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Monday, November, 23, 2009
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ADHD and Spring Cleaning: 10 Survival Tips

Terry Matlen, ACSW
Terry Matlen, ACSW
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ADHD expert, consultant, writer. Director: www.MomsWithADD.com

ADHD has been part of my life since...oh, since I was born! But I...

Terry Matlen, ACSW

Wednesday, May 07, 2008
View All of Terry Matlen, ACSW's Posts
Here it is, the beginning of May, and every magazine you open contains articles about spring cleaning. With the weather improving, the urge hits to get outside more and enjoy the break in weather. It's hard to imagine spending more time indoors to do what many of us hate to do: cleaning and organizin...
  1. Untitled Comment
    chattycathy
    Thursday, May 08, 2008 at 11:43 AM

    has anyone else ever felt like you have to be in" a mood" to clean? but then you wait for it to hit you and it never does. i remember when i was younger i would get into cleaning at anytime and really go to it and get it done right! now that i'm older, eventho it embarrasses me for anyone to see the mess i'v let my nouse get into, i cannot get myself to get into the mood to clean. EVER! WHY IS THAT?

    Reply
    re: Untitled Comment
    Terry Matlen, ACSW
    Saturday, May 10, 2008 at 12:37 AM

    Oh yes!

    I'm missing a cleaning/organizing gene. Smile

     

    When things pile up too high, it only gets harder to tackle.

    I lower my standards and accept that things will never look picture perfect. I choose clutter zones and clutter-free zones. For example, I try to keep my kitchen and family room presentable, but forget the upstairs.

     

    There are some strategies that I find helpful, like having a to-do list and putting aside time to do things, but only for say, 15 minutes. Otherwise, I get overwhelmed.

     

    Medication can do wonders, as well.

     

    I also advocate hiring a professional organizer to help you set up systems. I've done that in the past and the money was ell worth it.

     

    Hope this helps-!

    Terry

    Reply
  2. Untitled Comment
    chattycathy
    Thursday, May 08, 2008 at 11:43 AM

    has anyone else ever felt like you have to be in" a mood" to clean? but then you wait for it to hit you and it never does. i remember when i was younger i would get into cleaning at anytime and really go to it and get it done right! now that i'm older, eventho it embarrasses me for anyone to see the mess i'v let my nouse get into, i cannot get myself to get into the mood to clean. EVER! WHY IS THAT? 

    Reply
  3. Untitled Comment
    chattycathy
    Thursday, May 08, 2008 at 11:43 AM

    has anyone else ever felt like you have to be in" a mood" to clean? but then you wait for it to hit you and it never does. i remember when i was younger i would get into cleaning at anytime and really go to it and get it done right! now that i'm older, eventho it embarrasses me for anyone to see the mess i'v let my nouse get into, i cannot get myself to get into the mood to clean. EVER! WHY IS THAT?  

    Reply
  4. Untitled Comment
    chattycathy
    Thursday, May 08, 2008 at 11:44 AM

    has anyone else ever felt like you have to be in" a mood" to clean? but then you wait for it to hit you and it never does. i remember when i was younger i would get into cleaning at anytime and really go to it and get it done right! now that i'm older, eventho it embarrasses me for anyone to see the mess i'v let my nouse get into, i cannot get myself to get into the mood to clean. EVER! WHY IS THAT?  discussted with myself. what can i do to get myslef into that mood again?

    Reply
  5. Cleaning stuff
    Priscilla Galat
    Tuesday, May 13, 2008 at 05:18 PM

    I find the best way for me to get organizing stuff done is to decide to do it first thing in the morning before the family is up and do it only for 20-40 minutes and do one shelf or one drawer or one box at a  time.  But I only do it 5 days a week and refuse to allow myself to worry about stuff like cleaning and organizing on the week end -

    After I do a box or whatever - I put a label inside with the date it was done - on clear temperature resistant plastic mailing type tape (The best tape comes off easily when you need to relabel! )- also I label the outside of these boxes with this tape using a magic marker and covering the printing with another piece of tape to keep it looking good.

    After doing a bit of organizing like this - I still feel good and happy to see progress but not be overwhelmed: and I often give myself a treat of a couple ounces of cottage cheese and a serving of fruit and nuts - I find it fun to organize and clean up the larger projects in my home this way.  Perhaps this may be something that others are already doing or may try. And I do have ADD

     

    Reply
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