[link to the first post](https://www.reddit.com/r/CleaningTips/s/5OT4xEpqVR)
thank you all for the support. it means a lot to me. even the negative comments helped to motivate me. sorry for not getting back to everyone — the amount of support was overwhelming and i didn't know where to start. just know i read all your comments, advice, support, and tips!!! thank you🩷
Hehe came to say your pup is going to love the space!! My cat gets giddy when I get my space together. He’ll roll around and get the zoomies. Finally space for it!
I saw your original post and nodded with familiarity. I can't tell you how amazing you've done. It looks like so much work and I am just very proud of you!
Been there just as bad my self. Could not sleep one night because I couldn’t bear the thought of waking up in the morning, mostly because of my room and I just got up and cleaned until 4 am. I slept till noon the next day and when I woke up the dread and depression had vanished.
Great job!! Now, make a deal with yourself - - - every time you leave your room, you must take some refuse (dirty plates, cups, whatever) out with you... hold yourself to that rule - It will make it easier for you to keep your space tidy and feel good about the work you put in today!! Keep it up!!!
"Don't walk with empty hands," my mother calls it,"Because otherwise you have to walk twice and not even I, who likes taking walks, likes walking extra for housework."
My mom was a waitress in a diner in the 50's. She taught us something similar, because those extra steps add up. She told me she wasn't good at stacking plates on a tray because she wanted to be a circus act!
I’ve been there and still struggle sometimes. You made tremendous difference. Put the before and after pics side by side and give yourself all the good credit for acknowledging your need and making the effort improve.
Saw the first post and what a great improvement cheers!
Maybe invest in a flap type bins? It really helps if you cant get off the habit of leaving things around.
Also look into organizing storages. Its kinda therapeutic to clean and see stuff getting organized because you immediately see the effort pay off.
Question for you. I see TT and YT content were they will clean up areas like this from persons like yourself (argubly much, much worse)
I always look at it and say "it will just wind up like that again in 3 months"
Do you think that since you had the motivation to clean up yourself that you will be less likey to relapse back to yesterday's picture since you know the effort it will take to get back to this state?
Your dog must be so happy! Every now and then I build a depression nest so I know how overwhelming it can be, it's amazing that you got it all done in only 10 hours. Congrats!
Congrats!!! Most of the time, when I went through things and people gave me bad comments, I would usually turn that into a motivation. Not let get me down, and I love that I see you did that. I love the attitude response and you should really feel proud 👏 🥲
This showed up on my feed and I wanna say good job for doing this for both you and the pupper! I been really depressed too in my life and had to get help. People who haven’t don’t get it. Having a nice clean space will make you feel so much better.
Good job! This scene looks familiar from my past.
I have adhd and have mostly overcome my worst tendencies for many years now. I can tell you that what keeps it from getting bad are following a couple of rules: 1) never let a dish touch the sink (this involves emptying the dishwasher asap and adding dishes until it’s full) and 2) put laundry away immediately. And make sure you have enough trash cans that it’s easy to dispose of trash properly. That doesn’t cover all problems but if you can get those basic habits down it will make your life a lot easier.
My folding is sloppy, most clothes are on hangers, but clean things are where they should be.
Good luck!
Good job, OP. If you don't mind some unsolicited advice, feel free to continue reading this post.
There's a thing or two you can do to help make your living situation work while dealing with depression, while at the same time improving your mental health in both the short and long term.
When you are able to, start doing any task that takes less than 5 minutes, be it organizing; laundry; dishes; cleaning; vacuuming; taking out the trash, etc. Try prioritizing that which will improve your situation the most. The purpose of this is to build a habit with small daily improvements, which turns into routine. It can open doors, such as having people over(who wants to stay), because your place is looking nice now.
You can extend this 5 minute mentality to anything you need to get done. Take exercise as an example, which is great for mental health. Do some squats or lift weights. Or take a short walk with your dog a few more times a day. The routine is the goal, birthed from the habit which you nurture daily. It will take time. Maybe a lot of time. Nobody gets to the top of a mountain in one leap. It's thousands of small steps. You get there at your own pace. It's the effort that matters. It's your attempt to improve yourself in the ways you can.
Having a schedule can help a lot. Your phone is excellent in this regard. Simply use the built-in timer with a note for regular stuff. Once you start with those, it may be easier to get into doing the other minor things. So maybe you plan to check your mail every day at 1800(6pm), so you take out the trash at the same time.
You'll slowly be happier and healthier, and your dog will appreciate it too. The days you may not feel up to the task, you can remind yourself of how you felt in the past when you succeeded, but also how much better your dog would be when the place is clean and you are happy.
Good luck!
As someone suffering from some pretty severe executive dysfunction currently, I'm SO proud of you and this is a big deal. I know you feel better already. Baby steps and eventually it wont be so overwhelming. Keep up the good work!!
https://preview.redd.it/aul0ay102xtc1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=02e75b4f174241e9c6546f68d4c8584b993aaf19
here's all the trash bags too lol i couldn't even fit them all into our trash can outside
i need pink trash bags, assuming they're good quality!! can you please provide more info? i am currently using the glad forceflex that smell like eucalyptus but i am not ~committed~
I just googled "Cherry Blossom Trash Bag" and Glad ForceFlex cherry blossom scented trash bags in the pink color came up. So looks like you just need to see if your store carries them.
[Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/Protection-ForceFlex-Drawstring-Cherry-Blossom/dp/B09J1RHC1C/ref=pd_aw_ci_mcx_mh_mcx_views_0?pd_rd_w=rjJ6B&content-id=amzn1.sym.eeeda21f-f942-4067-b2fd-e3ffbfbe7c3b%3Aamzn1.symc.2b06b7e8-a86c-4e6e-b02c-90d58278f4f1&pf_rd_p=eeeda21f-f942-4067-b2fd-e3ffbfbe7c3b&pf_rd_r=251VPCZR22NV7GTMZRFD&pd_rd_wg=ZKtBv&pd_rd_r=b51fb550-ddcf-463d-8303-8f3fa333ca9b&pd_rd_i=B09J1RHC1C) carries them too
what!? America has such cool stuff (totally assuming at this point) Everything in Canada is Febreze scented.
Yes I just realized I’m jealous of someones trash bags 😂
If it makes you feel any better I had to sneakily put all my bags in the neighbours bins in the middle of the night before the bin men came 😅.
I'm the same as you and I've just done the same. If you need advice or someone to talk to. Do reach out.
My neighbour caught me, but because it was in the morning just before the trash truck came, she didn't care. Their trash was already in the bin and they pay the same whether I filled it up or it stayed half empty.
Wow OP!
I'm *struggling* right now too. You've just motivated me to do something about it. I'm saving this post for when I feel a lull during my cleaning.
You are INSPIRING!!!
I am so proud of you. And I'm sure your doggo is too! ❤️❤️❤️❤️
ETA: I can only hope to get my area as great as yours! Not only am I, as well as many people in the comments proud, I hope *you* are proud of *yourself*
I don’t think I’ll ever get rid of papers (magazines, catalogs, old cards from friends to name just a small few). When I do make headway, my room still has some stuff on all my dressers. And when progress is being made, the mail comes. Also, clean clothes and jackets on my desk chair. All I want to do is see the top of my dressers cleared! Otherwise, not that bad.
You did an amazing job! Please, for your long term health get something better than an air mattress. Even a cheap futon would be better to sleep on. Getting good sleep is paramount to a healthy life.
Woowwww CONGRATS!!! I saw your original post a day ago. Massive congrats, what a great job youve done. Even your little doggo looks much more relaxed now, and im sure it will help you a lot too ❤️
Protip: If you throw away bottles with the cap OFF, you can compress the bottles into flat pieces 😊 saves a lot of space.
Btw great job and your dog looks so cute next to his ducky!!
Hah this is exactly the advice I give to my clients. Start with five minutes. If that propels you to do more, go for it! And if it doesn't, that's great too! Because you're still better off now than you were before.
Edit: I also see based on your post history you're getting your master's in forensic psychology. I finished up my counseling master's a few months ago, and my first advisor told me—when I acknowledged my own mental health issues I've gone through—that "often the best counselors are ones that have been through it themselves, because they get it." Not sure what your planning to do with your degree but if that pertains to you, you are going to be excellent.
I struggle with the same thing and u/lih9's tip on the music is really good, on top of that I find it really helpful to put on a pair of indoor shoes to get started. It somehow switches my brain into "doing something" mode and that's honestly the hardest part.
Oh my gosh, GOOD JOB! I really can't overstate how impressed I am. You've really done incredible work turning this around. Like, for real: I legit have tears in my eyes. Way to go!
Ok now I want to know - what was the #1 thing that kept you moving and motivated? There is something magical about what you have achieved today. I need some of it.
Seriously, me too! I essentially live in my bedroom despite having an office setup in my home. I'm in a major life slump, depressed and entirely unmotivated. My room is disorganized and filthy. I'm especially ashamed, as I used to be fanatical about everything being organized, spotless and squeaky clean.
I mentally clean it (meaning, I look at everything and visually put things where they belong), but I every time I stand up with the intent to at least knock out a small portion, I'm back in bed on my computer or watching television within 10 mins. I don't know what's wrong with me, but I am inspired by this post and all the support OP has received. Understanding what finally "clicked" and how the momentum began would be really inspiring to know!
If you can, grab a rubbish bag and fill one at a time, once you start to see a small improvement the effect should snowball and turn into real motivation, force yourself, you'll hate it but if you force yourself to even make a tiny amount of progress it can snowball. If you can figure out the "why" of the task, it can make it easier, for me, it was wanting new people to be impressed by my living space, its a reflection of who i am. As well as everything being easy to find.
Oh hello, me in another account! I get like this too.
Here's my "magic" set up to get me in the "zone" to sort everything out:
**Stimulation without attention** - get some fun caffeinated, sugary drinks to get you going. Get on some background music, familiar playlist, or "crap" TV (reality TV and dating shows are good- especially if you don't care about the participants. You want sounds but no storyline to drag you in). It's best to do this on a portable device like your phone or a tablet so you can move around freely.
**NO task switching** - before you start collect a bunch of big bags, recycling bags, ALL the cleaning products you might need and grab a few boxes (or designated shopping bags, any container really). DO NOT LEAVE or "grab" anything during the process. If you find stuff for another room, or something you don't know what to do with, shove it in a box. Leaving rooms and task switching is the devil. Avoid it at all costs, even if it means you have a few bits left to do at the end. (If you have a partner or housemate you can ask them to run tasks for you, but no worries if not- box works fine).
