I reckon neat freakiness is either in your DNA or it isn't. Unfortunately my DNA contains large doses of it and so does DH's (thankfully not to the point of obsessiveness!). It may be in DS1's DNA too cos he lurves the vacuum cleaner, broom and mop - he has to have a go if they're out and throws a pink fit if you put them away without letting him have them too. One can only hope he continues this fascination into his teens!

But, even though I like to have a clean, tidy house ... I have days where I couldn't be bothered too and I find some great diversions (whaddya think I'm doing on BB). So while it's a bit anal retentive (and I promise I'm not always anal!) I will write a list of what needs to be done and cross it off as I go. Sorry, that's my only tip!

Oh, the other thing that gets me motivated is seeing an icky bathroom handbasin and/or a grotty stove ... rare that they get this way, but if I have managed to put off the housework for up to a week then these two things generally tip me over the edge!

Hmmm, guess I'd better go throw that load of washing in the machine and tackle the ironing. Sigh ....