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ADD and Cleaning?

Asked Jul 31, 2008, 12:51 PM — 4 Answers
Ok, I have ADD. And I have a tough time staying organized... And cleaning.

Well, we let the house become a mess.

And the problem with ADD for me is, I look at something and just have no clue where to start.

I told myself, clean one room a day. And that's worked great for the last 3 days! Now, its time to tackle the kitchen.

I walk into the kitchen and its a disaster zone! I don't know where to start, and I just need some good tips. I know this is about Cleaning and homes... But I have ADD and actually its hard for me.

Its just overwhelming.. Any advice?

I don't have my medication here with me in New York. Normally I would pop the pill, and be zoomin round the house like a mad women cleaning EVERYTHING! Lol

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4 Answers
N0help4u's Avatar
N0help4u Posts: 16,954, Reputation: 9423
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#2

Jul 31, 2008, 12:56 PM
I start by throwing all garbage away. Then I do all the little things that are easy that will look like I actually got some where. Then rinse and stack the dishes. By that time it shouldn't look like such a defeated battle.
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Choux's Avatar
Choux Posts: 3,053, Reputation: 2479
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#3

Aug 1, 2008, 01:25 PM
Take a 33 gallon black garbage bag into the kitchen and throw out all the garbage including old stuff in the refrig.

Then, stack the dirty dishes up according to plates in one pile, cereal bowls in another..and so on.

Put away the stuff that belongs in the cabinets.

Wipe off the outside of the cabinets, stove, refrig, and so on.

Do the dishes.

Wash the floor.

This won't take that long. Maybe an hour. Unless its a giant kitchen.
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DrLang's Avatar
DrLang Posts: 98, Reputation: 61
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#4

Aug 1, 2008, 07:17 PM
There is no easy solution for this. When I was a kid, I would literally start crying from the frustration of having no clue even how to start. I know very well how you feel.

First of all, realize that ADD is caused by naturally lower than normal stimulation (chemical-wise) in your brain (which is why drugs to treat ADD are stimulants like amphetamines, and why tranquilizers might make your ADD worse). So before you start cleaning, try drinking a cup of coffee or earl grey tea.

My practical advise is to remove everything from your kitchen that is not in its place (just clear off the table and don't even bother trying to decide if something is in it's place). Clean the surfaces with the cleaner of your choice and then just start moving stuff back in. If it doesn't have a place, put it in a pile (outside your kitchen). When you are done, go through the pile and decide what is trash and what is important to keep. You'll have to find a place for what ever is left over.
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KissMe10der's Avatar
KissMe10der Posts: 306, Reputation: 117
Full Member
  
#5

Aug 1, 2008, 07:26 PM
Yea, its very frusterating. My boyfriend believes that my ADD is just an excuse. I don't try to use it, but its there. And can be very overwhelming when it comes to staying organizing and cleaning.

Thats a good idea, I will have to give it a try. Thanks.
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