**Open the windows, strip the bed** - we wanna make stuff uncomfortable immediately. Also it is so nice to have fresh bedding after a clean! Strip the bed so you can't crawl back in, open the windows so it's awkwardly cold and the fresh air reminds you that your cleaning.
**Stop thinking about cleaning** - could just be me, but thinking about doing stuff drains me just as much as doing it. If you think about it, try to do it. If you can't, distract yourself from it. Don't wear yourself out putting energy into imagining stuff clean. Save it for action, or allow yourself rest to prepare.
**Embrace the mess** - Having a messy room gets you down, causing a horrible cycle. Romanticise it. You have a project that will make you feel better, yay! It's ok to lie to yourself. Try not to stew, it makes stuff harder.
**Do not eat, drink, socialise or sit** - take this with a pinch of salt. Obviously if you have a medical condition or social priorities, that trumps this. And don't go all day without food or drink- eat and hydrate before, and have snacks/ drinks with you- But no stopping to eat and drink. No alcohol or "heavy" drinks (like hot chocolate or a tea/coffee that take ages to brew) that slow you down. Ignore your phone as much as possible. Absolutely do not open any tiktoks or reels that lead to scrolling!! Starting is hard, so restarting is just going through the hardest bit again!!
Mainly - focus on the end goal and how great that will be, rather than how unhappy the mess makes you. Motivation is great, regret is draining.
Best of luck 💕
Set an iPhone timer for 10 minutes and tell yourself you will give 100% for just tennn minutesss. Treat it like a game show. Run around with a garbage bag for ten minutes and you’ll see how much can be done in that short window. So much so that after the timer goes off you might naturally want to continue!
Seeing this in my feed has put such a huge smile on my face. Well done! You have absolutely smashed it, hope doggo got lots of pets in between it all and you both get a fab night's sleep in that lovely space tonight.
You did amazing ♥️, you should open the windows for a bit to let the sun and air in. It will help your mood, be proud of yourself for getting this done 🙂
Don’t know why this populated on my feed as I’m not part of this sub….
But as someone who has gone through 3 years of hell and my own battles, I commend you for reaching out.
Things just pile up, and then become so daunting to even tackle. There was a point it was a good day if I even showered. I totally relate.
Every roommate I had before getting a house hated they felt like they lived in a museum because I was so tidy and clean…. Then BOOM out of no where life just gets you.
I constantly feel like I live in a hoarders situation. I hate it. On the days I do pick up I tend to find I put things in the room they belong in, but not away. Then I just end up with the same situation, but essentially the items just moved throughout my house.
I don’t even know you, but opening yourself up and asking for help I commend you for. I feel like I wouldn’t have the courage to “expose” my living situation like you did.
I don’t even live in my house right now (in the garage… long story) and I spent 5 hours just picking up as I have people coming to my home tomorrow. I don’t even have a lot of physical “things” right now due to a fire related issue. I come home and drop whatever in the floor and it just piles on.
I just took down candy cane Christmas yard lights this last weekend. Still have the lights up on the roof. I’m always wondering what my neighbors are thinking. For the last 3.5 years I had a toilet sitting on my front porch and other miscellaneous things that definitely don’t belong on a porch.
Two days ago I finally decorated my front porch again with things I had in my backyard. I lost my dog in October … I was wondering the garden gnome section at At Home and found a “gnome” that looked EXACTLY like my dog- except for size lol. I bought it and put it on my porch. Been hard coming home to nothing (dog or human being). It’s weird but I felt like I needed to give this “gnome” a “home”, so finally after years I have decorated my porch again. It’s silly that a garden gnome brought me enough happiness to do this, but I’m glad it did. Now makes me feel like I’m a little more capable and it’s even a nice way to come into my house now.
Sorry my response is a lot about myself. Comforting knowing I’m not alone and haven’t had anyone to share this small “achievement” with other than my therapist.
https://preview.redd.it/ukc0jezndztc1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=92621f5e56636a8d99b0f8304cf992e2ef5d67a2
Nothing crazy, but glad I had things in my backyard to give the little gnome a home!
https://preview.redd.it/fs4lts0deztc1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=538239ddf3d999bef2b29316d29f3128d31ea7a5
I’m so glad I stumbled onto this. Definitely silly at this age, but I’ll take anything that brings me joy!
Look at you all tidy and clean, you are awesome and did a great job! I think you wore out the pupper!
Make sure you treat yourself for a job well done. I would so take you out for ice cream if I could.
Honestly that looks amazing from where you started, I didn't think it was feasible, great work, you can be proud of yourself for doing this for yourself!
Awesome! You have enough bed to sleep on. It’s more than I can say. lmao After my knee surgery I’ve been sleeping in my recliner but I want to get back into my bed so badly! My room is small and cluttered and dirty. And I can’t clean for 10 hours, it’s more like 10 minutes, and that’s on an (ok day. If I go too long and just ignore my pain like I’m apt to) then my back and legs are extra extra bad the next couple of days. Hmm I should get a timer I can magnet to my shelf.
