Let’s face it: Tedious housework and executive dysfunction don’t always mix. Maintaining focus to clean dirty dishes and fold the dreaded laundry piled on the chair can be hard. You won’t get any judgment from me; we’ve all been there! However, there’s a way to create the nice home environment you deserve.
Understanding the Challenge
Finding ADHD-friendly cleaning hacks that work for you can be a battle. Executive dysfunction—a common issue for many people with attention deficit issues—often leads to difficulty juggling, starting, or completing tasks.
You are not lazy. You just need some creative solutions to get things done!
Consider Getting Some Help
If you can afford it, the best way to get stuff done is if you aren’t the one doing it. Hiring a house cleaner, even just once, can give you a fresh start! It will allow you to focus on maintaining cleanliness rather than achieving it.
Also, ensure your appliances are in top working order. When they’re not pulling their weight, it makes things 10 times harder. Consider all the parts of your home that could run more efficiently to help you do chores. Make sure you don’t have a clogged vacuum and that your dishwasher doesn’t need maintenance. You might wonder if you need your dryer ducts cleaned to speed up laundry and prevent fires.
If hiring help isn’t your style, have it in-house. Investing in smart home gadgets, such as robot vacuum cleaners, can save you time and effort. Imagine coming home to a perfectly clean floor without lifting a finger or spending days trying to convince yourself to do it.
Efficient Laundry Multitasking
Give yourself a very small goal: You have however long it takes the washing machine to finish a cycle to find six expired things in the fridge. You could also look through and clean out your email inbox after flipping the laundry. Use it as an opportunity to multitask. This way, you can accomplish more in less time, making chores less burdensome.
Remember to take the laundry out of the dryer when it’s done! I know I’ve forgotten that step enough times.
Utilize Storage Solutions
Invest in clear bins or baskets so you see what you are working with and keep items in their place. You could get a basket for each room to use as your “collect all the random stuff you moved” box. At the end of the day, put everything back where it should go.
Automate Supply Replenishment
Set up automatic deliveries of cleaners and groceries through online platforms to ensure your cleaning supplies and fridge are always stocked. This reduces shopping trips and keeps your home ready for any chore or snack breaks.
Mystery Task Box and Chore Roulette
Write tasks on slips of paper and draw one at random each time you need to clean. You’re putting a dent in the chores, regardless of what you pick! Alternatively, create a chore roulette wheel to inject some unpredictability into your routine.
Whether you can’t focus or need some motivation, these ADHD-friendly cleaning hacks will help you start and complete tasks. Our brains may be chaotic, but we deserve clean homes!
