Readers Respond: Making It Easier to Clean House During Depression

• Tips for specific tasks
• Tips that help you get started
• Things that keep you going
• Jobs that make a difference to your mood
• Tasks that make the most difference to your house

do it in "Time bites"

I have been in depression and have found also that remembering that (such and such) will only take x amount of minutes seems to help a lot.. Sometimes when things seems so overwhelming it does make it easier to think in those terms.. and at least at the end of the day I will be able to tell myself that I did do something... My question is to myself is why I think that cleaning the sink (or toilet) is doing something and that my painting does not as easily qualify... Must be a woman thing but somehow I would certainly like to make a big adjustment in my thinking as far as that goes!

—Guest daune

thats what we have them for

When I am unable to clean I have my children help me clean or do all the cleaning.

—Guest guest

housecleaning

I have a hard time not getting overwhelmed, and my husband is ADD, so we have a double dose of mess around here! At times, he and I both will work on parts of the house and get things thrown away because we are both packrats, and just want to do artwork all the time, lol!

—artbyheart

karmaelam

If I can just make the bed, wash the dishes after each meal and do a load of clothes, I feel that I have had a good day. Sweeping, mopping and decluttering have to wait till I have more energy. It helps me to turn lights on.

—karmaelam

Going Viral

I learned a tip from FlyLady years ago that didn't make sense at the time--but not only does it now, but my son also recently discovered the effect--Clean your kitchen sink! Really--you see that shiny clean sink, and you automatically want to do the surrounding area--and then that sparkling area makes you want to do the area around it--it is almost like magic how it works!!

—RainbowWriter

Trying to get going on that dirty house.

I am in a wheelchair with only one leg "but" that is no excuse not to clean my house. I set my mind to begin with a thorough dusting then vacuum the carpeted areas and change my A/C-Furnace filter as I have two G/S dogs that live with me. I know if I don't get it done it only makes it harder the longer I put it off. I never know when someone will come to the door. I wash my dishes as I use them. I don't let them build up. That is the most simplest way to do the dishes. Of course I live alone so I know it is easier that way.

—Guest Bro John J M J

how to keep house during depression

First and foremost ask for help. Nothing is so overwhelming when others share the tasks. Also set a sensible goal of what to accomplish daily. Worry about the main stuff and get the dust bunnies when you feel better.

—Guest snkkreuzer

Do It in Time-bites

I have a little timeline list that basically reminds me how long it takes to perform a certain housecleaning tasks. When depressed, it just seems too overwhelming to do many things. But if I look at the list - i realize cleaning the "top" part of the bathroom - the lights, countertops, toilet and things above the floor only takes about 15 mins. The floor takes less than 10. I can do one after dragging myself out of the shower; then vac in the morning. Same with other chores. Putting a timeline onto tasks keeps them from "growing" into godzilla ordeals. Plus, if I tell myself i'm only going to do one chore, i'll just do that one. If I tell myself out loud I'll do one more, i'll do it. I consciously CHOOSE to do one more. That seems to empower me over the depression. If I only do that one, that's ok too. I do not beat myself up anymore. Gives me some control over things. I realize my energy ebbs and flows and if I can only get kitchen dishes done that night, i'm okay with that.

—Guest diana

Cleaning House During Depression

I am getting over a depression after having two elbow surgeries and a staph infection. My house was getting out of control so I invited my sister and her boyfriend to spend the weekend with us for her reunion. That got me scrambling like crazy to pick up the house. Since I can't do heavy work due to my elbow, I hired a cleaning company to come in and do finish what I physically can't do. The house was already picked up so it didn't cost me very much money. I now am forcing myself to pick up everything immediately, and the house has been perfectly neat for almost a week. That doesn't sound like a long time, but I have ADD too. I think that having a neat house is helping me to cope better with my depression.(I think it's almost over.) It is also easier for me to keep my home clean and clutter free, because I don't teach or work in the summer. Tomorrow I will tackle my dresser drawers. Wish me luck, and good luck to you. Laura

—Laurakate23

making it easier to clean when depressed

I just started using a site called Flylady and it has helped me get started in a routine. A little at a time is better than letting it all get piled up.

—Guest stacie

Making It Easier to Clean House During D

Use a timer and do what you can to get your home organized, then take breaks as needed. If you go slow, you will find you can accomplish much more than expect!

—anneclare1123

getting things done.

I have little list taped out around my apartment(each room) of what I ideally would like to get down daily, weekly, monthly etc...because I really like my home to be clean. I usually never get all of it done but a couple things off the list leave the house looking nice and less work for the next day. Also I make a small list everyday of what I really need to get done, also usually never gets all done but I know at least what needs to be done if nothing else.

—Guest

housecleaning when depressed

When I'm dealing with depression and the neglected house is getting to me I choose one simple chore. Usually that's mopping. I mop the whole house barefoot. The wet cool water seems to distract me. When I complete the mopping I feel better about myself and can usually take on another simple task like picking up a bit of the clutter. It's a relief to feel that I've accomplished a task by being able to work through the depression.

—Guest Ann

Small things with big payouts

They're the things that can get me going: make the bed vacuum or sweep one room tidy up couch

—Guest carlaj