If your house was filthy? And I mean BAD.

[utterfilth]

Name changed for this. I'm so ashamed.

Over the last few years I have had problems with depression and anxiety which have had a terrible impact on my motivation and housekeeping skills. I don't clean or tidy and my house smells.

The wooden floors are dirty, there are cobwebs. Unpacked boxes from a move two years ago. Clutter everywhere. I manage to keep the kitchen clean for the health of my teenage kids.

I am overwhelmed and feel ill at how much I have to do. I can't cope. I can't have anyone visit.

I would never ask a friend to help me - it's that bad. They would be shocked and disgusted at how bad it is.

I know the answer is to start slowly and if I was able to get my head together I would roll my sleeves up. But I just want to get in bed and sleep.

I don't know what I'm asking here for - maybe just a magic motivational kick up the arse?

I have provided a decluttering service with an on going provision of an infrastructure put in place to stop it getting overwhelming again.
In my opinion that’s the important bit as it’s easy to get a cleaning company in to deap clean then be back to where you were in the beginning.
I work on a way of recycling reusing rehoming items which money generated pay for the service.
It can be overwhelming to start but don’t be ashamed the company you choose has seen it all before

Hi @malovit I've made a small start by clearing the area beside my bed so when I retreat I'm looking at a bit of space! Feeling optimistic for the first time in ages that’s such a positive start @utterfilth

Hi OP,

Sounds like you are doing GREAT! Try and document / list your progress so if your at a standstill you can look at what you have achieved...

;-)

I posted at the start of the thread, I’m on my 20th charity bag. Just started on books and my desk. I’m doing very basic cleaning but focusing on decluttering. I’m slightly addicted now. Hope you’re seeing some progress now, it can be slightly depressing in the early days when you don’t see any improvement

Sorry everyone, have been offline for various reasons.
The big news is that TOMORROW I have a lady coming here - an actual person walking through the threshold - who is going to help me. She is not a cleaner but my goal is to get my house clear enough to get deep cleaners in. Ashamed, excited, apprehensive, nervous. Will let you know how it goes!

Amazing OP!!! Good look and be sure to update us on progress...

Great ... hope it goes well! Don't worry as I'm sure she will sort you out and help you .

Well, it happened.
I thought I was going to combust before she came over as I was sooo anxious about everything. But we had a chat and then decided to start by sorting out my bedroom.
Five hours later, I could see the floor, walk around, open wardrobes and had bags and bags to take to the dump and launderette.
It was quite exhausting but she didn't once make me feel bad about the mess I've got into. She has agreed to help me with the whole house and then I can get someone in to d a deep clean. It's going to cost me the PPI refund I just got but how amazing I can afford to get this sorted. Feeling very optmistic and its been a long time since I could say that

That is great news! Well done!

That's fantastic!! Is she an organiser or something OP? Please give details I'm intrigued (wondering if I'm missing out on something he he).

The great thing is, I think, that you see how important it is to have a healthy environment at home, especially with MH...

It's going to be like a whole fresh start - and then it will be much much easier to maintain.

Maybe have a look at "home organisation" videos on YouTube. I find them fun and most of the stuff they use is £1 shop and a bit of creativity... I think if you can turn it into a bit of a hobby too you become proud of your little organisation areas and how they look...

Are we getting before and after pics OP?