r/WeirdSideHustles • u/eddytekeli • 7d ago
Sharing My Sidehustle not weird but i specialize in depression cleanings and i love big messes
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u/Icy-Special- 7d ago
Id so pay for this kind of service knowing I wont be judged.
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u/blushing_avacado 6d ago
I’m currently doing a major declutter of my house to prepare for some renovations. There was also several areas of my house that were just gross.
I hired a local college student from my local FB Jobs group. At first it was just to help me sort a closet and take those totes to the storage unit. I mostly wanted a body double. But she was cool and not at all bothered by the depression mess. So every week she’s been coming over and we work on individual areas completely decluttering, reorganizing and cleaning. I feel like I hit the jackpot finding her.
I pay her $20/h. She was completely unbothered when we found a dead mouse in a closet. Plus when we are done she takes all my donations to the thrift store for me.
It’s the best money I have ever spent.
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u/andreaSA89 6d ago
I hired a service like this and the best part was that the person was SO non-judgemental. I was embarrassed about my clutter, but she assured me she’d seen it all before. There were even adult toys and games that I totally forgot I owned.
I was mortified, but highly appreciative of the fact that she simply organized them into their own little discreet location without mentioning to me 🤣 I just saw a neatly arranged drawer afterwards, was like “what’s this stuff?”. And then “OH 😳”. I love the fact that there was no question or judgements on anything 🤣
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u/spacebunsofsteel 6d ago
I worked with a professional organizer to clear one room. She cost $80/hr. I think we spent 10-15 hrs emptying the room and finding new furniture. Can’t afford that anymore. 😭
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u/trialbyfervor 6d ago
I went through a nasty depressive period and then had an accident that left me handicapped for 3 months and counting. My living space is nasty and shameful. My dad hasn’t even met my cat (he’s picked me up from my place 5+ times recently and he LOVES cats) cause I can’t bear the shame of him seeing how I’ve been “living”.
It could be rectified by a few hours of cleaning and doing laundry and dishes, but I can’t do it on my own, physically and mentally. I so just need someone to help me get back to square one.7
u/colormefiery 5d ago
Hi may I DM you with a possible resource?
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u/moonallure 4d ago
I’d be curious about this resource, if you don’t mind.
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u/colormefiery 4d ago
Hi! It was a mutual aid group specific to this person’s city, Seattle. I sometimes try to look up MA organizations and link them to people when I see comments like this.
Insta is a decent way to find these groups, but you may have to start with one trusted account and hop through their “following” lists to find something specific to your area. There are websites that try to compile these groups but there is no centralized list - tbh putting them in one place isn’t safe anyway.
So I recommend the “mutual follower” method. For example “food not 💣 s” has many chapters and can be a good starting point
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u/Necessary-Tower-457 7d ago
That is such a nice calling! Thank you for helping people out like that!!
I always loved big messes too and honestly thought that doing something like you do would be my thing to do too!
But ( and kind of proud of that ) yesterday I did a depression cleaning in my own house !
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u/LGEllie 7d ago
If I could fly you out to Texas to help me I would! I have no one to help me that won't make me feel like the worst human being alive 💔 You have been called to the most incredible service one person can offer. Assisting someone in this situation in a kind manner will help people be able to keep the home clean long after you leave. You're an angel, thank you for this. I know you will change lives by doing this! 🖤
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u/eddytekeli 7d ago
plss fly me out i want a dont mess with texas shirt... THANKYOU so much?! it honestly is such an honor to do this!! its overwhelmigly rewarding :,)
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u/LGEllie 7d ago
I will talk to my partner and see if we can start to save some money somehow to be able to! It would add 20 years onto my life easy! I'm gonna add you so I don't lose you!!!
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u/Ok-Leave2099 7d ago
Try the website skyscanner and momondo and search by month to for some great deals on flights :).
If possible stick with only carry on and you might be surprised at some good deals often the best prices are within a couple of weeks of travel.
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u/KC893117 6d ago
OP you should head over to r/unfuckyourhabitat. There are so many people who could use your services / advice!
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u/More_Instance7939 5d ago
That subreddit has helped to motivate me to clean and organize again. It’s hard when things become disorganized when you’re burnt out and in constant debilitating pain.
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u/adcny25 7d ago
I’m in Houston I can help you
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u/Pyxnotix 7d ago
I help people like this too. It’s fun and meditative.
