Share on ThriftyFunThis guide contains the following solutions. Have something to add? Please share your solution!
I lived with a mom that had many health problems and was always helping others. So one day I said, "Please lets find a way for you to do the organizing part of the cleaning". She had a strong comfy stool that would fit in any room. We took the stool to each room, and she went through each area. She picked out the garbage and the things to give to other families.
I was the legs. I put the garbage in big bags and put them outside so the area looked cleaner faster. That was a big encouragement. The give away things were put in the back porch in yellow bags with names on them.
This process took a couple days, but each morning Mom got up and looked at the progress first, then washed, dressed, had a hot cup of tea, and sat on her stool with a smile.
The next process was to check to see if some things were in the wrong rooms. We had a basket to put things in it to carry around the house to put back in the correct room. This was the right amount of help.
Soon Mom was pushing things around in the room and asking for the broom. She swept and picked through the dirt for what was good. She was smiling and laughing about some of the things she found. How could they have found their way to such funny places?
So I agree with one of the posts. You may need some help, but if the person that owns the home is part of it, they will benefit and come out of the slump. Some one can clean your home, but they cannot organize it. Tea breaks with nice snacks help a great deal!
By Rain V. from Chilliwack, BC
To make organizing simpler so you don't feel so overwhelmed, you can plan to organize two things a day. Maybe two drawers or a closet, or whatever you need to get done. I do two things a day. By the end of the month, I have 60 things done! A big job in bite size pieces!
Source: I found this tip in a magazine a long time ago, can't remember which one!
By Tracy from Brockville
We all have times we feel unorganized. When this happens, the first thing you do in the morning is get your coffee, tea or diet cola ready, and make a list of at least 6 things you COULD get done that day. Then prioritize by numbering the items in the order that will serve you best. JUST DO IT
By Ardis
Having some perfectly sized rectangular, open cardboard boxes with handle holes on either side is motivating me to organize closets and under the bed areas.
Source: Nutrisystem nonperishable food containers
By Vivian P.
Ask a QuestionHere are the questions asked by community members. Read on to see the answers provided by the ThriftyFun community or ask a new question.
I am so far behind on all of my house work. I seem to be in a very bad slump and cannot get myself out of it. I feel like I am extremely lazy. I have no motivation at all to get up and clean and it makes me not even want to stay here. This just does not feel like home. Is there anyone that has any advice for me?
By Heather from Morganton, NC
I keep our house clean as if I'm expecting someone all the time, just in case somebody does drop in I want be ashamed of the house. I have been told that my floors are clean enough to eat on! Another way to look at a home is. What if the Lord came today ?I'm ready at a minutes notice! The more you move around the better you will feel, so get moving. I walk at least a mile every day.. I have a garden all the time. I'm a retiree. Good luck.
Take it a room at a time. Clean one room, the next day clean another and tidy up the room you cleaned before. Put one some music that makes you want to move. And just do it.
I feel that way a lot in the winter. Do you have depression or seasonal depression or perhaps another health condition that is sapping your energy? Are you eating right & taking care of yourself? When spring kicks in more I usually feel a bit more energetic.
Break things down in small increments. Set a kitchen timer and make yourself do something for just 15 minutes. By the time the timer goes off you are often in the middle of things and not wanting to stop. Every time you go from one room to another take something from one room that belongs in another etc. When you watch TV play "beat the clock" and see what task you can get done in the commercials. I love making lists just so I can put a check-mark on what I have done. Kind of like giving kids gold stars for their chores. I love gold stars.
Do you have children or significant other? Enlist their help to get things done. Or have a friend or other family member come help you.
I have been watching the 2 TV series on Hoarding (TLC on Sundays or A&E on Mondays) and after watching that I am motivated to clean things up. There are also programs on cleaning the clutter that makes me want to clean. Sometimes even watching a show or movie about people facing hard times makes me want to take care of and appreciate my stuff more.
Some people swear by the Fly Lady techniques but the website alone is a turnoff for me.
http://www.flylady.net/
Once you get things in order then it will be easier to do a little bit a day to maintain it.
Best of luck to you. :-)
You are not alone. My get up and go has got up an went! I can't seem to get motivated to do the simplest things anymore. I am in my late 60's and divorced. So, for one thing I don't have a husband to impress. Just some cats. I get ambitious about once or twice a month and shovel it out around here but it just seems like before long it is a mess again.
