading the blog instead of scanning over coffee at work and then forgetting everything and eating cheese after work while staring at the dirty dishes thinking "Someone should really wash those"… but I digress…
I've started my commitment to new, better habits for me and my family!
I'm a working mom of five. My spouse is supportive. My kids are beautiful and brilliant.
We all – collectively – suck at cleaning.
It's so wonderful to read this and hear your podcast. You have no idea.
Anyway, I've been doing a load of dishes every night before bed, and unloading in the mornings (my husband occasionally handles the morning unload since we trade off who drives the kids to school).
Maybe this seems like a no-brainer, but it's insane how much I get done when I just… you know… do things. I go to load the dishwasher and start the dishes and think "Well, why don't I hand wash the stuff that can't go in?" or "I should just wipe down the counters while I'm in here." or "I can throw in some laundry before I go upstairs."
My house certainly isn't spotless, buuuuut I'm no longer vaguely concerned that our guests will run screaming immediately after walking in. Progress!
Oh Nony, I found you last week in a “picked for you” on pinterest. How very dare you, pinterest! But the more I read, the more I’ve come to realise it isn’t just that I have been struggling with my health. I am a slob. (cringing!) I come from a long line of slobs and hoarders and I said to myself I would NEVER let that happen to my home! Well, here I am. Unempty boxes, unpainted walls, too many toys for the four kids I have, too much “oh this will be handy” absolutely never. I want it to change and I think your blog and vlogs are the very best to help me admit to myself that I need to change and it’s ok that i am this way but the clutter/mess/what ifs don’t have to stay and make me feel bad about myself. Here is the line, clutter I’m coming to get(rid) of you! If you need me, I’ll be at the kitchen sink! Scrub-a-dub!
P.S. You ARE funny!
Oh, that makes me happy that Pinterest recommended me, but I’d be mad too if I were the one getting the recommendation!!!
I, too, found you through a “picked for you” pin on pinterest — but I was not offended because I was searching for ways to declutter. I am very glad it pointed me to you.
I’ve been reading your posts and saying “OMG – this is me!”. I am SO glad that I am not the only one out there like this! I’m embarrassed by my home. My husband is out hurt from work and I can’t even have anyone over to visit him because I am MORTIFIED at how my house looks! I started implementing some of your non-negotiables last night and while it doesn’t show a big dent – I am vastly proud of what I got accomplished! Thank you Dana!
Welcome, Lila!
I have just ‘found’ you, not sure how, fb?, and am so grateful! I thought I was the only one in the world! This has been my ‘dirty little secret’! Its painful, because I came from the home of an excellent, immaculate house maker! I camouflage very well, no one would know, until you open the spare room door, or venture into the laundryroom or the store room. I am a slob, I am a hoarder, and I am overwhelmed!
When I found you, I actually breathed out a sigh of relief. Someone who gets it, and someone whom I can trust.
Bless you, wishing you a wonderful, successful year!
I’ve had enough! No more. New year, new friend, new challenge! I am doing this!!!!
I don’t think it is a coincidence that I came across your website yesterday. I just started reading your blog and your words are an answer to prayer! Bless you, Dana!
Welcome, Linda!
I found your podcast earlier this year through iTunes, thinking if I listened to cleaning and organizing while at work, maybe it would sink in better. I’ve read almost every strategy out there, and have failed at them, too. I’ve gotten all the way through the podcasts–love, love, love! So, I decided to start reading your blog posts to get me through the summer. I know this is working, even though I do not get all 4 daily tasks done every day, because things are getting better. And, I know where to start when I do get behind–the dishes! I’m looking forward to reading your new book.
Also, thanks for the recommendations for the podcasts “Happier” and “The Happy Hour with Jamie Ivey.” Both are very uplifting.
Keep up the good work!
THank you so much for this comment, Yvonne! You made my day!
Hi Dana! Another new fan here – found you thru a minimalism group, and it’s like you are writing to me! I see so much of myself in your blogs and podcasts…I am a professional, educated, smart capable woman and I can’t keep my house clean. And I am teaching my kids to be slobs too and it’s breaking my heart. I am drinking in your words and advice, and it not only is giving me great ideas and approaches, but you make me feel better about myself, like I am not alone and not a failure or a bad mom. Thank you!