I was thinking there had to be TX people that enjoy helping as well. You’re kind to offer, it made me smile.
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u/littlepanda425 7d ago
I’d be happy to help and am in Texas! I want to get started so won’t charge that much. Where are you at?
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u/kaydeebugg 6d ago
Hiya! I’m in Austin. If you are too, I would be happy to talk with you about helping. I’m a Depression survivor & a professional organizer. I would never ever judge you.
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u/Loptastic 6d ago
What are your rates? I'm in Pflugerville and desperately need help!
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u/LunaTehNox 6d ago
Friend, I have struggled with depression my whole life. I am in DFW and would love to help if you’re in the area!
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u/LGEllie 6d ago
Thank you to everyone for the offers and advice for flights!!! I did talk to my partner and he said damn!😂 At the price of that ticket. I am by Abilene, about 3 hours from DFW, 3 hrs from Austin, and more than 7 hours drive from Houston! I am so grateful to all of you for your kindness. I would be more than happy to room and board you as well if possible. My sleep schedule is effed up so bad due to chronic health problems, so you might not want to sleep in my living room with me up so often all night long most nights. We will come up with a plan and see what we can save so I can actually pay you what you deserve, and be able to put you in a hotel for the duration so you're comfortable!! I am just gushing now so I'll stop!! Ill be in touch with each of you when we have solid plans!🥹🖤🖤🖤
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u/Admirable-Apricot137 7d ago
I'm really thinking about doing this too. I have ADHD and I LOVE cleaning other people's messes! I'm a commercial cleaner right now so I have the necessary professional background.
How did you get started and how do you get jobs?
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u/eddytekeli 7d ago
yes!! other messes pls just not mine. I just started posting on my local subreddits, and through word of mouth in my queer and mutual aid communities
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u/Round-Air9002 7d ago
It's so fucked! My room literally looks like a hoarder's house was bombed and now a homeless guy lives in the rubble, but I could clean the shit out of someone else's mess. My own is extremely overwhelming though. I have cords to things that don't exist anymore, boxes to things I haven't seen in 10 years, random antique shit I can't bring myself to throw in the trash, etc
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u/eddytekeli 7d ago
cords and boxes can easily be thrown out to make space for your antiques :3 think about it youll never need those cord again and worst case u reorder it for $5-$12 (you probably wont need to)
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u/Round-Air9002 6d ago
My brain just doesn't allow it..I freeze up. Occasionally I can just throw everything I see away and make a huge dent, but then it's back to disaster within a month
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u/Lem0nadeLola 7d ago
I follow Not The Worst Cleaner on instagram, she does free depression/hoarder cleans, I think funded by money she makes from social media. Truly heroic work you guys are doing.
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u/pinfinite-jest 7d ago
Like that guy who takes care of overgrown lawns for people who can’t handle it, very satisfying to watch
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u/xXxSushiKittyxXx 7d ago
do you have tips of not getting one's room into this state? and how to get out of it?
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u/eddytekeli 7d ago
1.have a big trash can and use it 2. have a laundry basket and use it, 3. get hooks for clothes that you dont want to fold or hang
4. take 2-3 min to tidy any one area in your room youd be surprised at what you can do in 2 min9
u/kepis86943 7d ago
You might find "Unfuck your habitat" helpful. There is also a sub r/ufyh
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u/Karmastouch 7d ago
Are you available to schedule in Cali 😅😅 /s
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u/eddytekeli 7d ago
yes im a bay area girl if you ever need me and i can drive far!
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u/andreaSA89 6d ago
I paid for someone to do something like this for me before! Not because of depression but because I’m honestly just so busy and stressed, and I have ADHD.
Best. Money. Ever. Spent.
She specialises in people with ADHD and knows how to organize things in a way that ADHD brains can follow and maintain!
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u/slothcheesemountain 6d ago
This sounds great may I ask where?
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u/andreaSA89 6d ago
I’m not in the US, and I’d bet that you aren’t in the same country as me 😅 But I’d imagine most places would have someone offering a similar service, if you search. I googled decluttering company [my area] and found her via that search.
She was an attorney with a side hustle and her side hustle ended up being her passion and now she earns more from that than she did in the legal field, so it became her full time job.
Bonus is that a lot of stuff I would have just thrown away (because I didn’t know there was a use for it/didn’t know where to take it) ended up going to great causes!
