To get a cleaner for my tiny 1 bedroom 3 room flat?

[LudoBear]

I live in a tiny one bedroom flat. Bedroom just fits in double bed pushed up against wall & wardrobe. Kitchen & lounge are open plan. Kitchen is absolutely tiny, 3x3 foot floor space. Bathroom is same size as kitchen. Just to give you an idea of size.

I live alone, no pets, don't work. Yet I struggle so much to keep on top of the housework. I am in the process of being diagnosed with ADHD and I'm 99.9% certain I've got it.

My flat is a complete and utter pig sty. I've got boiler service tomorrow and I'm desperately trying to get my flat clean and tidy as it's so embarrassing. I won't let anyone other than my mum into my flat as it's so disgusting. Dishes overflowing in sink, kitchen sides covered in cooking spillages etc. Couldnt tell you the last time I dusted.

I know I should clean as I go but unless you've got ADHD it's easier said than done.

Would it be odd to get someone to clean one hour a fortnight? I cant afford more often.

I'm sat in tears writing this as I'm so overwhelmed.

Many cleaners do do the dishes if you ask them, however, it's also probably not a good use of the extra time from your perspective, but if you are struggling with that, then many will as long as you ask in advance and make it clear you will need them to do most jobs, and not just flick around a duster (I once had a cleaner who only really liked to do that, it didn't work out!)

There are professional de-clutterers, I’d actually hire one of these for 2-3 hours initially OP. Then a cleaning company for an intense spring clean. Often seeing your space clean and ordered can be the key to keeping it going.

If it helps, do it.

I will say though that the FlyLady routine was created for people EXACTLY like you. Are you a perfectionist? Loathe to start anything unless you feel you can do it all in one go, perfectly? Not a believer in baby steps, but all or nothing?

If so, the book will change your life. See it here.

Get someone in to do a deep clean perhaps and also help you sort it all out. You might find it much easier to work with someone and do it together than trying to do it alone. It might also then be much easier for you to keep on top of, but definitely get some one in if not. xxx

I also wouldn't panic too much about your boiler service tomorrow. The engineer will only want to access your boiler, he may remove the outer casing and check the flame and the pressure. I'm sure they've seen untidy homes before, as long as he can walk to the boiler without having to climb over stuff.

It's a good suggestion to advertise on the NextDoor app, outlining exactly want you require (someone to tidy, wash up and clean) and what you can afford to pay. If you do decide to hire a cleaner then you'll need an independent self employed person, rather than asking cleaning agencies who wouldn't take on such a small slot as yours.

I would first try to implement some ADHD friendly strategies to help you keep on top of chores. You need a strict routine to cover the basics. You need to do this anyway, although it's tedious as Hell!

I would advise breaking everything down into small chunks and trying to do one small task a day from your "to do" list.
E.g., Wednesday- pick up clothes, throw in laundry basket or put away.
Then you won't feel overwhelmed.

@Ilovemycat13

Op I live in what sounds like the exact same. I tidied yesterday, and today it’s a tip. It’s the size and just general living that makes it untidy. It’s harder in a smaller property than a large! If it’ll make you feel better, definitely get a cleaner

I disagree I'm working overseas and renting. My house is tiny 500 sq ft. It's tidy all the time I just clear up as I go along. It's much easier to keep under control than my 3 bed home in the UK.

For the particular customer that has similar to your needs op I declutter and clean. And put stuff away. And do dishes!!
Last week I attached reed fencing to her fence. Painted planters. Shopped for plants and garden accessories also.

I wonder if you have too much stuff? If you have less it is easier to clean and you would have to clean the dishes more if you have less.

But yes do get a cleaner. I miss our terribly and we've only got a small apartment but it takes hours to clean.

Sounds like a great idea to me OP!
If you can afford it and it makes you feel better then why not.

If it helps you,do it. Xxx

If you want a cleaner and can afford one, no problem - get one!

See if you can get direct payments to get a support worker. They would assist and support you to empower you to be able to manage these things.

A cleaner once a fortnight isn’t going to achieve much. You need to set yourself small targets every day. Can you get someone to help initially to clear the bulk of it.

I also find the rooms in my house that get messy quickest are the ones with more stuff. My lounge doesn’t have loads in it so it stays tidy.

I feel for you, OP. Can you even just manage the dishes and making the bed for a few weeks until it becomes a habit, then take on another small chore? Definitely get a cleaner but you still need to keep it manageable in between visits. FWIW, my husband has gone in to some houses and you wouldn’t believe what he’s seen, a messy house isn’t a crime. Good luck x

Thank you everyone for your kind and supportive comments. I wanted to show you what my flat looks like after spending hours cleaning and tidying. I appreciate it's not perfect but I'm proud of what I have achieved.

Kitchen blind is shut as the view is very outing. Nobody other than my mum and brother have ever been in my flat so not outing by showing these photos.

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Its great!!! Well done- pristine! Does this give you the motivation to try and keep it going?

Well done OP! If you now set yourself a simple schedule, it should be easier to keep on top of!

Best thing I did was get a cleaner! I have ADHD and work best to external deadlines.

Having a cleaner means I need to have tidied before they come round. That means I tidy once a week.

Decluttering.will be the best thing you can do for your mental health so find a cleaner who is supportive. Some want a clean bare space so they can just wipe, hoover and polish and some view their time as a way to help you in your home and the hours are for you to use as you need- be it washing up, helping put on fresh bedding etc . Find the latter.

Mine is wonderful- I explained what I needed and she helps.

Well done on your pics!

Buy a nice bunch of flowers and celebrate your space.

It's great!!! Well done op!!

OP I have ADHD too! You can get a cleaner in whenever you want, question is whether you can find one for an hour at the rate you want? The shorter the hours the higher thé going rate.
What has helped me is an alarm going off for my one hour of cleaning for the day ... my alarm clock is in the kitchen so forces me to move

That's amazing, you must be so proud of yourself (I know I would be, and I have no excuse as to why I couldn't have down the same over the last 24 hours)

Your flat looks amazing. Now is the time to book a cleaner to come fortnightly and keep it looking that way. I doubt you will find anyone to come out for an hour a week but if you can stretch to three hours a fortnight they will have time to do a really good job.

I have a cleaner because although I am a good cleaner and I have the time to do it I am naturally messy. Knowing that a strange pair of eyes will be coming into the house (5 hours once a month) keeps me focussed on tidying up as I go so I don't have to do a mad rush around clearing surfaces the day before she is due.

Thank you everyone. I feel really good (but exhausted!)