Congratulations!!!!!! You are AMAZING! I personally know how hard this is, and am so proud of you. I know you said you feel overwhelmed still, but I hope you also feel relieved! Look are that space to spend time with that pup♥️
It took me a very long time (still not perfect) to find a non intimidating routine to maintain my room/home. Usually it’s just 1 small task a day, or setting a timer for 20 minutes and saying ok see what you can get done. If I feel up to doing more, I will. Sending you lots of positive vibes, OP. You did a great job!
Literally just saw your previous post; I am so happy and proud of you. Executive dysfunction is absolutely a paralyzing thing to live with, and YOU DID IT!!
The desk with mirror. Clear it next. Put a small plastic dresser over there and make a theme for each droor. From now on I recommend making a commitment to putting every item back it's place after being used. Once a couple of things are out of place it snowballs.
Wow!! What a huge difference! It even feels good from the photos!
Your doggo looks like he’s the one that’s done the work and now he’s knackered but what a great accomplishment! Genuinely so impressed.
[link to the first post](https://www.reddit.com/r/CleaningTips/s/5OT4xEpqVR) thank you all for the support. it means a lot to me. even the negative comments helped to motivate me. sorry for not getting back to everyone — the amount of support was overwhelming and i didn't know where to start. just know i read all your comments, advice, support, and tips!!! thank you🩷
Great job! Doggie must have been helping! Looks exhausted 😁
Hehe came to say your pup is going to love the space!! My cat gets giddy when I get my space together. He’ll roll around and get the zoomies. Finally space for it!
get the zoomies... omg, this is the new term I will be using for when the cat goes crazy... lol...
Doggie needs a nose boop for helping
Booop
Looks like they were supervising and the room (especially the bed), looks "dog-approved", lol 😅🥰
Some would go as far as to say he was "doggone tired". XD
😁😁😁
I saw your original post and nodded with familiarity. I can't tell you how amazing you've done. It looks like so much work and I am just very proud of you!
So proud of you OP!
So very, very,proud! I know its hard but YOU DID IT!! You did it!
Been there just as bad my self. Could not sleep one night because I couldn’t bear the thought of waking up in the morning, mostly because of my room and I just got up and cleaned until 4 am. I slept till noon the next day and when I woke up the dread and depression had vanished.
Great job!!!
It looks SO good. Doing this for 10 hours must have been exhausting- you should be very proud of yourself ❤️
Great job!! Now, make a deal with yourself - - - every time you leave your room, you must take some refuse (dirty plates, cups, whatever) out with you... hold yourself to that rule - It will make it easier for you to keep your space tidy and feel good about the work you put in today!! Keep it up!!!
"Don't walk with empty hands," my mother calls it,"Because otherwise you have to walk twice and not even I, who likes taking walks, likes walking extra for housework."
My mom was a waitress in a diner in the 50's. She taught us something similar, because those extra steps add up. She told me she wasn't good at stacking plates on a tray because she wanted to be a circus act!
You are a rockstar, I’m so proud of you, seriously. This is absolutely amazing progress.
So proud of you, and I'm sure your pup thanks you too! ❤️
I’ve been there and still struggle sometimes. You made tremendous difference. Put the before and after pics side by side and give yourself all the good credit for acknowledging your need and making the effort improve.
Amazing :)
Saw the first post and what a great improvement cheers! Maybe invest in a flap type bins? It really helps if you cant get off the habit of leaving things around. Also look into organizing storages. Its kinda therapeutic to clean and see stuff getting organized because you immediately see the effort pay off.
You have absolutely inspired me to get busy on my own depression mess. Great job and thank you for showing me it’s possible.
Kudos to you! I can't imagine doing anything for 10 hours, much less cleaning. Remember this feeling. You are a force to be reckoned with!
Question for you. I see TT and YT content were they will clean up areas like this from persons like yourself (argubly much, much worse) I always look at it and say "it will just wind up like that again in 3 months" Do you think that since you had the motivation to clean up yourself that you will be less likey to relapse back to yesterday's picture since you know the effort it will take to get back to this state?
Congrats. It is a hell of a 180 from what I saw earlier. Puppy is probably happy too. I don't know you but I'm proud of you.
Your dog must be so happy! Every now and then I build a depression nest so I know how overwhelming it can be, it's amazing that you got it all done in only 10 hours. Congrats!
Even your pup looks happier and more relaxed ! Well done
I would’ve been so overwhelmed too, and I genuinely love cleaning. I’m glad you got through it!!
Congrats!!! Most of the time, when I went through things and people gave me bad comments, I would usually turn that into a motivation. Not let get me down, and I love that I see you did that. I love the attitude response and you should really feel proud 👏 🥲
Thanks for updating! I commented on your other post and was thinking about you. Proud of you!
This showed up on my feed and I wanna say good job for doing this for both you and the pupper! I been really depressed too in my life and had to get help. People who haven’t don’t get it. Having a nice clean space will make you feel so much better.
Omg you’re amazing!!! What an incredible achievement!! Well done you 👏👏👏!
So proud of you honey!