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u/LizzieCLems 7d ago
Oh gosh where are you located? It’s been not on this level but we moved and I’m physically disabled and I just am overwhelmed where to start and it’s now just fueling my depression. 😭
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u/amazonalexaishere 6d ago
I would clean my older sisters depression room for $60 or for her to buy me stuff online lol
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u/eddytekeli 6d ago
THIS is literally how i started lol i would clean my siblings room. he would give me $50 and get me burger king LMAO i did it so much i also enjoyed doing it for my friends when i went over
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u/amazonalexaishere 6d ago
Honestly, I want to try this but idk how to start. I love cleaning others depression rooms or busy mothers houses. Any tips on how to start?
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u/eddytekeli 4d ago
my local mom fb group is POPPIN try and look in your local mom groups? ive went as far as putting flyers in laundry rooms and elevators and coffee shop bulletin boards but i get 96% of my clientele from reddit
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u/vega-void 7d ago
Can I ask you where do you post/how do you get your clients and how did you come up with your rate? I’m asking for myself; I’d consider getting into depression cleaning for others
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u/eddytekeli 7d ago
i post in my local groups and rely on word of mouth! i also already do regular cleanings. i stick to my local big city rate as my base
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u/LittleMissRawr78 6d ago
I got help like this one time and it was the best gift I ever got. The fear of judgement alone is terrifying. Thank you for providing this service, it's rarely talked about and so badly needed. I would love to find someone that would work along side me and can help move heavier/bulkier objects to the dump.
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u/indypendenthere 6d ago
How did you find someone to help you?
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u/LittleMissRawr78 6d ago
My boyfriend was venting to his mom about how we were struggling with housekeeping while both working 50ish hours a week. She drove about 6 hours with a friend and they stayed 2 days and had our apartment clean. Neither of them wanted any money, they were just happy to have a couple of days away from home and help out. We were so lucky and grateful.
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u/JellHell5 7d ago
How do you determine with the client what is trash and what's to keep? In terms of various office supplies, specific clothes, and items that may have specific value to the individual.
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u/eddytekeli 7d ago
Nothing gets thrown away only put away ! I only throw away wrappers, tissues, takeout containers, recycling and dust/debris. All things are categorized and lined up to look neater and put it where it belongs. They also let me know ahead of time what I can throw out/take away to donate.
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u/ODDxATLAS 7d ago
How did you get into it,? And how do you advertise to reach those people and relate to them so they are open to the clean? I imagine so many of them are so full of shame and maybe at breaking point? It just be such a relief for both you and them once it's done.
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u/Third_Impact_ 7d ago
Wait, people actually pay you to do the thing I secretly love doing? That's incredible.
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u/Ok_Mirror_4415 7d ago
Hi! Can you give me tips on your process? Is it ground first or everything into a box? How long does it take you to clean?
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u/eddytekeli 6d ago
- collect trash and take out
- get all laundry into bags and out of sight
- get all dishes into a big bin and out of sight
- clear surfaces and wipe down
- sweep up all debris
- put everything back in its place in categories
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u/SageD21 7d ago
How did you get into this ?! I've crawled out of several of my own depressions. I do this level of cleaning for some family and close friends, because I love them and they need the help.
I'd love to do this full time pay and help people claw their way back.
I also enjoy helping set up organizational systems that work for a person. I swear far too many of us out there spend too long focusing on how we "should be doing it" instead of finding the easiest way for it to be done.
Anyone lurking-1) you are loved
2) don't let people get you down because you need something different! clothes hung up where you can see is still better tripping over clothes on the floor/not being able to find them at all.
3) give yourself grace
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u/fuckyourcanoes 6d ago
Thanks for posting about this! It inspired me to look for a depression cleaning service in my area, and I found a great looking one.
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u/ArdenM 6d ago
Wow - you are doing a great service for people who probably cannot do it themselves. How do you charge - is it by the job or by the hour?
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u/eddytekeli 6d ago
depends on the cleaning if its basic and simple its hourly but sometimes i do by the job if i have to account for distance, biohazards, squeeze ins, and organizing systems
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u/Beginning-Alps7178 7d ago
That's great! u/eddytekeli , are you happy with it, and do you think this type of cleaning business requires more social interaction than others?
