6 Cleaning Tips for Neurodivergent & Disabled Adults
It has always been hard for me to keep my living space clean. It’s always a never-ending cycle of chaos and melancholy. It starts with throwing my pajamas on the floor after an exhausting day, which grows into a pile of indistinguishable clothing, to an avalanche of god knows what (oh, I’m missing my car keys again, maybe it’s in the avalanche of junk in my bedroom!).
I hate mess. Which is contradictory to the avalanche, which has now been stuffed in my closet. Neurodivergence and chronic illness comes with a plethora of symptoms such as depression and fatigue that makes organization REALLY hard. So you are not lazy nor disgusting. You are a human being on a brink of exhaustion, and sometimes you don’t have the spoons to focus on cleaning. That’s ok.
In this article I will present my 6 cleaning and organizational tips. I will also provide my personal recommendations on items I use and love (this is not a promotion or sponsorship). Let’s jump into it!
1. Use Storage Boxes. I love storage boxes! You want to know the secret to why my house is 80% of the time clean, versus the dark ages when the avalanche ruled supreme? It’s because of storage boxes. I have learned that everything needs to have a place or chaos will consume me. Storage boxes come in all different shapes, sizes, and lengths so they are great for just throwing things in there and it looks neat! When you are done you can create a label such as clothes or random stuff, and you are good to go. I am also an advocate for hooks, baskets, and other things you can just throw it all in there.
Personal Recommendations:
IKEA has affordable and large storage boxes and bins. These are only $4.99, they are large and great for storing clothes.
https://www.ikea.com/us/en/p/droena-box-white-30574006/
Target has the cutest variety of storage options. I like to buy their children storage bins because they are so cute.
https://www.target.com/p/canvas-dot-kids-bin-pillowfort/-/A-81942176?preselect=80674146#lnk=sametab
2. Divide into Small Sections. Thinking about the ‘big picture’ makes cleaning daunting. Breaking down chores into small sections or task makes things more manageable. I like to play the Four Square game, where I tackle one corner of a room. Take a break and then go to the next corner. As you chip away at the avalanche, the stress decimates because the chaos begins to clear away.
3. Pace Yourself. I have about 30 minutes of uninterrupted focus before I turn into an unhinged zombie. As someone with ME/CFS, pacing myself is detrimental to my continued mental and physical health. One tip that helps me is the 10 Item Count. In the week, I focus on clearing away 10 items each day. Again, chipping away slowly and not overwhelming yourself.
4. Get Support. Let’s note, not everyone has the financial or social means to have a good support system. However, if you do, utilize those resources. You are not a burden or have to push through. If you have a friend or family member who is great with organization, ask them to come over for a Clean & Sip party. They help with the cleaning and you provide the drinks (or non-alcoholic options). Or reach out to cleaning services once a week to support you with the basics.
5. Beautify Your Space. When you surround yourself with items that make you feel happy, it improves your mental health and makes you feel more confident about keeping your space tidy. Romanticize your life and create a space that is authentically you. If you like are, fill up those walls. Are you more of a plant mom, go ahead, turn your oasis into a jungle. Whatever fits you. For those of us who love aroma therapy, candles are a great way to beautify your senses.
Personal Recommendations:
I am a BIG fan of Goose Creek Candles. They have amazing smelling pet-friendly candles and room sprays that make your room smell phenomenal.
6. Practice Self-Compassion. It’s highly likely that your space is going to be messy. It’s highly likely you will clean and the next day, your space will be messy again. That’s ok. The neurodivergent and/or disabled mind is sometimes a chaotic space, and that transfers to our living space. Don’t beat yourself up, the world does that enough. Take moments to practice gratitude. If you were only able to make your bed. Yay! Celebrate that victory. If you were only able to clean one plate. Yay! You did it! Practicing self-compassion is a bridge to accepting you, executive dysfunction and all.
Infographic Cleaning Tips