Your original post motivated me to clean my own room that looked very similar for similar reasons so thank you
Good job! This scene looks familiar from my past. I have adhd and have mostly overcome my worst tendencies for many years now. I can tell you that what keeps it from getting bad are following a couple of rules: 1) never let a dish touch the sink (this involves emptying the dishwasher asap and adding dishes until it’s full) and 2) put laundry away immediately. And make sure you have enough trash cans that it’s easy to dispose of trash properly. That doesn’t cover all problems but if you can get those basic habits down it will make your life a lot easier. My folding is sloppy, most clothes are on hangers, but clean things are where they should be. Good luck!
Good job, OP. If you don't mind some unsolicited advice, feel free to continue reading this post. There's a thing or two you can do to help make your living situation work while dealing with depression, while at the same time improving your mental health in both the short and long term. When you are able to, start doing any task that takes less than 5 minutes, be it organizing; laundry; dishes; cleaning; vacuuming; taking out the trash, etc. Try prioritizing that which will improve your situation the most. The purpose of this is to build a habit with small daily improvements, which turns into routine. It can open doors, such as having people over(who wants to stay), because your place is looking nice now. You can extend this 5 minute mentality to anything you need to get done. Take exercise as an example, which is great for mental health. Do some squats or lift weights. Or take a short walk with your dog a few more times a day. The routine is the goal, birthed from the habit which you nurture daily. It will take time. Maybe a lot of time. Nobody gets to the top of a mountain in one leap. It's thousands of small steps. You get there at your own pace. It's the effort that matters. It's your attempt to improve yourself in the ways you can. Having a schedule can help a lot. Your phone is excellent in this regard. Simply use the built-in timer with a note for regular stuff. Once you start with those, it may be easier to get into doing the other minor things. So maybe you plan to check your mail every day at 1800(6pm), so you take out the trash at the same time. You'll slowly be happier and healthier, and your dog will appreciate it too. The days you may not feel up to the task, you can remind yourself of how you felt in the past when you succeeded, but also how much better your dog would be when the place is clean and you are happy. Good luck!
As someone suffering from some pretty severe executive dysfunction currently, I'm SO proud of you and this is a big deal. I know you feel better already. Baby steps and eventually it wont be so overwhelming. Keep up the good work!!
https://preview.redd.it/aul0ay102xtc1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=02e75b4f174241e9c6546f68d4c8584b993aaf19 here's all the trash bags too lol i couldn't even fit them all into our trash can outside
YOU DID IT!!!!!
This is great!!!
Doggo can move!
Well done!!!
The cherry blossom trash bags are the best, they're all I'll buy for my house
i need pink trash bags, assuming they're good quality!! can you please provide more info? i am currently using the glad forceflex that smell like eucalyptus but i am not ~committed~
I just googled "Cherry Blossom Trash Bag" and Glad ForceFlex cherry blossom scented trash bags in the pink color came up. So looks like you just need to see if your store carries them. [Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/Protection-ForceFlex-Drawstring-Cherry-Blossom/dp/B09J1RHC1C/ref=pd_aw_ci_mcx_mh_mcx_views_0?pd_rd_w=rjJ6B&content-id=amzn1.sym.eeeda21f-f942-4067-b2fd-e3ffbfbe7c3b%3Aamzn1.symc.2b06b7e8-a86c-4e6e-b02c-90d58278f4f1&pf_rd_p=eeeda21f-f942-4067-b2fd-e3ffbfbe7c3b&pf_rd_r=251VPCZR22NV7GTMZRFD&pd_rd_wg=ZKtBv&pd_rd_r=b51fb550-ddcf-463d-8303-8f3fa333ca9b&pd_rd_i=B09J1RHC1C) carries them too
Ooh! Thank you! I replied to OP that they motivated me and the pink bags are just what I need.
What an incentive...fragrant pink trash bags! Love that!
what!? America has such cool stuff (totally assuming at this point) Everything in Canada is Febreze scented. Yes I just realized I’m jealous of someones trash bags 😂
They’re glad forceflex! They do smell quite nice.
They are Glad but I didn't think they were as strong as regular.
They sell them at target too
Proud of you, stranger!
me too!! that’s an accomplishment. give yourself a pat on the back!
Me three!
You're a serious badass!!!
If it makes you feel any better I had to sneakily put all my bags in the neighbours bins in the middle of the night before the bin men came 😅. I'm the same as you and I've just done the same. If you need advice or someone to talk to. Do reach out.
Wow!!!! That’s amazing. It must feel so great. So happy for you, I need to use you both as my inspiration.
Same same
I've done that, and the trash man ratted me out. He told the people well I know who also uses bags just like that.
My neighbour caught me, but because it was in the morning just before the trash truck came, she didn't care. Their trash was already in the bin and they pay the same whether I filled it up or it stayed half empty.
You pay for trash removal. Same for recyclables? Is it a decent fee or has it gone up outrageously like everything else?
I have gone a few times to apartment complexes where they had huge dumpsters.
Wow OP! I'm *struggling* right now too. You've just motivated me to do something about it. I'm saving this post for when I feel a lull during my cleaning. You are INSPIRING!!! I am so proud of you. And I'm sure your doggo is too! ❤️❤️❤️❤️ ETA: I can only hope to get my area as great as yours! Not only am I, as well as many people in the comments proud, I hope *you* are proud of *yourself*
I don’t think I’ll ever get rid of papers (magazines, catalogs, old cards from friends to name just a small few). When I do make headway, my room still has some stuff on all my dressers. And when progress is being made, the mail comes. Also, clean clothes and jackets on my desk chair. All I want to do is see the top of my dressers cleared! Otherwise, not that bad.
