Housse claening is always an issue for me. I've heard the best thing to do is to break each job down in to smaller parts. Do a little bit, then take a break. Then do a little more. Take another break. YOu can only do one thing at a time so focus on that one talsk rather than thinking about the whole big job. Good luck.

I cannot tell you the last time i cleaned. At the beginning of the year i made a list of some things i really wanted and needed to do. I am still working on it... lol,...and nothing on my list has been accomplished in a day; but every time I cross something off i am proud of myself. Would a list work for you?

I HAVE BEEN OVERWHELMED EVER SINCE MY BRAIN SURGERY IN 2009.
I CANT DRIVE ANYMORE.
I HAVE NO ENERGY 2 CLEAN MY HOUSE PROPERLY.
DUST BALLS R ALL OVER EVERYWHERE.
I DARE NOT COOK...........................
I MIGHT START A FIRE.
I EAT OUT OF CANS OR COOK IN THE MICRO.
I M EMOTIONALLY OVERWHELMED SOMETIMES.
I ASK THE LORD 2 FORGIVE MY FAILURES....................
THEN I START 2 CRY.
HUBBY NOT HERE VERY OFTEN.
I M OVERWHELMED WHEN I THINK ABOUT SHOWERS.............
YARD WORK IS VERY HARD 4 ME NOW CAUSE OF MY AGE AND HEALTH ISSUES.........................
I USED 2 DO ALL KINDS OF YARD WORK, BUT EACH YEAR I SEEM 2 B DOING LESS AND LESS.
I M OVERWHELMED WHEN I THINK ABOUT GOING 2 THE EYE DOCTOR.
SOME OF THIS IS BECAUSE OF CHANGE OF MEDS, SOME BECAUSE OF THE BRAIN SURGERY.............
I KNOW WHAT BEING OVERWHELMED FEELS LIKE.
I HAVE ANXIETY ATTACKS......................
I SEND HUBBY OUT 4 GROCERIES MOST OF THE TIME.
I CAN BEARLY WALK AROUND A GROCERY STORE ANYMORE.
I JUST FEEL OVERWHELMED.....................................
GBU
D
;-O ;-[

Sometimes I find that taking some task, any task, and doing it is all that it takes to get me started.

For things like cleaning up the kitchen, I break it down into smaller tasks. First I throw away trash, then I put food away, then I make sure the table is cleared, then I start rinsing dishes and putting them in the dishwasher.

Sometimes well meaning people mess me up by disrupting my methods. I "need" space to work, so I will leave some dirty things on the stove or buffet or where ever while I focus on getting a batch of stuff in the dishwasher. Once that is done I get the next batch of stuff and work on it.

YES, PEPPER IS RIGHT.
BREAK IT DOWN INTO SMALL TASKS.
ONE DISH AT A TIME....................
THEN THE WASH........................
THEN DUST....................
DO ONE THING EVERYDAY....................
THATS HOW I KEEP UP.....................
I DO THE BIRD CAGES WHEN I HAVE ENOUGH NEWS PAPER............... LOL
GBU
D
;-O

THE PROBLEM IS THE TASKS DONT STAY DONE............... LOLOLOL
THE DUST RETURNS...........................
THE CLOTHES GET DIRTY AGAIN........................
THE DISHES GET DIRTY AGAIN.......................
THE MAIL KEEPS GETTING DELIVERED EVERYDAY AGAIN.............LOL
U GET IT????????????????????? LOLOLOL
D
;-O

Whenever I'm depressed I always have a hard time with cleaning or any kind of small task. If someone asked me to vacuum the house they might as will be saying "go climb Mount Everest". This is the person who was a beat freak. I agree with breaking chores into small ones is good, but I know when I am in " that place" nothing can push me to do things. I am unemployed due to my panic and anxiety I was fired because of my depression, so there is no excuse for not having time. Sometimes I just can't do it. Please know you are not alone! Hugs!

I can relate too well. My depression makes it hard for me to be motivated to clean, then it gets so bad it makes me crazy, and so on. Last night I stared at my mess and decided I'm craving organization.

One method I tried the last time I needed to do a major cleaning (before I had a friend and his tornado kids stay with me), I made a list of each room I needed to tackle. I numbered them, then used a random number generator online. Whichever task came up, I cleaned it top to bottom (more or less). Then another spin on the number picker, do that one. It might not work if you're better with the do a little then break method, but that one didn't work for me, I had to find what worked for me.

When my house is getting too crazy-looking I force myself to at least do the basics - wash dishes, make the bed, and pick up all my clothes off the floor. Then I can at least feel semi-okay.

Ok so you guys just inspired me to do some cleaning! One important chore I forgot to put on the list: the kitty litter box! eeeuuwhh

Just find the time you have the most energy and do one room.
I did not clean my room for 6 months and I was also overwhelmed every time I walked into it.

Yesterday, I found the strength...it only took 1.5 hours and now I feel so proud and less overwhelmed. You have to do it and get thru it to feel better.

Sarah, thanks for reminding me, I need to do the kitty box too. Blargh.

I say that we all tackle some cleaning this weekend and share the sense of accomplishment at the end.

Alana, I like your idea. I'm in!

I have stacks of papers from 3 years ago. No motivation to clean. Finally put in a few loads of laundry today, and that feels like a major accomplishment. The other day I forced myself to vacuum. I was exhausted after just one room and allowed myself to stop. The next day I did the hallway. Slowly but surely things will get done. One thing at a time.

I have the same problem. I can't seem to gather the energy or will to do anything around the house. It is always a struggle and when I end up not doing something I end up getting more upset with myself. My biggest issue right now is laundry. It takes me running out of clothes for me to do it and then it sits in the basket for weeks without me putting it away. I guess the only thing I can tell you is to not be hard on yourself if you are unable to get something accomplished.