Hi Nony,
I was told about your blog today when I posted a confession in a secret onlineFacebook group about being a slob and my husband being a slob and how anytime we go somewhere together it’s in the back of my mind that if something happened to us, other people would have to come into our house to take care of the animals and estate stuff. And it’s always a concern that if something happened to just one of us the other would have to clean the house in order for anyone to come over to lend comfort out to console. I’m so tired of living this was, but as soon as I (and sometimes we) make it look presentable, we don’t keep it up. We’re not lazy, we’re just messy slippy purple. So I’m hoping your blog helps me. Thanks for making it. Like six years ago.
I literally breathed a HUGE sigh of relief reading random entries in your blog, finally coming to the realization that I am not the only one who is a slob and has such a hard time getting a handle on the MESS! I came across your blog because I have made the decision that I need to be better at “coming clean” and teaching my kids to come clean as well, for my own sanity and their developing responsibility. I am hoping to find lots of workable solutions and encouragement here. Thanks for putting yourself out there to help the rest of us struggling slobs!
Just heard about you on a fb group I’m part of and am absolutely so overwhelmed. Stay at home mom for 23+ years…4 kids ranging from almost 15 to almost 23…and only one has flown the nest. I am just worn out trying to DO IT ALL for a family of 6 so I’ve pretty much given up. I make sure that I take care of laundry, dishes, pay the bills and cook all the meals…but the rest I just do when I can. Occasionally I can get one of them to help me IF I pay them…so most of the time things seem to accumulate until I can take care of it. I just can’t live like this anymore. Hoping that your blog might help!!!
I recently discovered your blog and it’s so nice to know that I am not the only slob in this world. I first learned of your blog because of a YouTube suggestion and this morning, I’ve just watched your Master Bedroom series. It looks wonderful!! I love your idea of taking small steps. My house is so overwhelming that I find it difficult to even start. But last weekend, I started a personal journal and took before/after pictures of the small areas I’ve tackled. It helps to see some progress. Now, after my morning coffee and reading some more of your blog, I’m ready to take another small step. Thank you for sharing your struggle. Your honesty and humor sure helps motivate me to try.
yeeeeesss. This is what I need. It’s so frustrating reading cleaning tips from already clean people. We get it! You’re clean! I need help from someone who is like me…so thanks!!
So glad you’re here!
Thank you for sharing! I too, unlike my two OCD neat & tidy sisters, struggle with cleaning and I have for a long time. I am working on not waiting until everyone is sleeping, like my mom, and getting the kids involved too so hopefully they will not have as much trouble keeping a neat house, like I do.
Hi, I happened upon your blog via pinterest. Thank you for your honesty. I read several of your blog posts yesterday and it gave me hope. Today I tackled my bedroom starting with our dressers. We have a clothes explosion at our house. Clothes get washed but nothing gets put away. I claim it’s because we have limited clothing storage space. Sad to admit, but I haven’t put clothes away in months and so I emptied our dressers to make room for the items we actually do wear.
In one of your post you said something about taking it one small step at a time and not to look at the whole mess, but a small portion of it. That’s what I’m going to try to do. Your post made me feel better. It let me know that I’m not alone. I’m surrounded by Susie Homemakers that think their houses are a mess if crumbs are on the counter. My house sadly looks like your before pictures. I look back at past pictures of my own house, and it was “clean” at one point. I don’t know how we got to this point, but I don’t want to stay here. Thank you again for the inspiration.
Wheeeeeee! What a ride! (I’m a newbie, so it really doesn’t count, but who cares?!)
Hi Dana,
I’ve been listening to the backlog of podcasts you’ve done for the past two weeks (currently on podcast #87) and I am so grateful that you’ve decided to open about this in such a public matter. I’ve been a slob (more like a baby hoarder, honestly) but listening to your podcasts have helped me more than you know. They are stripped down to the core activity that I could never figure out how to do in the first place.
