Before I sat down to write this article, I googled, “Spring cleaning.” Just looking at the first page, I was already overwhelmed. So many tips and so many ways to get the house looking like it came out of a magazine.
How would I know which method would be best? And more importantly, how would I be able to follow all the tips and tricks for a Pinterest-worthy home when I have to gobble down painkillers just to keep myself sane and feeling normal?!
I have been living with a chronic illness for more than a decade. And it’s not easy when dealing with a chronic illness to organize and clean as often as I would like to. As a result, my home is always messy, and the to-do list piles up more than I care to admit. But I have found some strategies that have worked for me.
Here are seven cleaning/organizing tips for moms with a chronic illness, which I follow regularly to keep the clutter at bay.
Spring Cleaning Tips
1. Let Go of Expectations.
Don’t expect your house to be perfect and clean all the time. Your health comes first. When you are having a flare-up, focus on resting and getting better. Those dirty dishes or laundry can wait. When your condition is manageable, do one task and then take some rest. Do not try to do all the things on the same day, which brings us to the next tip.
2. Break One Task into Smaller Tasks.
All the online articles will tell you to focus on one room or one area of the house while cleaning. But that might be too much for our bodies. So focus on one task and break it into smaller ones. For example: if you are storing away the winter clothes, first isolate those and make a pile. If your body is getting tired, take time to rest. And when you gather the strength, fold them. Then if you need to, take another break or do light work (like checking your email). Then go back to the task and finish putting those clothes away.
3. Get Rid of the Excess.
I have seen moms with chronic illness going for the minimalistic approach. While I still have not mastered it, I have found that getting rid of the things that I don’t use helps the house look tidier and also helps me keep my sanity. So donate, sell, or discard the clothes or stuff you are not using anymore.
4. Make It Fun.
Ask your kids to help and turn on music to make the process fun. For example, they can help out by piling the toys in one place. You can make it feel like a game to see who can gather the most toys. Afterward, you can move those toys into storage bins.
5. Do the Dishes as You Go.
I have found that, keeping all the dishes in the sink and thinking I will put them in the dishwasher later only adds to my chore list. So I have made it a habit to put the dishes in the dishwasher immediately.
6. Ask For Help.
Moms are truly superhuman, but you do not have to do it alone. Ask for help — from your kids, partner, friends, or family members. And if you need it and can afford it, hire help.
7. Focus On the Accomplishments.
Don’t think about what’s left to do, but rather think about what you have done, no matter how small or insignificant. Even if you couldn’t do anything productive the whole day, cut yourself some slack. Your health will always come first.
When you can love yourself and cope with your chronic illness, you can find a way to work efficiently and also be your best self for your children.
So ignore the chaos around your house, focus on your health and well-being. And try to do the best you can while also holding yourself to a reasonable standard.