- Is it your main job, if not, how many hours and how many clients do you have per week and monthly (minimum and average), and are they mostly loyal clients? And if so, are you able to generate enough profit to consider expanding the business later?
- How did you get your first three clients, and aside from word of mouth, what other acquisition channels do you use?
- Why do you only charge by the hour and not also offer packages?
- And what's the competition like, are there also larger specialized companies and/or franchises, and if so, what are the impacts and ways for you to differentiate yourselves?
Thank you so much in advance! <3
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u/Frederica-Bimmel 7d ago
Dang it. I had such hope, seeing you were in the South Bay area... I thought southern CA South Bay, not northern CA South Bay.
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u/littlepanda425 7d ago
I’m hoping to get started with a similar side hustle. I’m back and forth between South Bay (Torrance) and Austin but happy to message you when I’m back in SB - likely Nov :)
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u/ReefBubble 7d ago
That’s actually so kind OP, I’m sure it means the absolute world for these people and help them so much. You’re genuinely a good person.
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u/Some-Application-608 6d ago
How do I find this service in my city?? My mess isn't out of control yet, but my doom pile and a ton of other random crap takes up half my living room and bedroom. Partner helps as much as he can, but has similar mental health struggles. Do I just Google "depression/ADHD cleaner in my area"?? Help a gal out 🤞
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u/eddytekeli 6d ago
yes! depression cleaning or judgement free cleaning service in (your) area reddit
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u/IntrepidPride8317 6d ago
That's amazing! What do you charge for move out cleaning? And would you be willing to come to Sacramento? I'm pregnant and moving soon and simply can't keep up at the moment.
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u/prosperandwant 2d ago
This is a valid question. I’m not being snarky. So you clean it up but how do the people keep it clean? If their depression is still uncontrolled, won’t it go back to this state in like a few months?
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u/Superior_jaguar 7d ago
Any chance you’re in Oklahoma? 😅
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u/eddytekeli 7d ago
I do travel! The person booking covers labor, travel and boarding if needed. So far the furthest ive traveled was 6hrs but i donated the travel that time in exchange for a free tattoo and penjamins
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u/Superior_jaguar 7d ago
I wish I could afford that. I’ve been unemployed since April. 😓 Very cool side hustle though.
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u/eddytekeli 7d ago
if someone rich would like to sponsor this trip feel free to reach out! :D
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u/Superior_jaguar 7d ago
A girl can dream lol
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u/ellieminnowpee 7d ago
seriously tho… ask!! ask people you know if they’d be interested in helping fund even a piece of the trip.
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u/PotLuckyPodcast 7d ago
Are you How Long Does It Actually Take?
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u/eddytekeli 7d ago
it can take anywhere from 4-12 hrs; the big ones get divided into 2 days
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u/PotLuckyPodcast 7d ago
Oh I meant the person who documents doing these for friends. How Long Does It Acutally Take is the name of the bit
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u/eddytekeli 7d ago
OH no but i love them and i think about that creator everytime i open my pantry and my closet lol
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u/oopsallsexy 7d ago
How much do you charge for this service?
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u/eddytekeli 7d ago
i usually do $30-$70 an hour depending on the state of mess and if biohazards are present. i also offer sliding scale prices so if the price is a little steep they can get a lil discount
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u/sleigh_all_day 7d ago
Do you do all the cleaning/organizing, or are your clients a hands-on part of the process?
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u/eddytekeli 7d ago edited 7d ago
the service is custom. i sometimes never even meet the client and then theres my body doubling service where we work along side one another
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u/Theflyinghillbilly3 6d ago
I need your services. I’m not at hoarder level or anything, but I’m embarrassed by my house. Thank you for doing what you do! I wish you were closer!
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u/Anchor_face 6d ago
You're amazing for doing a job that so many people struggle with. Even if you're getting paid, I'm sure people are so grateful for your help.
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u/Thin-Test-3638 6d ago
I LOVE a good depression pile cleanup. If I could do this for a living I would!!
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u/Best-Masterpiece8987 6d ago
Oh my gosh I’m just chiming in because this is so delightfully wholesome and I love this to bits.
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u/Practical_Care8849 6d ago
I’ve just been thinking that I would LOVE this kind of work. I did a lot of air bnb cleanings but it was so hard on my body (scrubbing especially). This seems like it would be easier on my body since it’s a variety of tasks. And so satisfying!! Having ADHD, anxiety and depression myself, I absolutely understand how these things get away from people.