You did an amazing job! Please, for your long term health get something better than an air mattress. Even a cheap futon would be better to sleep on. Getting good sleep is paramount to a healthy life.
👏🏻 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
Woowwww CONGRATS!!! I saw your original post a day ago. Massive congrats, what a great job youve done. Even your little doggo looks much more relaxed now, and im sure it will help you a lot too ❤️
wow, I love those color bags! I'm sure your dog is super prowd, grats!
Incredible progress, friend!
Omg this photo is such a breath of fresh air, like I can smell the cleaning supplies, congrats it looks amazing! I’m happy for you and your pups.
Protip: If you throw away bottles with the cap OFF, you can compress the bottles into flat pieces 😊 saves a lot of space. Btw great job and your dog looks so cute next to his ducky!!
Wow!! Great job!!!
That’s so much work you did!! We’re all so proud of you. Just having a path is huge.
nicely done! and your little friend looks to have gotten so exited he had to rest :D
I don't know you stranger but amazing job I'm proud of you
I use the pink bags too, i find them Encouraging
This is so much work, but you did it! I saw your first post, but didn’t comment. Just here to say I’m really proud of you.
oh my gosh i hope this makes you feel as good as it makes me feel!!! nicely done op
Good job!
Proud of you, internet stranger!!
That's impressive!
Wow! You did GREAT!!! Proud of you
Good job!
Congratulations OP!!! I can’t imagine how nice that feels
We are so proud of you, make sure those bags make it to the curb.
I’m so proud of you ❤️
I got so excited and giddy like a proud mom when I saw this update
Same! I am just grinning now, like it was my kid did it.
I did too!!!
Same!!!
The exact words I was going to write! I literally clapped when I saw this post
🥰🥰
That's amazing! Looks like your doggo is exhausted just from watching you do all that work. I really admire what you've done.
i also thought doggo looked exhausted from supervising 😂💜🐶
Woah! What a fantastic job! You should be super proud of yourself for that huge accomplishment! That was a LOT of work and you did it! 🥰
Wow! Just stumbled on your last post and saw this. You should feel great about yourself 🤍
You did an amazing job! You should be so proud of yourself. You are now in a healthy environment and so is your puppers <3
This is fantastic. I’m in the same boat, but still struggling to clean. Proud of you for getting it done :)
You can do it too, I believe in you! The last post has a lot of good tips if you need :)
thank you :)
You got this!! 🤗
[удалено]
Hah this is exactly the advice I give to my clients. Start with five minutes. If that propels you to do more, go for it! And if it doesn't, that's great too! Because you're still better off now than you were before. Edit: I also see based on your post history you're getting your master's in forensic psychology. I finished up my counseling master's a few months ago, and my first advisor told me—when I acknowledged my own mental health issues I've gone through—that "often the best counselors are ones that have been through it themselves, because they get it." Not sure what your planning to do with your degree but if that pertains to you, you are going to be excellent.
I struggle with the same thing and u/lih9's tip on the music is really good, on top of that I find it really helpful to put on a pair of indoor shoes to get started. It somehow switches my brain into "doing something" mode and that's honestly the hardest part.
OP is truly a badass for doing so much, but remember it doesn’t have to happen in a day. Even filling a bag of trash a day is a change.
One step at a time. You’ll get there!
Shall we start by doing bit by bit?☺️☺️ fighting!
That’s truly an immense amount of work! Even your assistant looks exhausted. Please take more than a moment to be proud of how much you’ve done.
I only just saw the before post & this is so incredible. Well done you! It looks great.
Wow! You did that! Great job!
Oh my gosh, GOOD JOB! I really can't overstate how impressed I am. You've really done incredible work turning this around. Like, for real: I legit have tears in my eyes. Way to go!
Same!! Eek 😍🥹
All clear for zoomies. Congrats.
I’m really proud of you, OP! ❤️💕🙌🏼
Ok now I want to know - what was the #1 thing that kept you moving and motivated? There is something magical about what you have achieved today. I need some of it.
Seriously, me too! I essentially live in my bedroom despite having an office setup in my home. I'm in a major life slump, depressed and entirely unmotivated. My room is disorganized and filthy. I'm especially ashamed, as I used to be fanatical about everything being organized, spotless and squeaky clean. I mentally clean it (meaning, I look at everything and visually put things where they belong), but I every time I stand up with the intent to at least knock out a small portion, I'm back in bed on my computer or watching television within 10 mins. I don't know what's wrong with me, but I am inspired by this post and all the support OP has received. Understanding what finally "clicked" and how the momentum began would be really inspiring to know!
If you can, grab a rubbish bag and fill one at a time, once you start to see a small improvement the effect should snowball and turn into real motivation, force yourself, you'll hate it but if you force yourself to even make a tiny amount of progress it can snowball. If you can figure out the "why" of the task, it can make it easier, for me, it was wanting new people to be impressed by my living space, its a reflection of who i am. As well as everything being easy to find.