Thank you so much for helping me to realize that I can take control of my messiness and that it’s possible for me to change my habits and thusly change my life.
I really appreciate it.
Sending good vibes your way!
I am reading your blog backward per your instructions. I hope to find inspiration and get off my keester and start accomplishing something about my…hoard. 🙁 I have your first book and found it does not enter my cranium via osmosis no matter how hard I push it against my forehead…guess I’ll have to read it.
I guess I am starting here as I can do this in small doses and not feel guilty that I can’t eat the whole thing at once. I know I have to start with little nibbles.
Hi Nony (Dana),
I found your 1st book on Audible in May this year. You just know the struggle I have with cleaning/organising/de-cluttering. Thank you, thank you, thank you. I know have a clean (..ish) kitchen for about a month now. I am starting to think about where to start de-cluttering.
I am now reading the blog from day 1. And I’m listening to your podcast from the beginning, I’m up to August 2016.
Hi Dana! I have been a follower of yours for about a year and a half now. You have helped me change my life for the better. Lately though, I have been struggling with my routines, with my home, and my slob-ness. Earlier this week I listened to your podcast ‘After the Fail’ because that is where I am right now, I feel like I failed. But I’m back, at the beginning, starting over on what works! Even though every part of me is saying “find something new, obviously this didn’t work, find a new method.” But this did work, your methods do work, and I’m ready to jump back in!! So to quote someone who has changed my life “Here we go…”
Happy ten year anniversary! Just started reading the blog after I finished your book. Great fun! One week after starting listening to your journey, my bed is made, the laundry is put away, and most of my flat surfaces are clear. Not bad for this single slob!
It is August 16, 2018 and I am right where you were 9 years ago. So, I begin my journey today. Thank you so much for putting this out here for us slobs.
Hi Dana. I recently discovered your books through a You Tuber that I watch and I am so glad I did. I have been “decluttering” for years but realise I have really been moving stuff around to get “organised” – something I never quite manage. Your advice of do the dishes is so simple but it has really helped me get what I need to do in perspective. The last two weekends we have filled our bin and I have taken two loads of donations to our local Op Shop, all from just doing the easy stuff, a bit here and there. I won’t ever be one of those people with the colour coded pantry full of matching containers and cutesy labels but I can get rid of stuff we don’t need or use. Thank you for being honest and putting yourself out there.
I just love all your tips. It’s always very difficult to actually motivate yourself to begin cleaning. Especially when you work, have kids and a life to manage!
I find that at the weekend when I say to myself I have to clean the house, I end up just tidying up and not really deep cleaning. Which really is frustrating as I can see dirt piling up behind the sofa or under the carpets!
So many times I contemplate hiring a cleaner but what stops me is the thought of what the cleaner would think of me!
Hi… My name is Stephanie I thought that I could hire a maid… but I too ashamed.
You give me hope…
Hi Dana, last fall, I ended up tripping near my home outside in complete darkness and falling flat on my face on pavement. No broken bones, but I have had a concussion ever since, and everything is now so much more challenging. I have been given the homework of reading on a computer to get used to it again, and to do 2 things in one, I decided I was going to find a great blog to learn from, and your blog wast the one I was gonna read. I Love your reading backwards idea, its the thing I have been searching for for so long, but I kind of didn’t know it? Have both your books but really looking forward to learning even more from you, and having fun, laughing with you along the way.
I am new to the world of blogs and podcasts. I just came across your podcast and LOVE it!!!! I am a stay at home mother of 3 (1 being a newborn). I do not consider myself a slob but I may have some mental issues when it comes to cleaning. I hope I can keep listening and reading. You have inspired me to declutter and try to keep up with things around the house. We have about 3 houses of stuff in 1 house. My father will not let us get rid of certain things because he thinks the stuff is worth money. I try to tell him nobody wants things like this anymore. He also has the mindset that he or someone might just need it one day. I’m not sure if that mindset comes from being a kid a few years after the depression and living on very little. My fingers are crossed that I can slowly talk him into getting rid of a few items at a time to make space for what we really use throughout the day. Thank you again for creating such a great space to learn.