I haven't always been like this, I used to be Suzy homemaker and my house looked like Better Homes and Gardens. But I worked so hard at that, seems like I just don't care anymore. Too much to keep up with. My only suggestion for you is whenever you do get a little burst of energy, make it count. That is what I do. God bless and good luck. Connie PS: if anyone knows of a good energy building supplement, please let me know.
I have to drill with other people via yahoo IM, then I can get encouragement and they get it from me to complete various tasks. If you want to drill (cleaning, finishing crafts whatever) feel free add me to your IM mine is LA.MODSQUAD6
First I would suggest you call a friend, a good friend and say " I need your help". If your friend is a true friend he or she will motivate you and be glad to help. Then with her help tackle the mess that is bothering you the most first. Working with someone will make the task go faster and they will get rid of things you don't need that you would just pack away or move around. Get that one big hurdle out of the way and the rest will be easier to face.
You really don't want to live the way you are or you wouldn't be asking for help! Now call a friend! Don't put it off, make the call, set a date so they can help you get started on a better way of living! I'll share a real eye opening experience I had. In my second year of marriage, my mother called one day and said" your father and I are coming to town today, I just thought I would let you know so you could clean house".
From that day on I have been a better house keeper. You don't want to eat off my floors but company is welcome anytime. I figure we live here every day, it won't hurt anyone else either. Oh by the way I cleaned the house and my mother noticed and very politely told me so. She wasn't being nasty she was being honest with her lazy daughter.
Go visit the FlyLady at http://www.FlyLady.net/ This website has been a lifesaver for me.
Hello, I have a daughter who sounds just like you. She has been trying to overcome this (with my help) by just taking a small area at a time. She works on "something" everyday and it does seem to help. Try starting with a closet or just a few drawers in a chest.
Try not to make an even bigger mess by tackling too big a project at one time. Try very hard to get rid of things you do not use. If nothing else, put some things in a box, write FREE on the side and place it out for the trash (a day or two before trash day) so someone else can pick it up. Do not feel you are alone with this feeling as it is pretty common these days. Try to treat yourself with little things (maybe an ice cream cone) for getting things going. Just try to do a little everyday and it will soon be better.
Good luck and remember that other people really care about you - whether they show it or not.
I've been there myself. I've had problems with my diabetes and felt bad and therefore let my housework slide. The first thing I did was work to fee better. But, the one thing that helped me the most was watching the Hoarder shows on TV. That's been my motivation. I've been diligently working, a little at a time, going through my entire house and getting rid of stuff. It terrifies me to think that I could end up like those poor people and I'm terrible about hoarding stuff, so that's what I use for my motivation. Hope this helps.
It is nice to hear that others have this problem. I am 72 years old, with really bad arthritis and am unable to keep things as neat as I used to. I feel embarrased when someone drops in and can't seem to cut myself any slack about this. I have already used the suggestions offered and still find it hard to keep up.
Hi. I have that problem also. A lot of it has to do with all the pain I have, and also depression. So I do go in for counseling.
I have found the best thing for me is to just tackle a little at a time. I used to be so overwhelmed with the whole job, and just give up trying to think where to start. But once I allowed myself to just do a little at a time, that has helped. Also, I let go of my pride and let my daughter help and that was a real blessing. I got to see a lot accomplished in a couple hours.
Another great find for me has been freecycle. It has helped me to get rid of things, knowing they are going to someone who will use them, instead of them just being piled up in a room here. You can either offer your items on there, and also watch for things people are looking for. There have been many times people put a want on it and i had those items just sitting around.
Anyway, it has been a good motivation for me as well. Just go to www.freecycle.org and click on your state, then your town, and join it. Allow yourself to be blessed with even the smallest step, because it IS a step!
Take care, Della
Heather, the first thing you need to do is see your doctor. There may be a physical or medical reason why you don't have the energy.
I was that way for months, till my doctor found I have a low thyroid. This will drain your energy big time! He put me on meds for it and now I have lots of energy. Granted the meds take several months to really work, but in the meantime you could try drinking one of those 5 hour energy drinks. No more than one a day tho. But that would perk you up enough to get some work done till the meds kicked in.
If it's not medical tho, one way I use to motivate myself is to invite somebody to come over the next day. Since I don't want them seeing my house a wreck, this gets me to cleaning really quick!
Also, though, don't sweat the small stuff. If you don't feel like doing heavy cleaning, don't. Just do enough so you're not embarrassed if somebody comes in. But most importantly, go see your doctor and discuss it with him. You'd be amazed how many things can effect your energy and how easily it can be fixed!
