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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

AIBU to feel overwhelmed and unable to start cleaning my room?

33 replies

ProudAzureSquid · 27/05/2026 17:04

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This is probably not really a dilemma, so apologies if this post does not belong here. I’ve been finding it really difficult to clean my room lately. My stuff is everywhere, and I keep telling myself every day that I’ll clean it, but I just end up feeling stuck and overwhelmed instead.
It’s been like this for the past week, and I honestly don’t know where to start anymore. Does anyone have advice on how to begin cleaning when everything feels mentally exhausting?

OP posts:
Knowledgesymbols · 27/05/2026 17:13

Start in a corner. It's too hot at the moment to being too much anyway. Or put a timer on and do as much as you can in say 10 or 20 mins. Sometimes you just have to start. I feel your pain. I similarly get overwhelmed. I tend to listen to podcasts or music to help the time go quicker. Just do it. Overthinking is my problem.

PinkHairbrushClub · 27/05/2026 17:12

What’s one thing you can achieve. Do you have mugs / glasses to take to the sink. Just do that and have a break.

Then maybe empty the bin. And have a break.

Then pick up three things that don’t belong in your room and have a break.

small bites and take your time. Only set goals you can achieve. You don’t have to do it all at once

JanBlues2026 · 27/05/2026 17:12

I had all my cosmetics and bits and bobs out over every surface and it was overwhelming so it took me ages to make myself start tidying it, I started by chucking it all into a big box, wiped the surfaces then over the course of a few days gradually putting things back away or binning etc.

amargaritaplease · 27/05/2026 17:10

I set a timer and do 15 mins and then I can have a break

TheTortiePuffinNeedsHerBreakfast · 27/05/2026 17:08

I would start by collecting up all the rubbish and emptying the bin, then gatherig the laundry and putting a wash on. That creates a bit more room. Then put away any clothes that don't need washing, plus shoes. Once you have cleared that, go round with a damp cloth, and finally a vacuum. Hopefully it looks better after that!

TheLocust · 27/05/2026 17:07

Start with a couple of small tasks rather than thinking about the mountain of things that need doing. Put one thing away. Throw one thing away. Wipe one surface down. I find it's easier once you've got the ball rolling.

user293948849167 · 27/05/2026 17:06

Don’t plan to clean the whole thing, think of small tasks to complete instead.
Like “today I will pick up all dirty clothes off the floor”

SandwichSuperstar · 27/05/2026 17:06

Do a tiny bit every day.

That way as it starts to look better, you may even get into it and want to do more.

If not, at least you're doing a tiny bit each day.