I have apparently been under a rock. I was recently introduced to your book/blog by a friend. I started listening to your “speed of life” book, then I ordered it from Amazon, then I ordered your book “Giving God the Worst of Me” book. I’m sort of reading both now. In my mind’s eye I am seeing myself in your words, I have many of the same feelings of the impact my home is having on my life (and I have felt this way for years and many different times in my life) and my husband. I married late at 40 so no children, but adult step children and grand kids. I always told myself it’s just me I’m not hurting anyone one, but the older I get I learn that I did hurt someone me! I’m not a hoarder, but am pretty darn sure I am a born slob. I swear my parents told me that about my bed room for years. I’m an organized slob, until you’ve bought the same thing so many times you can’t find any of them… For a long time, I blamed my parents for not giving me chores and being there (they both managed retail stores so I was home a lot by myself as a teen), I think they felt guilty so didn’t press me. When I moved out, I didn’t have much so quantity to square foot was easier to manage. The older I got, better income, more things I had and again because it was just me, I’d like things get really out of hand. I’ve hired people several times to “Marie Kondo” rooms or my home between 2007 and 2012. I have a demanding job and thankfully my husband is bit like me so he doesn’t really complain or keeps it too himself, but truth is that 85% of the house is cluttered with my things. It is embarrassing and ridiculous and for myself and my loving husband I want to be better. I’ve had anxiety since my 30’s (I wonder why, right?) and I find myself paralyzed in knowing how to start. This is why I decided to go back to the beginning of your blog, because I think it will help me get started. Thank you for being there for those of us who get lost in life’s journey. I can’t wait to see where this leads. This is a blessing! Thanks
Great First Post! ….and honest too. I’m going to read through them, a few each day so I can ‘get caught up’ during the pandemic.
I first came across, but never actually listened to, your podcast during one of my failed attempts in the revenged years to declutter and take control of my home, once and for all. I was using a popular method that I was sure would be the fix, but that is proving to simply be far too overwhelming for my personality (and the fact that I am an-home parent to three children under the age of eight). The stress of the change in our lives due to the pandemic – and the increased lack of free time – has me taking a break from reading physical books and leaning on audiobooks and podcasts when I need a mental break.
About three weeks ago, I rediscovered your podcast in my library and binge listened to all your topics that were recorded during the first few months of the pandemic. When I caught up during your summer break, I started back at the beginning of your podcasts (#25 today!), and am working my way back to present day. I feel like your approach really speaks to my experiences in trying to help my family comfortably live in – and love being in – our home, all while being someone for whom being super neat and tidy all the time simply doesn’t come naturally.
I grew up with a big family in A very small house, and always thought my inability to get and stay organized and clutter free within my living spaces was due to all those spaces being small – small childhood home, small shared childhood bedroom, small shared dorm room, small shared post-college apartment. But then I got married and after my husband and I packed our two separate but fully furnished apartments into one moving truck and moved all our individually owned things into our new shared marital apartment halfway across the country, I began to realize that wherever I go, there I am. Along with my mountain of stuff.
This pandemic has given me time to reflect on how we (I) got here (in a home that could function better, and that, while cluttered but sometimes okay in main living spaces, is chaotic and out of control behind closet and cabinet doors and in any unused and locked storage rooms) It also has me feeling that I need a project for my brain to work on during the long year or two or more that I foresee our lives being turned upside down by this virus.
I don’t have a lot of time for sitting and reading, but I am looking forward to listening to all your podcasts, and listening to the audio versions of your books. I’m making this comment for my own personal accountability, as well as to mark my place for when I do have time one day to begin reading your blog, starting at the beginning.
Thanks for putting yourself out there to give others the courage to begin anew – or to try again.
Here I go!
Dear Dana, I am nothing like you have been. I’m much, much worse 😢
My parents have passed away a year ago and until then I have cared for them for two years. Moved in with them. Took over the bodily tasks as well as the household. This has cost me a lot of energy and after the second funeral I have been very depressed. I have done nothing since this time. Absolutely nothing.
