Life with a disability is not easy, especially when your condition comes in the way of doing basic tasks like keeping your home clean. Different disabilities and chronic illnesses unfortunately do. These basic tasks actually mean a lot, whether we consider cleaning a necessary evil or one healthy way of taking care of ourselves and our loved ones. In order to stay as healthy as possible and enjoy your beautiful home, here is a list of smart cleaning tips that will make your and your family’s lives easier.
Accepting the fact that you cannot do easily or what you once were able to at all is not an easy pill to swallow. You may not be able to turn the whole place upside down and clean everything on your own in one weekend. And that is completely all right. Take your time to do the small stuff, the regular stuff, or everything if you think you can, just not at your old speed. Do what you can, go easy, and take breaks – not everything has to be done in a day. Furthermore, life isn’t perfect, and you already know that. So, why don’t you apply it to your home? You don’t need to be able to lick the floors to prove the cleanliness. And a bit of dust? You can do it tomorrow.
Since doing even basic chores can be a hassle depending on your condition or, rather say, if you are having a rough day, make a list for everything. Make a list for daily, weekly, monthly – whatever makes you satisfied, really. But do try to make a more detailed list. Maybe you haven’t considered doing the dishes, filling in, or emptying the dishwasher a complex chore, but now it could be. Or a daily quick swipe across the floors and vacuuming the rug in the living room – and now it is not an easy, quick task. These are all important, but maybe try spreading the half an hour daily chore to three times a day for ten minutes? And take breaks even then if you feel the need to. Check out in your to-do list everything you did, and you will see that you are doing a lot. Maybe not as much as you are used to, but still most certainly a lot.
This one is a major help and will make your life easier, guaranteed. When you have fewer things around your home, and even those have their own specific place, cleaning simply takes less time. You know how to achieve it – throw out, give away, recycle or reuse if you see it fit another context. It always feels good donating and giving your undesired things to someone who can really make use out of them. When you are left with the things you really need only, how do you keep the order up? Make it a habit to throw and give away. You can even try to minimize the clutter by going online with the bills, subscriptions, and other mail and magazines that take a lot of space. Buy only what you need and do not bring anything in before throwing something out.
When deprived of the things you, up until yesterday, considered normal and usual, it can take a great toll on your ego, on your pride in being self-sufficient. But that is completely normal. Humans are sociable beings; therefore, it is normal and even desirable to ask for help. Even more important, get professional help. You don’t want to risk other health issues and you deserve to live in a clean and healthy environment. NDIS house cleaning in Melbourne has an expert team that explains that the service needs to be catered to each person’s specific needs. Therefore, do not be afraid to ask. Special needs are not anything new, and you might even get some good advice on how to keep the order up.
If you have family, friends and generally people who you live with or who are frequently coming over, do not be afraid to ask for help from them too. Your needs are just like everyone else’s, do not think that you are less just because you asked for help with the groceries, shopping, housekeeping, especially doctor’s appointments. Your kids can make their own beds, put away the dishes, and, depending on the age, even make their own meals. They do not need to be pampered, but they do need your support as little people that are growing up. And you are not replaceable there – the dust can be removed by someone else.
Many physical issues make it hard to stretch. Every tool, cleaner, or appliance that this motion is needed for use, needs a longer handle! Dust can be collected easier with a long handle, even doors closed, appliances turned on or off and floor mopped. The duster, mop, and even a simple stick with a felt tip can be of help under different circumstances. The other important thing is to have covers for everything. If everything that you are using has a cover or you have a habit of covering, there is a lesser chance for your kid or pet to get sick or for something to fall into and spoil your food or dirty your dishes, boxes, etc.
This one doesn’t need a lot of explanations and examples. Every surface, many spills, sweat, or simply dust and dirt can be collected and disinfected with a simple antibacterial wet wipe. Have them in multiple accessible places around your home and don’t worry about the accidents or bacteria that much. You are doing great! Like wet wipes, disposable sponges, rags, toiletries and other chemicals around your home are safer to use in smaller quantities. Use a smaller bottle to prevent major spilling accidents, eco-friendly wipes, and packaging for anything you are using. If you are worried about nature, there are eco-friendly alternatives for most of the housing inventory.
Lastly, remember that you are doing your best. You have your dynamic, you have your own needs, and your needs need to come first. Not everything needs to be done by ourselves, and not everything is shameful. You are real and so is your condition. And your limitations are normal and solvable with the help of others and a few technology solutions. Your home is your happy place and does not put the pressure so that you push that happiness away. You are not alone; you are here and you are doing it!
