Is Debt Consolidation a good idea?

It will look good that your accounts are getting paid down, but from what I understand, some debt consolidation programs or certain creditors will report dmp (debt management Program) for your accounts, and this will be reflected on your credit reports, which could look bad short-term. Once things are paid off, this is usually removed. I would double-check with any debt consolidation program you are considering and see what their policy is regarding reporting that you're in a program.

Your first priority would be to get all the accounts paid with the creditors. But I understand that you might be having problems in handling different accounts and paying higher interest rates on each account. There are chances of defaulting in your payments in the future in case if your file is current now. Once your accounts are in negative, your credit is already hurt. You have to consider some better options to pay off your accounts. At this situation, a debt consolidation will be very helpful. All the accounts will be combined together under one payment plan and the interest rates will be dropped down with your creditors. The dmp plan will stay on your credit as long as you are enrolled in the services. Once all the accounts are paid with the creditors, the credit bureau will update your file and this will boost up your credit scores.