Hi, I have the same problem. I used to be a first class housekeeper, but the past few years I can't get motivated to do the major stuff. I know part of my problem is depression and I do take medication. However, the larger part of the problem is that I simply do not like where I live. I have a nice house, but I hate the area. We live in Florida and it's hot, humid and buggy. I want to go back to Illinois. This was my husband's decision to move here.
I'm 70 years old and feel the same way about house cleaning however, I have found for me the hardest part is getting started. I need to get off this computer now and and get busy.
You have a few possible choices. You might actually move; you'd be surprised how that would motivate you. You could hire one of the professionals who come and help you declutter, clean up and organize your space. You could try the "divide and conquer" approach, setting aside a relative short time each day to attack a portion of what needs to be done. Good luck!
I agree with using the kitchen timer plus add a list of what you want to do in that 15 minutes. Check off what you completed after the timer goes off. You will be surprised what you can do in 15 or 20 minutes. By breaking everything down to small chores it doesn't seem as overwhelming. I wish you all the luck in the world as I to sometimes suffer from lack of motivation.
If it is not medical reason, depression.
Try this, invite people over for a meal or
game night this will set a time frame that
you MUST follow. I did this once or more
and it worked well for me. I work better under
pressure.
Or have a friend come over to get you going.
good luck
oh I can barely see the desktop as I sit here.
whoops.
Heather, I am in the exact situation you are, so don't feel alone. It all started when I decided to tackle a much-need, thorough cleaning behind my computer desk, stereo center, and bookshelves [which all sit next to each other]. I completed that task, then decided to move some furniture, tables, and lamps around - big mistake!
Now, things are sitting in the middle of my living room, overflowing on my kitchen table, and every other square inch of open space. I have come to a dead halt, and cannot make myself finish the project, as I feel so overwhelmed. I have been living like this for more than a week, and each morning I am more disgusted and depressed than the day before - but, I still keep putting off finishing the mess I made of my living room and kitchen - even my poor dog is upset by the upheaval. How does one get themselves going again? I am so angry with myself for even beginning, what has now become this monumental job.
As others have advised, you should first checked with your doctor, to determine there is not a medical condition causing you fatigue.
One thing that assists me, is to use a timer. I use the same type, teachers use, for testing purposes. I set it for 20 minutes, and begin my task. If I still feel like working after the timer goes off, I reset it for another 20 minutes. If I'm fatigued or frustrated, I take a break.
When I first tried this technique, I was surprised to find, just how many times I chose to reset the timer to work another 20 minutes.
I believe we are twins! I'm so very frustrated which ends up with me napping. Hope we get some helpful answers!
ThriftyFun is one of the longest running frugal living communities on the Internet. These are archives of older discussions.
I just turned 18, and I live with my parents. My room is a complete mess. I have laundry all over, books, jewelry, and makeup. Can anyone help me get motivated to clean and organize?
I need some tips on how to keep it clean and organized too.
jkitley
Invite someone over whom you want to impress and tell them you would like them to see your room.
(03/29/2005)
By Anonymous
Every time you walk into the room, put away five things. It takes a little while to make this a habit, but it's a very easy thing to do (should take about 60 seconds or less) and in a few days you'll be surprised that such small acts have started to make a big dent in the clutter.
Make sure you have places for all your stuff. You can't put things away if they don't have a home to go to. (03/29/2005)
By drlith
When I have to clean the spare bedroom or the basement, I just watch a few shows of, "Clean Sweep" and that seems to get me motivated. (03/29/2005)
By klawrence34
When I start to clean any room in my house, including basement or garage, I turn on either the TV, my police scanner, or put on a CD. Then I pick one area to start in. I have wicker baskets or cute containers to hold small items, underbed storage containers for clothing, and containers in the closets for more clothing. Then I limit myself to a time limit to get it done. It helps.
LI Roe (03/29/2005)
By LI Roe
I have the same problem, getting motivated. I usually do one of two things. I invite a friend over and use their ideas for organization, along with my own. I am fortunate as my best friend loves to clean, but she also likes to throw things out which is sometimes good for me as I hang on to everything. It helps just to have someone to talk to and bounce ideas off of to keep the motivation flowing.
The other thing I do is make myself dedicate 1/2 to 1 hour to get it done. And many times once I commit to a time slot I may work longer, but it's the initial time slot that gets me moving. After a 1/2 hour, if I'm tired of doing it I just stop as long as the basics are done and no big mess is left then I reward myself with time spent how I really want to spend it. I never let myself give in before the original time allotted is used up. Remember it's amazing what 1/2 hour of cleaning can accomplish. Just tell yourself, "Just do it, it's only a 1/2 hour." Before you know it you have used a small portion of time that will make you feel good about yourself and your room. Keep it fun, but don't give in, keep busy until your 1/2 hour is up.
