Keeping it together

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Hi, ladies

 I haven't been on this board in forever, but I'm definitely look for a bit of advice.  My STBXH and I separated last September, and I am still in the house with our two children, 3 yrs and 18 months.  I work full time, 45 hours a week, about 40 minutes away, and STBXH has the kids 2 days a week.  I work both days they're gone.  So here's what I'm desperately hoping to find out:

How do you do it?  Stay on top of keeping the house clean and the laundry done and getting meals made?  On top of everything, I recently put the house on the market, and let me tell you, it's definitely been shown with that "lived in look"- no HGTV perfection here.  

When we first separated, I was so gung-ho that it seemed easy.  Now I feel like I can't catch up.  Any ideas?  TIA.

kennazebrowsky

Try to spread everything out throughout the week instead of doing all of the major cleaning on one day or specify one day that you have off to get it done.

Do laundry every couple of days - smaller loads. 

When I was single I made mostly easy meals. Nothing that took up too much time or effort. 

babymama619

I think like anything it's about prioritizing. Some stuff just has to get pushed to the side or done later. anybody around that you could ask for help with specific things? like ask you mom to fold laundry or you bff to make dinner a couple times a week?

 

good luck 

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Thanks, ladies.  I definitely think the laundry every fews days is something I need to start doing, and not putting it off until my day off, by which time it's piled into something unholy.  I appreciate your advice.

honeysuckle2012

I have a big dry erase board with days written across it. Under each day, I put one thing I want to get done. Like sweep the floors for one day, clean one room, etc.

Are you close to anyone with kids that you could borrow and they could earn a little money? My aunt use to have me come over to fold laundry and do a few chores for $10.

livleen3

I only take care of myself right now but if I dont plan things and stay organized I have many days with no food in the fridge and Im crying about stupid things!!!

So even if your tired do whatever you have planned for that day. Or swap days on things you know will work out for you. Like the 2 days you dont have the kids and are working get stuff done thats tough to do with kids like grocery shopping on one day and try to cook things the next day off from the kids. Cook stuff you know you will eat and will keep. What I do is boil 12 eggs and keep them in the fridge. Its quick fast protein. I also wash all fruit and tomatoes so they are ready when I want them to be. I cut cucumbers etc and keep it in good tubberwear.You can make oatmeal with frozen berries and have that ready. I dont know what you eat but having healthy food ready to eat helps me with everything!!! Im pregnant now so ofcourse food is critical but this will be helpful to me later to.  You should think about things that normally get you stressed out and have a plan for it. If your house is on the market then you should try to pack things up in boxes with things that you dont need. If you have less things in each room then you have less things to clean and put away. Esp toys!

You have to take care of yourself and be happy so find some good shows or stress relievers that will relax you. You will think more clearly and have a better grasp of stuff. Im not a mom but someone who stresses out!!!

Good Luck : )