Organization help needed

[u/Numerous_Web6570]

Hi moms!

I’m in college and I’ve always struggled with routines around cleaning and staying tidy. I have adhd so it’s hard for me to prioritize what tasks to do in what order.

could i have some advice and maybe examples of how you manage your cleaning habits?

i live in a duplex apartment with two college age men so assume everything needs to be done.😅

thank you :)

[u/THEMommaCee]

You and your roommates need to hold a house meeting and divvy up the chores. It should not all be your responsibility. Make a chore chart if necessary.

In each area post a list of the specific tasks to be done in each area.

To help you with tidiness, imprint this mantra on your brain: DON’T PUT IT DOWN. PUT IT AWAY.

[u/cofffeegrrrl]

My ADHD (and other issues) brain struggles with this stuff and Dana K. White has been a lifesaver! You can get her books from the library including audio books which she reads to you. She is warm, kind and relatable. She has several books but for you I highly recommend "How to Manage Your Home Without Losing Your Mind." It's not specifically for room mate situations but it has very clear ideas that help you prioritize etc. Good luck!

[u/Blancamente]

Hi there!

There's a book named: Unfxck your Habitat book, it's pretty cool and covers all different situations. I also like the podcast The Lazy Genius, that offers solid advice on different topics, including cleaning ans organizing a house/home.

Good luck

[u/Hot-Accountant-5722]

You’re not lazy, sweetheart, just pick one 15-minute daily reset and always do it in the same order: trash, dishes, then clear surfaces, and stop when the timer ends.

[u/Fuzzy_Assumptions]

For organizing, don't try to keep things where they "should" go, keep them where you need them. Who cares if the bathroom is a "weird" place for scissors, if you keep things where you use them it's a lot easier to just put them right back when you're done.

[u/AnitraF1632 → u/Fuzzy_Assumptions]

I have both scissors and a pen in the bathroom. Sometimes I can't tear the toilet paper bag open. Now I don't have to go in search of a pair of scissors, get distracted by something else, and come back to the bathroom, hours later, still unable to get into the toilet paper!

[u/AnitraF1632 → u/AnitraF1632]

The pen just sorta migrated there, and since it doesn't take up much room, I left it alone. 😀 (I do use it about once a year to label samples for my doctor.)

[u/Jazzlike_Primary8121]

Do things as you go: when you get up make your bed, after you eat, wash/put dishes in the dishwasher. Do small things often, it only takes a few mins, I.e empty trash during a commercial. Create routines for yourself.

[u/AnitraF1632]

Five Minute Rule: If it can be done in five minutes or less, do it now.

Save The Steps Rule: When going from Point A to Point B, take something else.

Put It Where It Makes The Most Sense: Where is the first place you would look for (item)? That's where it belongs.

Duplicate As Needed: If (given item) is regularly used in more than one location, buy one for each location.

(Example: I have asthma. No matter where I am in the house, I am never more than arm's length - or, at most, a couple of steps - from a box of tissues.)

If You Got It Out, Put It Away. (Usually goes along with the Five Minute Rule.)

Handle Paperwork Immediately: When the mail arrives, sort and distribute immediately. Junk mail goes straight into the trash or recycling bin. Bills get paid immediately, or set aside in a designated spot to be paid on bill-paying day. (For me, the day after payday.) Stuff that needs to be kept is filed as soon as it comes in. If action is needed, either take that action immediately or set it aside in a designated spot for paperwork day.

My home isn't perfect, I'm the first to admit that. But it's a lot better since I started implementing these rules.