how to handle a cleaning job that is overwhelming

1. 93

   RGrafposted 15 years ago

   how to handle a cleaning job that is overwhelming

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2. 83

   BDazzlerposted 15 years ago

   I usually cheat and I hire someone else to do it.
   
   But if I can't do that, I either:
   a) Procrastinate until I can afford to hire it out.
   b) Procrastinate until someone takes pity on me
   c) Sub divide the job into slightly less overwhelming tasks.
   
   If I choose c, I usually start by sitting down and saying "grace" over the job, thanking God for whatever benefit I got out of whatever "one thing" I am going to clean up.  I repeat the process (including procrastinating)  until it gets to the point where I can afford to hire it out or someone takes pitty on me or I get it done.

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3. 79

   pippapposted 15 years ago

   I start in one corner and concentrate on that small area only.  If I have to take something to the garbage or another room, as I am leaving the room I try to find something in the rest of the room with the same destination and take it with me.
   
   I wipe down furniture that needs it and do a rough vacuum in that area.  I don't finish the dusting or vacuuming until I am finished with the entire room.
   
   When I am finished the area I have designated for cleaning, I reward myself with coffee, time on the computer, time with my pets, whatever I want.
   
   Then I move on to the next similar-size area in the job.  Before I know it, it's all done because I have attacked the job in many small bites rather than one huge bite that would probably choke me.

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4. 60

   GoGrannyposted 15 years ago

   Here is what I have done (several times because I can be a terrible hoarder!) Start by deciding how much you need to accomplish in one day. Maybe you want to do one room or half of the basement or all of the attic, whatever. Be realistic that you can do it in the time you have allowed for the job. OK! Now cut that job in half! Decide that you will only work until you have at least half of the room done, or one quarter of the basement or half of the attic, whatever. Put on some music that you like to dance to...and get started. Keep the music pumping and it will give you energy to keep at it. Soon you will realize that you're done the first part you decided to do but now don't want to stop because you're on a roll and the music is so good you're not ready to turn it off!!

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