Since I have lost my job and sold my house there is no pressure to do anything. So I’m lying on my lovechair. Reading and surfing the internet.
But. I’ve been lazy and a Slob my whole life. Keeping my household in order cost me more as I have been able to. So my house always has been a mess.
Since I’m single there’s no excuse and I’m the only one causing this situation.
Now I’ve found your YouTube Channel three days ago and have been binge watching. Today I started with your blog, beginning at the very first text.
Meanwhile I’ve started de cluttering and tidying. My dishes are done. I picked up clutter in the hallway, the bathroom and the restroom.
And then first project is exactly what you told NOT TO DO! I’ve emptied my closet. So I could go through the item an sort them out and sort them in. You know how it is now, of course. The mess has become worse, like you have told, everything lies in my bedroom. Hopefully tomorrow I will tackle it.
But I wanted to thank you so much. You pulled me out of my yearlong paralysis. Please wish me luck for my beginning journey.
By the way. I’ve stopped reading your blog for today and now I’m at day one when I open it again. Is there a possible way to fast forward and find the last entrance I’ve read?
I’m waiting for your books being delivered by Amazon.
Live from Germany, Miriam.
Dear Dana, this is not a comment but a cry for help. Laundry day. My biggest problem. I’ve seen your YouTube videos, read the first year’s of your blog and am reading your book “How to manage…”, Chapter 12. Laundry.
I load the machine and let wash. When finished I put the load in the dryer and start the next wash. O. K. Now, when the dryer has finished I would love to fold and put away but the load is not dry enough. I have to hang the items to dry. And going on with washing and drying the hung items get more and they get stiff. I have to iron them. My dry load increases. Do you have an idea? I suppose the dryer doesn’t dry enough because the material differs? Cotton or not? Thick and thin? When I would sort the clothes out of the washing machine in different dryer piles it would take another day to get them dry.
Love from Germany
HOOOLY Cow. Or clutter.
I identify 1000%. Sounded like my own thoughts word for word xD amazing.
And hell yeah, we are Never alone there are Always people like us and people that need what we learnt or are learning. Greatness to you!
I am 45 years old and I am admitting that I have no clue on how to stay organized. I finally feel like I have found a place where someone gets me.
I’ve been listening to your books and podcasts for probably 3 years now. My 9yo loves listening to them too, and she’s even begun letting me help her declutter her room.
I’m excited to be able to read your journey from the very beginning.
Hi! I recently started with this post and read the entire blog in under two weeks (lots of time rocking a sick baby). I found you through Pinterest, after searching things like, “minimalism” and “decluttering inspiration”. Your posts kept showing up, and I liked them all, so I finally just came over and started from the beginning.
I knew we had too much stuff, but all my previous attempts at decluttering were just stuff shifting. Now I’m actually getting it out of the house! Like, all the way out! I went through the shelves in the basement with new eyes, thinking over and over, “Nope, this is junk, junk, junk! I hate it! Away it goes!” 😉
My kitchen always felt messy no matter how many dishes I washed because of clutter on the counters. I managed to find new homes for a lot of it, then, thanks to your encouragement to work with what I have now, rather than wait for a better future, I figured out a system for dealing with the glass bottles we save for brewing beer. The counter next to the sink was always covered with dozens of bottles, which needed to have their lables soaked off. My husband considered them his responsibility (since they’re for his hobby), but the longer I waited for him to clear them, the more overwhelming the job got and the more he put it off. Suddenly one day I got inspired, loaded them the big brewing pot, and took them down to the utility sink in the basement. There I filled the pot with soapy water and they could soak safely out of everyone’s way. The next day I went back and peeled labels off. Now scrubbing bottles in the basement while listening to your podcast is my favorite thing to do! And my kitchen, for the first time in years, actually looks and feels CLEAN!
Next I need to tackle the living room/toy room. Maybe if I implement the five minute pickup regularly, it will stay tidy.
Your encouragement has made a huge difference in our home! My husband even noticed before I told him! Thank you so much for being brave and honest enough to start and continue this blog.
