Please help get me organised! :)

I worked full time until the summer and (lucky me I know) I had a cleaning lady then. Unfortunately with the drop in income (I only work two afternoons now and get a small pension) I had to let her go to save money. I was sad mostly because she had become a friend. However she had plenty of notice and was able to find more work.

My problem is this - I must be a lazy so and so. I never seem to get my house clean and I don't seem to have a proper system. The hoover is very heavy (why didn't she tell me - I would have replaced it) and I find it difficult to use. Some things I can't seem to do without making a mess of them (like windows).

Someone told me that they do a room a day or a job a day. Others say they have cleaning days or they do upstairs one day etc - what do you do?

Please give me some tips on how I can organise myself and clean efficiently - or quick, easy and effective ways of cleaning stuff.

Now, instead of mopping the floor, I think I'll just wait here and see if I get any replies (told you I was lazy) ...

Re: Please help get me organised! :)

You need a system you can do without it feeling like too much hard work. I would suggest if you live alone one good clean a week should be enough, with a little dash round with a damp cloth mid week.

The hoover if it's too heavy will put you off using it, so may be best to swap it for something easier.

Re: Please help get me organised! :)

Dust around while listening to your favourite music.
Buy a lightweight hoover.
Set yourself a target of 1 hr a day to do your housework.

Re: Please help get me organised! :)

Great suggestions and do put the radio on, you'll enjoy the housework more

Re: Please help get me organised! :)

Thanks Julie and Susie - I don't live alone I have my two grown-up sons with me still who are very messy - in fact I refuse to even go into their rooms lol. I think you are right about the hoover though - pity as money is tight, but I will have a look round.

Any more suggestions (both on organisation and types of hoover) very welcome!

Re: Please help get me organised! :)

We bought an Argos Hoover recently, its very lightweight and is a little gem.
Its VC 06E at £34.99

Re: Please help get me organised! :)

Ooh Patsy, thank you - could you tell me if it is easy to empty too?

Re: Please help get me organised! :)

Its very easy - open the flap, take out the bag - done !
You get 3 bags with it - then packs of 5 - they are cheap too !
It also has a cord rewind - its not over noisy either - I love it

Re: Please help get me organised! :)

Clean the bathroom before you get in the shower each day, easy and quick if done regularly.
Windows?? I'm not good at windows so use a Karcher, only do 'em when they really need it!

Re: Please help get me organised! :)

I use one of these, not the expensive model, paid around £40, it's ultra lightweight and suction is great, just slide out the lower side compartment to empty it, simples