Refresh and Renew strategies for year round cleaning for a healthier home

Have you ever felt overwhelmed with clutter and simply shut down? Cleaning is a trial for anyone with ADHD.

The mental hurdle of trying to turn clutter into something organized is a challenge, and sometimes the task can feel absolutely daunting. Here are a few tips to make the experience more pleasant and easier to manage.

1. Set Clear Goals. If you try to take on the task all at once, then it will easily overwhelm you. Section areas off. Dedicate a set amount of time to a specific room, taking small, timed breaks in between completed areas. Attacking the tidying task bit-by-bit will get you to the other side.
2. Use a timer. Instead of dedicating large chunks of time to organizing, time yourself and keep it to short bursts. About 25 minutes of cleaning followed by a 5 minute rest is the best way to tackle this method.
3. Organize a Checklist. Set a list of tasks you want to take care of in whatever order you choose. This gives you a nice script and format to follow. With that, the project becomes streamlined and neat. Moreover, you get to set how you want to approach arranging your home. You can handle the heavier stuff first, knocking it out of the way to turn the process into a downhill battle. Or alternatively, you can handle the easier things first, getting more done in a shorter amount of time while quickly getting that fulfilling sense of accomplishment.
4. Declutter in Small Areas. Mentally grid off whatever room you're trying to clean at a given time, and clean each section of the grid one at a time until the room is decluttered.. This will make the work seem smaller in comparison, shrinking it down to bite sized chunks.
5. Limit Distractions. Distractions will be the biggest threat to you finishing your task. The best approach is to limit any information coming your way. Keep your TV off, tell your friends you’re planning on cleaning the house and will have to hang out another day, maybe keep your canine companion or feline friend in another space. On top of that, it’s advisable to silence your phone while you’re working. If it’s absolutely necessary to keep it on, limit your notifications to only the bare essentials, like Email, Messenger, and Phone. That way you won’t be tempted to pick up your phone and start scrolling through social media or video platforms. Sound familiar?
6. Use Music or an Audiobook. Music can be a great way to turn a monotonous cleaning session into a real jamboree, keeping the experience fun and fresh while you work. So crank up the latest Taylor Swift song, or party with Pitbull. Maybe some soothing instrumental music might even be the best choice to help you finish your cleaning. Alternatively, a nice audiobook might be just the thing to keep you calm and refreshed while tidying up. I personally recommend The Hobbit and the Lord of the Rings books, narrated by the wonderful Andy Serkis.
7. Use Visual Cues. Another great way to make the work feel a little more organized would be to incorporate some color coding to the task. Using different assorted colored bins for different items is a great way to quickly and effectively find a place for your clutter.
8. Invite a Friend. Two heads are better than one, as they say, and four hands can do twice the work. If you want to hang out with a good friend of yours, but have a messy house to take care of, maybe ask your buddy if they wouldn’t mind lending you a hand. It’s a great way to have your cake and eat it too, getting your work done, and having a fond friend to talk with while you clean together.
9. Set up a Cleaning Schedule. After the work is all done, a great thing to do is to figure out how you’re going to keep your newly tidy house spick and span. Try to create a cleaning schedule based on your own preference, whether that be daily, weekly, or monthly, to make sure that your house will remain clutter free so you won’t have to work so hard at it in the future.
10. Celebrate Your Success. After all is said and done, cleaning the house is no easy feat, and you probably feel exhausted, regardless if you used any of these methods or not. Be proud of yourself! You did it! Give yourself a nice pat on the back! Now you can find something nice to spoil yourself with. Maybe break open a treat you’ve been saving for a special occasion. Invite a friend over. If you and a friend cleaned together, relax on the couch and start a movie marathon or something. Whatever you do, take pride in the fact you accomplished your goal, and did what you set out to do. You deserve it.