It sounds to me like it would be a big job, but those things can be fixed. I would start with cleaning and safety issues rather than organizing - the mildew, broken doors, etc. Of course the bathroom repair is important. Just try to make a little progress each day. You might want to consider having your mother checked by a physician to see if she might have physical or mental issues that could be helped with medication or counseling. I assume from what you say that she is not willing to get rid of any of her stuff. You could try to convince her at least to get rid of anything that is a health or fire hazard.

I don't know how much of your house is fixable. For the broken furniture, kitchen flooring, and rugs - try Freecycle, to see if there is anyone who has items that could replace yours. Repairs to your kitchen and bathrooms are going to be expensive, which I'm sure you already realize.

I wouldn't be surprised if your mom gets on your case if you try to throw out the junk, doesn't let you throw out things, or if you do toss it out, she goes back to the garbage and takes things back into the house.

If this sounds like your mom, then she may have a hoarding problem. This is a form of OCD, a type of anxiety disorder. She needs to get some counseling, and perhaps some anti-anxiety medication. If your mom doesn't get any counseling, you might benefit from a few sessions, to understand your mom better and figure out strategies to deal with the junk. It's not going to be easy, by any means.

One thing you might want to consider is to hire a cleaning service to do an intense cleaning of your kitchen and the slimy bathroom. It would at least give you a good start on dealing with the rest of the house.

I hope that things will improve soon for both you and your mom.

What country do you reside NOW ... find a reason to take your MOM out of the house for a day or two [[ overnighter is good ]] and have a cleaning crew go into the house and toss the junk == period == and clean +++ you do not want to live like that and you certainly cannot have any friends over ....... If you lived in Mexico for a few years then you know friends and clean homes .......... just do it and if your MOMS is upset then so be it ---- the deal is that the cleaning crew just plain misunderstood === that is your story and stick to it == and the answer is """ NO __ I would not live in that filth """ and I am sure you don't like it, either ..

Everything you mentioned can be fixed. It will either take money or time and lots of elbow grease if you do it yourself. If you have to live there anyway, it's worth it I think. Such a long term project can feel overwhelming. Start with one repair/cleaning job and just do it and get it done. Then start the next. Before you know it the house will start coming together and you will feel like you are accomplishing something. Good luck!

Call a good contractor he can give you a better idea than we can. But it should be fixable: just at what cost: that is the real problem here. The leaky tub can be fixed with epoxy, the tiles replaced, things can be repainted for now. Fix the worst stuff first and work from there.

This is a classic hoarding situation. Your mom needs help from a doctor. Never try to throw away a hoarders stuff without professional help. Locate humane services in your area and talk to them about getting her help, or her doctor. It will never change unless you get her help. If once you get her help and can get her on track and rid of the junk, find out if there is equity in the house to do the repairs.

srry for your loss

It's an absolute shambles... stuff is broken, falling apart and just messes and clutter everywhere.

I feel really sad because it had the potential to be beautiful.

In case you're wondering... I share the house with my mom. It was in better shape before I left the country... I moved to Mexico for a few years, and I got home and it's a mess. The furniture is broken, bathtub leaks and can't be used (annoying bc I NEEDED a bath today), the other bathroom is covered in slimy mildew and rotten tiles.

It's so sad to see our house go to sh*t.

The cupboards and trim in the kitchen are shabby to the point of being obsolete and the linolium floor is gross, stained and worn... and our carpets are ragged and stained.

And my mom has masses of junk. I do all the cleaning and chores but I can't clean the laundry room because there's nowhere to put the junk. It doesn't have anywhere to live, there's just piles of it lying around... and I can't mop, dust, sweep, anything because the junk lies there 24-7

I can't move out right now for financial reasons... I would pay for the repairs and remodeling. But is the house ruined? Can it be fixed?

It really breaks my heart.