FALLING BEHIND

[@alisonowen8547]

Food - look, smell, taste. Some things last so much longer than the dates - others not. I think you need to work out your basic routine so that when you are having a particularly manic time you can just stick to that and don’t worry about other things. Can I recommend Diane in Denmark’s channel? And her really great videos on how to use a variation of the Fly Lady system. I don’t do the full thing but the daily/weekly/monthly routines are so helpful and make things manageable. Washing up - do you have two minutes after breakfast to put all the dishes from that meal into a sink of hot soapy water? Then when you are back from the school run they will have cleaned themselves. Ditto after lunch. Re the sellotape in the drawer - throw one away! Or take it to Guides. But you do not need it making that drawer annoying again. If you don’t have anywhere to store shoes maybe get rid of the two tables in the hall and replace with a shoe cupboard? Housework is never finished but you can move towards it being done enough. If you want tidy you will eventually have to reduce your belongings to the point where they fit in your available storage - bit it’s a process. Just keep on making small improvements.

[@gettingtidy2495]

Very helpful post. There's lots here I need to think through in more detail!

[@joanne3450]

Hi from New Jersey... Im a bit behind as well. It's good to hear you saying no! Very inspiring! Things really changed in my house when I stopped "storing" sentimental things and unused things in the high traffic areas of our house. For instance empty flower pots in the dining room kitchen or pantry. Another thing that dramatically helped was when I designated areas for specific use and said no to anything outside of that use from entering. For example nothing but food, cookware, or serving ware in the kitchen. No Tools, they move to a place where only tools are kept. Etc. Also... if you catch yourself saying ... I hate to do this.... it's you telling yourself... you need to dramatically declutter a space. Finally, I love your channel and how honest you are.. ❤

[@gettingtidy2495]

This is really helpful to me thank you. I really like this post. Also I've family in New Jersey ❤️❤️

[@lauramitchell6725]

This idea would be a game changer for anyone derailed by sentimental items.Definitely get them out of your main living area because they will always contribute to chaos. Many recommend a tote box for each family member and in the first go round,just get them in the totes but don’t stop and read all of the cards,etc. just get motivated by them disappearing from your daily life! (You can rest easy that they are safely tucked away for now,until your next season of life,when you can just go through them.) Brava!👍🙌🏻👏👌

[@zoebrindle7269]

Emma my hat comes off to you every time I watch a video , we’re all trying to keep our homes tidy and sort the garden , de clutter etc however on top of that you’ve filming , editing and voice overs to do ! In my eyes your blooming marvellous ! Re dates on food my husband & I always do the taste test , we hate waste. Haven’t done a walk for two days🥴 but I had a birthday 😁! Sending love 🌸🌷🌸

[@gettingtidy2495]

Did you have a good birthday? Thanks for your post. It's 22:48 and I forgot to check my steps after lunch time 😱🙈

[@vixistixi]

I can’t seem to get into a healthy lifestyle at the minute, I need to though. Your dress is lovely! Xxx

[@gettingtidy2495]

Thank you 👍🏻😊

[@lauramitchell6725]

One thing that seems to help me keep a tidy house,especially when I’m really busy,is to only use one room for dumping and only for one week. So all papers,mail,mending,odd bits,go on my dining room table and by Sunday,if not before,I try to handle it. So I never have a messy guest room,living room or kitchen counters because I haven’t stashed papers,etc.or anything else that doesn’t belong there. Maybe sometime like a full Saturday,put the entire pile from the left side of your kitchen counter onto the dining table and ask your husband to wipe all the counters clean,while at the same time,put all of the items from the entrance table and bench and table in the lounge all onto the dining table. Yes ,the dining table will be frightening for that day, but all three of you could experience the rest of the downstairs being tidy and all of the homeless items are in one spot to decide on.

[@gettingtidy2495]

I like this idea. I'm just feeling I'll never really get to this point. Everywhere is untidy again.

[@Cookmomx3]

Oh Friend❤ you have done a WONDERFUL job!! You sound so down and defeated❤ plz dont be, as I do know all too well how you are feeling today I feel that way daily unfortunately. I have been decluttering since March 2020 and I look around 4 yrs later... if you say 16% for yourself, I will say maybe 25% for my house❤ Big Hugs my friend. We are your cheerleaders. Get some rest and lots of water and try again tomorrow. ❤❤❤ you are a good Mommy and Wife aka Fantastic Homemaker, Daughter and Friend!

[@gettingtidy2495]

Thank you very much xx. Love this.