Good luck. (03/29/2005)
By Barbie
If you're like me you just have too much stuff in there. Declutter in a big way, but do it a little at a time. Start with 15 minutes a day and work your way through it. Try to do it too long at one time and you will probably get overwhelmed or burn out. Easiest way is probably to get the clothes off the floor, chair, etc. and into a container or better, washed, dried, and put away. Then you can do something with the rest. Best of luck to you. (03/29/2005)
By kidsNclutter
Have you tried Flylady? Website flylady.net She is very motivating and will teach you routines to not only get the place tidy, but keep it that way.
Regards.
(03/29/2005)
By Jo
I went to a local pharmacy (Walgreen's) and got collapsible laundry hampers 2/$5 and went at it. They are great for sorting, storing, and hauling to other rooms. I also picked up a bunch of photo storage boxes at the Dollar store and used them for smaller items like makeup and hair supplies, jewelry, whatever I want. They stack beautifully on bookshelves and are pretty to boot. I covered boxes paper comes in (10 ream-size) with fabric and use them to store bigger items.
I used an old door (curb) for a tabletop in the bedroom, and 2 (2-drawer) file cabinets I found on the curb to hold it up. Voila, computer work center with storage underneath. Oh, and I bought a tablecloth for $2.49 on sale at Linens n' Things (online) and got the best computer chair through Freecycle (freecycle.org - check it out). It was a fun challenge to do it inexpensively. Good luck. (03/29/2005)
By Carolyn
By darween
Hang clothes in like sections (i.e. pants, blouses, skirts, etc) and shoes the same way. I find that having a couple hangers ready with a full outfit is a great time saver.
Don't buy any organizers until you know for sure what you have left. Sometimes you won't even need one. A couple of nice wicker baskets can be pre-bought for the top shelf of your closet or desk.
By Fran Marie
Another thing is this, if you are 18 yrs old, how much longer will you be living with your parents? Probably not much. Either you will be going to college or into the workforce, and wanting your own place or Lord forbid, wanting to get married, oh please wait at least 7 more years for that.
All of which means there is probably a ton of stuff in your room that you have outgrown or will soon.
Now is the perfect time to start going through all your things and deciding if they really serve you anymore, have they outlived their usefulness, have your tastes matured, have you undergone a lot of changes resulting in things that no longer fit your body or your soul. Put away the stuff of your childhood, except for a few treasures, to make room for the future. You have the whole world to explore and enjoy, you can't do it if you are bogged down with so much of the past.
Once you purge, what remains will be very easy to organize and cleaning will be a snap. (04/01/2005)
By darween
Remember how much you loved charts of accomplishments as a kid? Post one on the fridge listing "Extra tasks to be done". Everyday devote as much as an hour to doing one thing on your list. Mark it off. Feels great to see that list getting whittled down. Before long all the little extras are done. Also, if you'll make it a real effort to do 1-2 loads of clothes before bedtime you can pretty well keep up with laundry. Dollar Trees sells those little 4 sided mesh folding hampers. Finally, I got my kids to keep their dirty clothes in one spot. I carry them in it to be washed and loaded with clean socks, underwear, etc. to take to the rooms to be put up. Ain't it amazing what happiness $1 can bring?
Sharon (04/03/2005)
By ThriftyFun
Most of the people here are suggesting flylady, but I find that simplymoms.com works much better for me, I like using it as a base for a system that I can make myself that suits my needs better, and in that we find it's very useful as a motivater.
(04/21/2005)
By Just Me
When I was 18, my room was the same way so to clean it one thing I would do is make up my bed, take everything off the bed and put it on the floor. Next I would pick up one type of item at a time. For example, I would pick up all the shoes and put them away. Next, all my pants, next all my blouses, and so forth. Little by little, I would see the mess disappear.
And then to keep it clean, I would ask myself, "How did my room get so dirty?" What I noticed was little habits like throwing wrappers on the floor so I would try to make a habit of throwing all wrappers away. I also made the decision to stop eating in my room and that made a real difference.
So you might want take a minute and examine some of your bad habits and make an effort to change them. You will see your room stay cleaner for longer. (12/15/2006)
By Lonette
"Your goal is not a goal, unless you write it down."
"Place your goal somewhere visible." (09/01/2008)
By Stephen