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Fellow slob here! I like a clean house but don’t care to do it. I’m trying to change this so I can think better and have company. I get so embarrassed at the disorganization issues.
It’s about 12.5 years since you wrote this blog post, Dana, and I just found it after sitting for nearly an hour hitting “previous page.”
I heard you say in your audiobook that people say they feel connected to you for various reasons. I want to read your entire blog even at this late date because you and I have a LOT in common.
Thank you for saying the “s” word. I know for a fact that my clutter limit is very low because I have been a minimalist at heart and in fact since I was young. I just got lost along the way when I married someone who isn’t and we had kids. Like you I have read and planned for quite a while, but just couldn’t seem to get going. Then I found your books and I knew I found someone who understands me. Thank you. I have already begun and am on my 2nd room. Starting with the easy stuff is exactly the right advice. I look forward to living as a minimalist again.
Hello Dana,
I’ve listened to a few of your podcast & one really got to me yesterday (3/20/22) – #328 Decluttering & ADHD. It inspired me to look up your website & dig deeper, which led me to your first blog post.
I so relate with this first post of yours. I too have been putting off starting a blog, & like you it is not for lack of ideas. I thought, what a great idea, to write about the very thing you get distracted from the most, yet so deeply desire to be good at. It’s seems like a brilliant way to keep you attention on it & maintain some accountability, even if you are not sure anyone is watching or reading. This post is inspiring me to start tracking & blogging about my own journey & challenges with housekeeping and ADHD. Thank you for sharing your journey with us. Blessings!
Hi Dana! I read your book Decluttering at the speed of life and enjoyed it. I had borrowed it from the library so did not read it word for word as someone else requested it so I didn’t fully finish reading it. However it has motivated me to simplify things when it comes to decluttering, rather than making a huge mess and yet still feeling I’ve accomplished nothing. I hope I can find ways to keep up being tidy though, as a few weeks have passed now since I last decluttered and mess has piled up again. I’m not sure if I’m making excuses since the cold weather makes me feel like doing nothing when I’m home. Hoping I’ll find some tips on your blog to help with longevity and habit making. Have a good day.
Hi Dana! I can’t believe this post is from 2009 and I’m just reading it now … this is a literal “where have you been all my life” moment. I slowed myself down and actually read how you want the newbies to go about reading your blog. In the words of Mel Robbins “You’re a genius!” If you hadn’t told me to read the first blog and move to the newest, I would’ve sat here trying to catch up like a hamster running on a wheel. I feel you when I read your words, it makes me feel like “there are others like me out there” Thank you for finding the words and taking the time to write them down to help others. It’s not easy to want to do “all of the things” and take the time to write it out. I love that you made a blog of it whether it was to become a thing or not, you did it for you which is why it’s so great. Ever since I was a kid I liked pretend I was doing something for an audience … somewhere along the line I lost my confidence and would never show anything for fear of criticism … I have a second private instagram for my “random mom thoughts”. I fear being seen as a fraud or hypocrite or what if I start and don’t finish, or meet all the expectations that would come with people reading what I write.
anyway … blah blah blah … THANK YOU! 🙂
Hi Dana,
I found your posts many months ago and they have taught me a lot and encouraged me to make some progress.
I have read this first one a few times before, but when I read it again today, this sentence jumped out at me: ” I will stop making excuses and do what needs to be done. ” THIS! This is what I need to do! It’s fun and enlightening to read about your journey and lessons learned, but reading does not get the work done. Now I just need to get up from in front of my computer and DO!
Thank you for sharing with us: 2 questions, put away now, container, etc.
Today a good friend introduced me to “A Slob Comes Clean.” (Okay, she’s either a great friend or is really trying to tell me something!) So now I have a few moments on a Friday evening to peruse your site and OMG! It’s exactly the kick I need! I have been staring at a mess for years, and in the last couple of months have started digging deep into the mess, organizing, passing along or – ulp – the biggest guilt-provoking act, throwing things out.
I have two young boys at home, ages 7 & 9, so cleaning “at the speed of life” sounds like what I need and can actually maybe accomplish. Looking forward to this journey!