[@lauramitchell6725]

You always mention how much you hate to see ANYTHING go to waste,ME TOO! ( My husband and I joke that I’m the youngest person to have lived through the Great Depression,I’m only 65) I have a yard sale twice a year and put out A LOT of free items in boxes at the end of my driveway, things that are missing something,need to be repaired,clothes with rips or stains,etc. EVERYTIME, 90% is taken! (If they snatch it up on the way TO my garage,they will tell me, “These clothes will be perfect for my next painting project,or I’m going to put a plant in this broken thing and put it in my garden.” Also, if you have too many plastic pots that plants come in and you start seeds in,others will love to do the same. Just write FREE on the box flap,put it under cover,and just start filling it up for your sale!🙌🏻

[@tracyralph8947]

I’m following your lead by setting a timer for 30minutes, it’s surprising how much I get done. Love your dress you’re wearing, it’s so pretty xx

[@gettingtidy2495]

Thanks Tracey! I try to do that in each room but sometimes I need just over 30 to finish what I'm doing!!

[@angelajthorpe]

Tonight for dinner we had a stirfry with a bag of vegetables that was 2 days expired. Tasted fine. We check them and if they don't smell or look bad, we eat it.

[@lauramitchell6725]

Same here,smell test is my guide not the date.

[@janetsides901]

That’s what we do.

[@gettingtidy2495]

Sensible 😍

[@elizabethsavage9108]

I can’t wait to see you busying yourself in your kitchen in the winter , looks so cosy 😊

[@janetsides901]

I’ve been saying No to saying “I’ll do that later”. No,do it now! I’ve been decluttering my cabinets,closets,and sheds. And each day I have to say no to not doing it.😅😊

[@gettingtidy2495]

Yes that's right. Don't wait. Sort it now!!

[@brookhowell8841]

I have refrained from using the word ruthless when making comments in the past. I suggest taking both tables and what's in your hall window, putting them in a laundry basket and asking yourself what you really need to keep, especially so close to the front door. What first impression do you want people to have when they come into your house? There was a long period of time that my husband and I shared one vehicle, so I kept a plastic basket of things in the hall closet that I needed to take with me when I left the house. The only thing that was kept by the front door was items someone was coming to pick up off of Facebook Marketplace. Here we have absolutely no space by the door and a very small closet, so everything would be seen. So my mom is quite ready for us to take in our donations and get them out of her sewing room! From the quick view we saw of your parking area, it looks like you need more rocks. Quite a bit of our lane is rocks except for the part in front of the garage which is cement.

[@gettingtidy2495]

That is a good idea. I need to clear the window sill more. My shingle needs to be moved from another area where it's really thick! Although my husband said we needed more but I said no to avoid the expense!

[@karenhoward8542]

I am in awe of all that you accomplish in a day! Just diagnosed with shingles so things have stopped dead here this week. 😢

[@brookhowell8841]

Oh, no! Shingles are no fun. I am sorry you're in pain Karen.

[@gettingtidy2495]

Oh no that's awful, are you run down/stressed?

[@terrivandeberg6040]

I Emma. My challenge is to do 30 minutes of yoga every day. I’ve found as I’m getting older I’m not as flexible as I once was. I enjoy it and am seeing a small increase in flexibility but I also am giving myself grace on days I lack motivation. I do the best I can and that is enough. It is ok if you don’t get all your steps in. Your family is loved. Thanks

[@gettingtidy2495]

Well done with your challenge 😍 I said no to crisps today and did 10,024 steps!

[@erinj9642]

I've been setting a timer for swimming so I know for sure I'm doing at least 30 minutes. I should also pick up the saying no part of it too. 😂 Summer is my favorite season and food is one reason. So much good fruits and vegetables at this time of year.

[@hannahrogers6956]

It’s a muscle, you have to keep using it. Decluttering. Too much is kept. You say you can’t put anything away (ie your mums) and that’s because there’s no room in the cupboards to put stuff. The storage needs emptying. Harsh but true. Photograph (and print ) memories. Then store vertically. What is the link to the past? From a therapeutic point of view - what are you holding on to from childhood that you need to let go of. You are definitely getting there, this is the hard party now. Realising stuff is holding you back. Xxx

[@gettingtidy2495]

I associate feelings with items....

