I'm sorry this happened to you. It sounds as though your local authority may have fallen short in its role as your corporate parent. One of the key responsibilities of local authorities is to prepare young people in care for adulthood and independent living, so it is concerning when care leavers feel they have not been equipped with basic life skills.
As a care leaver under the age of 25, you may still be entitled to support from your local authority's leaving care or aftercare service. Depending on your circumstances, this can include ongoing support from a Personal Adviser, help with education, employment and training, advice on managing a tenancy, budgeting, accessing benefits, maintaining your wellbeing, and developing independent living skills. Every care leaver should have a Pathway Plan that sets out the support they need as they move into adulthood, and local authorities have a continuing duty to keep this under review. If you are not currently receiving support, it may be worth contacting your local authority's leaving care team to ask what assistance is available. You could also ask for some support with your emotional wellbeing.
In terms of your questions about managing a home, most people develop systems that work for them over time. It is important not to compare yourself to social media influencers or magazine-style show homes. Most people live in homes that are functional and comfortable rather than perfectly tidy all the time.
I have children, work full-time, and live in a relatively small house, so clutter is something I constantly have to manage. One thing that helps us is scheduling a monthly trip to the tip. On the same day, we also take any unwanted clothing to a textile recycling point, charity shop, shove things on freecyle sites or take to a donation centre. Having a regular decluttering routine prevents things from building up and becoming overwhelming.
I also try to link certain household jobs together. For example, if I know my food shop is being delivered, I use that as a reminder to clean out the fridge and throw away any food that is out of date. Pairing jobs in this way helps me stay on top of things without feeling as though I am constantly cleaning.
For post and paperwork, I deal with it as soon as it arrives wherever possible. Anything that is clearly junk mail goes straight into the recycling. Important letters are opened immediately and either acted on or placed somewhere specific so they do not get lost. A simple folder for important documents can make a big difference.
I find that "little and often" works much better than waiting until everything needs a major clean. If I am waiting for the kettle to boil, I might quickly wipe down a cupboard door, clean the microwave, or clear a section of the worktop. Small jobs completed regularly can prevent larger jobs from becoming overwhelming.
When it comes to cleaning products, personal preference plays a big part, and different surfaces require different approaches. For many everyday cleaning tasks, you do not need expensive specialist products. A bowl of hot water with washing-up liquid is excellent for cleaning skirting boards, cupboard doors, worktops, and many other surfaces. Microfibre cloths are also useful because they can be used for a wide range of cleaning jobs.
The most important thing is finding routines that work for you. There is no single "right" way to run a home. Your home does not need to look perfect; it only needs to be clean, safe, and comfortable enough to support your health and wellbeing. Aim for "good enough" rather than perfection. Most adults are still refining their systems and routines throughout their lives, regardless of whether they learned these skills growing up.
Good luck and please don't be too hard on yourself. Most people your age are still only learning how to navigate adult life with the support of their parents and families. You will need to build your own village, and that is hard. Xxx