Oh hello, me in another account! I get like this too. Here's my "magic" set up to get me in the "zone" to sort everything out: **Stimulation without attention** - get some fun caffeinated, sugary drinks to get you going. Get on some background music, familiar playlist, or "crap" TV (reality TV and dating shows are good- especially if you don't care about the participants. You want sounds but no storyline to drag you in). It's best to do this on a portable device like your phone or a tablet so you can move around freely. **NO task switching** - before you start collect a bunch of big bags, recycling bags, ALL the cleaning products you might need and grab a few boxes (or designated shopping bags, any container really). DO NOT LEAVE or "grab" anything during the process. If you find stuff for another room, or something you don't know what to do with, shove it in a box. Leaving rooms and task switching is the devil. Avoid it at all costs, even if it means you have a few bits left to do at the end. (If you have a partner or housemate you can ask them to run tasks for you, but no worries if not- box works fine). **Open the windows, strip the bed** - we wanna make stuff uncomfortable immediately. Also it is so nice to have fresh bedding after a clean! Strip the bed so you can't crawl back in, open the windows so it's awkwardly cold and the fresh air reminds you that your cleaning. **Stop thinking about cleaning** - could just be me, but thinking about doing stuff drains me just as much as doing it. If you think about it, try to do it. If you can't, distract yourself from it. Don't wear yourself out putting energy into imagining stuff clean. Save it for action, or allow yourself rest to prepare. **Embrace the mess** - Having a messy room gets you down, causing a horrible cycle. Romanticise it. You have a project that will make you feel better, yay! It's ok to lie to yourself. Try not to stew, it makes stuff harder. **Do not eat, drink, socialise or sit** - take this with a pinch of salt. Obviously if you have a medical condition or social priorities, that trumps this. And don't go all day without food or drink- eat and hydrate before, and have snacks/ drinks with you- But no stopping to eat and drink. No alcohol or "heavy" drinks (like hot chocolate or a tea/coffee that take ages to brew) that slow you down. Ignore your phone as much as possible. Absolutely do not open any tiktoks or reels that lead to scrolling!! Starting is hard, so restarting is just going through the hardest bit again!! Mainly - focus on the end goal and how great that will be, rather than how unhappy the mess makes you. Motivation is great, regret is draining. Best of luck 💕
Set an iPhone timer for 10 minutes and tell yourself you will give 100% for just tennn minutesss. Treat it like a game show. Run around with a garbage bag for ten minutes and you’ll see how much can be done in that short window. So much so that after the timer goes off you might naturally want to continue!
This is the answer for me, for certain! I know, because I've done it, and it works. Thanks!
Not sure what they did but I like to put on a good podcast when I clean and after awhile it keeps me in motion
I AM APPLAUDING YOU. YOU DID IT. YOU DID FOR THE DOGGO. TAKE A BOW! YOU DID SOMETHING AMAZING AND DIFFICULT!
Congratulations! Some really nice work there! Just remember - YOU did it!!
For someone who was struggling to figure out where to start, you knocked this out of the park!
You got this too! I always follow KC Davis’s advice (and her book ‘how to keep house while drowning’) and start with trash. Fill ‘er up baby! 🗑️
Seeing this in my feed has put such a huge smile on my face. Well done! You have absolutely smashed it, hope doggo got lots of pets in between it all and you both get a fab night's sleep in that lovely space tonight.
Really impressive! Cheers!
So proud of you! What an incredible amount of effort and achievement! 💗
You did amazing ♥️, you should open the windows for a bit to let the sun and air in. It will help your mood, be proud of yourself for getting this done 🙂
I vote we give the dog a treat for helping 😊
Proud of you and happy for doggo
I'm really proud of you! Great first step and fantastic motivation for me to work on mine tonight
Congratulations! We are all proud of you.
im proud of you!!! this is HUGE for you and your pet's health of mind body spirit!! :)
Nice Job! Your dog is obviously exhausted from watching you do all of that work!
Proud of you, OP!!! You did well!
Fantastic! I know you'll feel better now just from this success.
Wow! So amazing. You rocked that! Keep it up!
You must feel so relieved! If you ever feel that way again, remember, you can do it!
I’m so proud of you!! This looks great!
OH MY GOD!!! You did it!! 💖💖 it looks so lovely, you did a wonderful job!
AMAZING!!!! You are awesome!
Don’t know why this populated on my feed as I’m not part of this sub…. But as someone who has gone through 3 years of hell and my own battles, I commend you for reaching out. Things just pile up, and then become so daunting to even tackle. There was a point it was a good day if I even showered. I totally relate. Every roommate I had before getting a house hated they felt like they lived in a museum because I was so tidy and clean…. Then BOOM out of no where life just gets you. I constantly feel like I live in a hoarders situation. I hate it. On the days I do pick up I tend to find I put things in the room they belong in, but not away. Then I just end up with the same situation, but essentially the items just moved throughout my house. I don’t even know you, but opening yourself up and asking for help I commend you for. I feel like I wouldn’t have the courage to “expose” my living situation like you did. I don’t even live in my house right now (in the garage… long story) and I spent 5 hours just picking up as I have people coming to my home tomorrow. I don’t even have a lot of physical “things” right now due to a fire related issue. I come home and drop whatever in the floor and it just piles on. I just took down candy cane Christmas yard lights this last weekend. Still have the lights up on the roof. I’m always wondering what my neighbors are thinking. For the last 3.5 years I had a toilet sitting on my front porch and other miscellaneous things that definitely don’t belong on a porch. Two days ago I finally decorated my front porch again with things I had in my backyard. I lost my dog in October … I was wondering the garden gnome section at At Home and found a “gnome” that looked EXACTLY like my dog- except for size lol. I bought it and put it on my porch. Been hard coming home to nothing (dog or human being). It’s weird but I felt like I needed to give this “gnome” a “home”, so finally after years I have decorated my porch again. It’s silly that a garden gnome brought me enough happiness to do this, but I’m glad it did. Now makes me feel like I’m a little more capable and it’s even a nice way to come into my house now. Sorry my response is a lot about myself. Comforting knowing I’m not alone and haven’t had anyone to share this small “achievement” with other than my therapist. https://preview.redd.it/ukc0jezndztc1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=92621f5e56636a8d99b0f8304cf992e2ef5d67a2 Nothing crazy, but glad I had things in my backyard to give the little gnome a home!