[@uktenantandlandlordsupport2589]

Great work 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@gettingtidy2495]

Thank you 😊😊😊😊

[@traciewilliams4630]

Hi I'm new , from Leeds , loving your content , you have a lovely calming voice 😊 also love how you interact with your viewers ❤

[@williamhawthorne1375]

Emma you really could make the kitchen worktops better looking and easier to get done,stack your plates and pans they take up half the space while waiting for the lean up.xxLizzie

[@gettingtidy2495]

Good idea, also hiding them in the bowl!!

[@teresadavies8795]

❤❤

[@michelleperea7407]

No you are right you can’t do everything. Thats when family comes together and takes care of their items. My 12 yr old is in charge of her stuff. She has her own bathroom and is also in charge of cleaning that as well. My husband is very tidy and also does the cooking. I’m going to work full time again so we shall see.

[@gettingtidy2495]

Great team work in your house Michelle. It's such a juggle.

[@sunset33533]

I get too attached to stuff when decluttering. I remember using a journal notebook called Throw It Away by Guru Notebooks.

[@gettingtidy2495]

Thanks for the tip

[@erincraig9109]

Gosh I hope your aren’t the only one in the home trying to keep up with things! My kids from like 6 used to empty the dishwasher, dry the dishes, put the dishes away… kids can do a lot to help out- and out teaches them that this is the family home- we all chip in even if it’s little things like that 😊 watching from Brockville Ontario Canada 💚🇨🇦

[@gettingtidy2495]

My husband does quite a lot of meals, breakfast in bed for me at the weekend. My daughter does small things but has school work and lots of activities so not much time left!

[@lauramitchell6725]

Oh to be young and indulge yourself in activities instead of chores!😅😂🤣

[@Glitter_bug86]

Toronto Canada. I just discovered your channel.

[@gettingtidy2495]

Hi Angie, thanks for being here 👍🏻👍🏻

[@mirelaxo]

Hi, I came across from another channel that recommended you. I am from Australia 🇦🇺.

[@lukeanddaleigh]

Hi there! Just subscribed! We are from Oklahoma (USA).

[@helenpalmer1094]

Emma, there's not enough hours in the day for you to get to the bottom of things, your like a headless chicken, you never stop.Get some over the door hooks to hang spare coats on you don't have to put any screws in the doors and you can then move them were there needed.

[@gettingtidy2495]

Good idea thank you. I need to clear out the pantry again.

[@chasz-gc8cl]

Ur not doing bad keep it up girl❤

[@claudiavecchio7812]

Hi I’m new I live near Dereham, yes 🙌 the pictures of William are in Norfolk.I love Norwich it’s my favourite place xxxxx

[@gettingtidy2495]

@@claudiavecchio7812 oh wow that's fantastic, love Dereham area. Which pictures did I say about? I can't remember!!

[@CammyHell]

With my challenge I’ve been walking 4 miles every day and eating 70% healthy

[@gettingtidy2495]

Well done how are you getting on. I said NO to crisps and a chocolate dessert today! 10,024 steps!

[@MrHunniebunnie]

How did you get a job as an invigilator? Sounds interesting and something I would like to do.

[@gettingtidy2495]

My friend put my name forward to the Exam officer. My advice is to write to your local school/academy chain.

[@CammyHell]

What is the name of your garden channel?

[@gettingtidy2495]

www.youtube.com/@gardening1267 ❤❤

[@carolynoquinn4573]

You poor thing, your hubby just cleared the left side of the kitchen counter!!!!

[@brookhowell8841]

I must have missed that!

[@CammyHell]

What’s that cute little square yellow box in the right corner of your kitchen?

[@brookhowell8841]

Breadbox

[@CammyHell]

@@brookhowell8841 it’s adorable 🥰

[@gettingtidy2495]

Brook is right. A bread bin. Do you have them?

[@elizabethpaul989]

Your house looks ok to me. It is difficult to keep up with housework when you have so many other things to keep up on. It is the stage of life you are in now that makes it difficult to keep the house tidy 100% of the time. Your mother and mother-in-law are at a different stage of life and that’s why they are able to keep their house tidy all the time. It will be different when your daughter is older and you have decluttered more possessions.

[@brookhowell8841]

Just like your daughter's room and playroom being a mess isn't on you. She should be able to put her own things away at 11.

[@lauramitchell6725]

I agree,someone else calls it the seasons of life. And unfortunately,as your mom and mother in law age and slow down,their homes may also decline. Could you say “no” to more of the girl guide activities?

[@brookhowell8841]

I believe she's doing Girl Guides as it is something she can do with her daughter.

[@gettingtidy2495]

One I day I will miss all the toys 😢😢😢😢