[quote Graphista]@famousforwrongreason I'm no expert I'm just muddling through!
I try and pace myself so only one big job every other day is my aim.
Pacing the jobs out too so eg fetch laundry from machine but it doesn't have to be hung right that minute plus I've got a radiator airer in my room which is generally enough for just me although I then have to dry in 2 rotations if it's a big load so I sit with basket at my feet and hang it seated then whatever can't be hung I at least shake out and fold flat as I don't iron - started as laziness, these days I really wouldn't be safe doing it. Can't grip things properly so holding and using a hot iron would not be safe.
Even making meals I "spread out" if I can so night before anything needs taken out of freezer is, earlier in day prep any veggies then store in fridge until needed although I also buy and use tinned, frozen and prepared fresh veggies (I'm no longer reliable with sharp knives and root veg!)
I'll admit I don't do dishes straight away either so pop them in to soak a bit first then wash up. Rest a bit then go back and dry, rest again then put away. Means the whole job takes a while but I get there eventually
Store the things I use most in the easiest to reach places - seems obvious but I was still putting things where they were "supposed" to be rather than where worked for me. Eg instead of having all pens etc in the living room on the desk and if I was in the kitchen or bedroom and needed one I'd have to go in there to get one, seems a small thing but when your mobility and memory aren't great it can cause extra work, so now I have a small pencil case with a couple ballpoints, mechanical pencils and a highlighter in the bedroom and a ballpoint pen and the whiteboard markers are kept in the kitchen as that's where they're actually used!
Labelling everything - takes a bit of extra time at the time but majorly saves anxiety and food waste. I have a sensitive stomach at the best of times add in the ocd and I stress about food safety
Extra utensils are handy not only for days I'm not totally up to date on doing the dishes but also if I drop it! Can't always pick it up straight away if I can't find the bloody grabber (I really ought to have one in every room!) so if I have "spares" I can just grab another slotted spoon or ladle out the utensil holder.
Spare phone and tablet charging stuff in every room too. I used to do that thing I still notice others do of only having one for each device then taking the device in another room, needing to charge it and so having to go and find the charging bits! Now I have set up "charging points" in almost every room so there's always a charging setup to hand. So much easier and I think makes the equipment last longer too as you're not constantly using the same things.
Bins everywhere, with the ocd I used to prefer lidded types but with other issues I've had to accept that open waste bin types are easier although I still have a lidded bin in the kitchen.
Prepping - thanks to the peepers (and grudgingly Brexit!) I built up a stock of long shelf life or non perishable things. Makes me feel less anxious and as I rely on online deliveries most of the time if there is an item not delivered or a daft sub I've a spare or something else I can use anyway. Also reminded me of some things my parents do/basic planning I'd got out the habit of so having in a stock of batteries, light bulbs, candles, matches etc
Changing lightbulbs - can be easier while wearing rubber gloves you know the kind for washing dishes? My grip is poor so this helps
Cooking - there's only me so I can suit myself. Thanks to the frugal foodies threads and preppers again I learned some tips and rediscovered some things over lockdown. Wee foil trays are a godsend for me - oven to freezer to fridge and oven again to reheat - great stuff! So I'd use these for casseroles/stews, pasta bake type things. I also make soup regularly (I cheat with frozen diced onion, carrot batons, minced frozen garlic and then just chop and add whatever other veg I have hanging about, stock and herbs depending what I'm in the mood for) I then let it cool and then blend but my blender is really a smoothie maker type so not a big jug but that suits me as I couldn't manage that anyway. Blend in portions and freeze in foil trays. Pop out of freezer night or even morning before I want to eat it and I generally heat at roughly same time as dinner which is also being done in oven and have it as a starter type deal or have it as a main meal with some part baked rolls heated in the oven too.
Storage is such a personal thing it depends what you can easily reach and what you use most often, that's how I've rejigged things for me this year, I've put the stuff I use least in the lowest and highest places and backs of cupboards and the stuff I use more at between waist and shoulder height and to the front. Sounds simple took a lot of planning! You also need to still keep on top of expiry dates and not forget you have things. I now use the nest egg app for inventory of groceries very handy.
You can set alerts for when things will expire so you can shop and meal plan accordingly.
My food waste has gone right down with all the changes I've made to how I buy, store and cook things this year which has the additional benefit of less rubbish to deal with!
I do think there's an element of accepting lower standards too though eg me not ironing. It does mean some clothes look a bit rumpled but it's not the end of the world.
Everyone will have different things that they find easier/harder but I think generally being honest with yourself about what those are and planning workarounds is the key [/quote]
You sound bloody amazing.
I'm actually going to print out your reply and use it as an aide memoire. I have poor memory, poor joints, waste a hell of a lot of food, so much of your post resonates. Thank you so much for sharing this xxx