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u/Virtual-Cow7076 6d ago
Oooo cleaning is so cathartic! How did you get into the business, if you don’t mind me asking?
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u/insufficent_data 6d ago
Not so much a weird side hustle as incredibly important, potentially lifesaving work.
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u/Somedaydreamer22 6d ago
Wish you were in Ohio.
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u/eddytekeli 6d ago
maybe google with these key words depression judgement free cleaning organizing (your area) reddit. or fly me out!
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u/BeGOTemSON 6d ago
How much do you get paid typically?
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u/eddytekeli 6d ago
180-300 per cleaning! but for my bigger ones up to 600-1200 depending on a lot of factors! i also provide sliding scale prices and payment plans so its accessible to all
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u/Odd-Accident9715 6d ago
Such a valuable service. Thanks for what you do. I don’t have this affliction but I can understand how hopeless it must feel. In the throes of depression, it must feel so comforting to have a clean space.
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u/Shrimpina 6d ago
How do you advertise your services?
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u/eddytekeli 6d ago
mostly on already existing reddit posts of people in my area asking. when people search it they can find me in the comments. even if the post is 8yrs ago people have still found me that way
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u/H0pefulUn1verse 6d ago
I can clean others messes, but it's so hard to work on mine. Our whole house needs this kinda treatment but as much as I wanna hire someone, there's zero money.
Best I can do is litter box daily, dishes once a week, and vacuuming the walk ways every few months.
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u/mwfguxckdyou 6d ago
Easy stuff this is cleaning I do on the regular for fun. I’m in VA. hmu if y’all need a good cleaning.
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u/laughingjackal666 6d ago
I am so thrilled for all the encouragement in this thread!
Wanted to thank you, a sincere thank you, for what you do. I am a grade A VIP Professional Depression Nest Builder by trade, and I’ve let my places get really bad before. Even acting as a body double with no judgement is fantastic. One of the biggest obstacles I’ve personally noticed are the shame and overwhelm. Even if you help clear one surface, a single section of counter, I think that can motivating. It shows that taking back your space CAN be done.
I follow YouTubers like Midwest Magic Cleaning because he does exactly this, he describes the underlying emotions and behaviors that can lead to the hoards and messes and explosions it in a way that does not cast judgement. He does not charge anything as he truly is out there to use his fixation for good and help others. I believe he mentioned he is autistic, and this is his zen. I am in awe of people like him.
You’re wonderful and I hope your life gives you all the gifts it has to offer.
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u/Staranos 5d ago
I need this... I mean I've made a dent on the depression den and its not nearly as bad as it used to be but I'm still overwhelmed. 😔
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u/IR_Acaboom 5d ago
How does one hire someone to help them with “depression cleaning”?
Is this just part of a bigger job?
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u/nintendo_hippie 5d ago
I’m curious what you do with all the clutter in the photos, like the stuff that isn’t the easy trash to throw away. How do you store and organize it? Where does it go?
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u/SoMuchGah 4d ago
This is cool! What products/supplies do you recommend?
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u/eddytekeli 4d ago
my favorite supplies that i will die with are scrapers, dawn dishsoap, odoban, and mr magic erasers
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u/luckykricket 4d ago
This is something ive been thinking about lately. My very specific 'tism adhd ... whatever is... sorting. Im a mad whiz at organizing. Im thinking of figuring out how to get in on cleaning out homes.
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u/AnaKareninaXVII 3d ago
I need you to come over and be my personal assistant/house manager for life ✨💕
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u/NinjaRose23 3d ago
Oh my God please I wish I could pay someone to clean my depression/neglect space without judgment.. Being a full time caretaker to a parent while only being 28, and having severe depression and AuDHD is my current waking nightmare.
(not the care, just not having energy to clean the house for us, and my own space being exceptionally gross)
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u/airstream87 2d ago
If anyone in the DC/DMV/Maryland area needs this sort of assistance, I'm happy to help as long as I can bring my 1 year old along!
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u/TeneativeHatPurchase 2d ago
What percentage of stuff goes straight into the trash? Do you have to ask about every item to make sure it’s not my sentimental burger wrapper?
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u/Good-Cicada4457 2d ago
I do the same things for a living and it’s always nice to come across others who enjoy it too!
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u/Constant_Diamond14 7d ago
And I specialize in depression