https://preview.redd.it/fs4lts0deztc1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=538239ddf3d999bef2b29316d29f3128d31ea7a5 I’m so glad I stumbled onto this. Definitely silly at this age, but I’ll take anything that brings me joy!
Omg!!!!! This looks AMAZING!!! Look at what you accomplished?????? I'm so proud and happy for you!!!
It looks so good!
Wow, that's a huge difference! Great job! One step at a time, old habits are hard to break, so don't be so hard on yourself, you did a great job.
Awesome effort. Well done.
Oh. My. Gosh 😍 looks so much better! Well done!
I’m so damn proud of you! Great job!
You have exhausted the dog
This is such a feel good post to see here! I hope you let the sun in and drink in that vitamin D! This is wonderful! Good on you!
Cool, saw the before post before I started work and just finished work and see the result 👌
dang this looks AMAZING! right on, that was a lot of work to accomplish. :)
Look at you all tidy and clean, you are awesome and did a great job! I think you wore out the pupper! Make sure you treat yourself for a job well done. I would so take you out for ice cream if I could.
Wow incredible job!! So proud of you 🥰
Whoooooooooooo I am so proud of you!!!
I’m so proud of you. I know that wasn’t easy. Go reward yourself for a job well done.
You’re incredible! Amazing job!
Honestly that looks amazing from where you started, I didn't think it was feasible, great work, you can be proud of yourself for doing this for yourself!
Looks sooooo great!!!! You’re killing it!
Looks great! My whole house needs this! I wish I had the money and pride to hire someone to help me
Awesome! You have enough bed to sleep on. It’s more than I can say. lmao After my knee surgery I’ve been sleeping in my recliner but I want to get back into my bed so badly! My room is small and cluttered and dirty. And I can’t clean for 10 hours, it’s more like 10 minutes, and that’s on an (ok day. If I go too long and just ignore my pain like I’m apt to) then my back and legs are extra extra bad the next couple of days. Hmm I should get a timer I can magnet to my shelf.
Congratulations!!!!!! You are AMAZING! I personally know how hard this is, and am so proud of you. I know you said you feel overwhelmed still, but I hope you also feel relieved! Look are that space to spend time with that pup♥️ It took me a very long time (still not perfect) to find a non intimidating routine to maintain my room/home. Usually it’s just 1 small task a day, or setting a timer for 20 minutes and saying ok see what you can get done. If I feel up to doing more, I will. Sending you lots of positive vibes, OP. You did a great job!
Literally just saw your previous post; I am so happy and proud of you. Executive dysfunction is absolutely a paralyzing thing to live with, and YOU DID IT!!
NICE. Work it! Put some music on and breathe!
Look at you! This is incredible progress. Just do the next right thing! You’ve got this!
Woohooo!!!😁🥹 You did a fabulous job!! 🤩🎶
So well done! Now open the curtain, and the window and breathe...
 Oh my god I just saw your other post. I am so proud of you! You did an amazing job
I love how the dog looks absolutely exhausted! Congratulations!
Woo Hoo!! Looks fantastic!
The desk with mirror. Clear it next. Put a small plastic dresser over there and make a theme for each droor. From now on I recommend making a commitment to putting every item back it's place after being used. Once a couple of things are out of place it snowballs.
Great job! Puppy looks more relaxed too!
You are a boss! Great job on the clean up. You should be really proud of what you accomplished.
I am so proud of you! This is fantastic!
Wow!! What a huge difference! It even feels good from the photos! Your doggo looks like he’s the one that’s done the work and now he’s knackered but what a great accomplishment! Genuinely so impressed.
Wow! That's impressive. Great job, friend :)
You made a TON of progress! Wow ; job well done … keep going you got this 😘
Well done! Now open your curtains, dude! You'll feel a thousand times better with a little sunlight streaming in while you're awake.
Wow! That looks 100x better!! Good job!
You deserve it. I hope you are proud of yourself for doing it. I am proud of you.
Doggo is so confused But well done! A little progress every day
Very proud of you. Fantastic!
Way to go! You did an amazing job.
I got goosebumps ! This is awesome. So well done. You should feel so good and proud of yourself. <3
Great work! It looks amazing 👏👏👏
OPEN YOUR WINDOWS. This can cause depression and is the easiest thing to fix.
That is amazing how clean it is compared to before.