Throughout our married life our homes have consisted of two extremes; very small or very large.  We have owned three homes, the first we reinvented and sold (a story for another day), the last two(8 sq metres-Aust) we renovated and then added huge (house size) extensions. Reflecting on Multiple Mum’s deliberatings; sell and buy larger, extend, or to make better use of current space?  I thought I’d share some of my thoughts and experiences. Perhaps you’ve looked at moving but have decided it is currently best to consolidate financially and re-visit moving in a few years.  Perhaps you’ve considered extending but finances also dictate it is best to wait.  Or your current location is not…

One item that we mourned, when we moved to this property, that was left behind in our town yard was our clothesline.  We were the proud owners of a genuine Hills Hoist.  A huge metal and wire clothesline with long arms spanning nearly half our yard.  Large enough to hold ample loads of clothes and  strong enough to withstand children swinging on it as they swung madly in circles hanging off its arms. Alas all we were able to purchase for here was a modern Hills Hoist,  of the aluminium and plastic lines. These modern lines are vastly inferior in quality to the old and for the last few years I have regretted not…

The undeniable fact is, eleven people generate a large, consistent amount of washing.  To ensure the laundry is maintained, a workable system needs to be implemented.  Family dynamics impact dramatically on what is needed and how it is carried out.  The number and ages of family members, family lifestyles and the seasons create variation.  Over the years our methods have been organic, changing and expanding with our family.  Babies, toilet training, winter, summer, sports, farming, building etc all have created variation. Washing is a task I enjoy, an effortless way to change the dirty to clean, and time in the sunshine hanging the wash is always refreshing.  Whilst folding is a little more mundane, I…

 The symptoms arrived suddenly this afternoon, no warning at all.  I walked up the hall and instantly knew.  I went from a leisurely stroll through the house to instant command mode in two seconds flat.  Within another three seconds I had a battle plan… It was time to declutter!  The entire house from one end to the other was going to be transformed. The next item on the agenda was to marshal the troops.  There my plans slowed a little, the troops were less than enthusiastic. Undaunted I enlisted the ‘Major’s’ help.  He devised a plan he knew they couldn’t resist. My family have been most willing to support me in…