Reddit reviews Unf*ck Your Habitat: You're Better Than Your Mess

This is the premise of the book Unf*ck Your Habitat . I’m only into Part two of this 200 something page book and it’s been a great read.

:;hugs:: It's hard, I know. Things piling up and dirty dishes drive me INSANE.

If you have the cash, coming out VERY soon (like within the next couple of weeks), I would pick up a copy of Unfuck Your Habitat. I'm a reviewer for a website called Netgalley where we get to read books before they're published and I got the privelege of reading this one. I REALLY liked it. Like..it doesn't shake it's finger at you and go "You are a FAILURE unless you stick to this very specific routine and follow these insane rituals to keep your house clean." like some books (Magic of Tidying Up, Imma looking at YOU, bitch) I've read.

I don't have any advice for you as I'm currently going through the same struggle, but I wanted to let you know you're not alone. I honestly feel like I could've written this post, word-for-word. I recently ordered this book on Amazon, and though I haven't finished it yet, it seems to have some great strategies in it, especially for those of us with chronic pain. <3

As someone that has struggled with this for most of their adult life and is slowly getting better, don't lose hope! For me personally, it feels like a conscious switch in my brain to Notice stuff in the room instead of just looking past it, and it can take a while to get the hang of that.

• I definitely recommend this book for a good starting point, it acknowledges the difficulty of cleaning if you were never taught the basics, and even acknowledges physical and mental illnesses and ways to work around them. Very practical and helpful. Unf*ck Your Habitat: You're Better Than Your Mess https://www.amazon.com/dp/1250102952/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_d4LCCbV5E4YYB
  
  
• Marie Kondo is really good at helping you organize, but doesn't help much with the nitty-gritty of how to scrub your toilet bowl or whatever. (I'd still recommend her - her show is really positive and watching it usually puts me in a tidying mood.)
  
  
• Try to look around and Notice stuff before you leave the room. If you're about to walk to the kitchen, check your bedside table to see if you left any cups or bowls there, and take them with you. If you're in the bathroom, look for towels or socks on the floor and put them in the hamper on your way out. Etc...
  
  
• Put a little trashcan in every room, so it's easier to keep trash off flat surfaces and counters. Grab stuff as you're walking by and just toss it in.
  
  
• Try talking to your partner and see if they'd like to try dividing some of the bigger tasks. You said you had trouble noticing what needs to be done and hate asking, so it might be easier in the long run if you sit down and have a long discussion about it. You're new to this - ask them how THEY clean, and ask how you can help with what they already do.
  
  
• If you're starting a big chore, try putting on music. I keep a little phone stand by the sink to play podcasts for when I have to wash a huge pile of dishes. There are certain podcasts I ONLY listen to while cleaning, too, which makes it more of a special treat.
  
  
• If you go to work or work from home, try cleaning a bit immediately afterward - your brain is still in "work mode," and it's usually a bit easier to make it cooperate.
  
  
• Routine is super helpful. When's trash day? Clean out the fridge the day before. Home from work? Scoop the cat litter first thing. See what works for your energy level and schedule.
  
  Don't feel bad about not knowing this stuff implicitly...it's all taught behavior, and you weren't taught! Google is your friend if you're not sure how to clean something properly. And feel free to PM me sometime, I'm still a work in progress but I'd love to help.
  
  Good luck!

Re: how overwhelming it can be to bring a chaotic/messy living space in order, especially if your standards for cleanliness are higher... I found this book incredibly helpful for figuring out how to minimize time spent cleaning with maximum results. You should check it out if you have the chance! There's a whole section about mental health and cleaning, which helped me out a LOT when my depression was at its worst.

Regarding the rest... I'm really sorry that you're going through all of that, and I wish I could help. I've been through similar things with my partner, and to some extent am still going through them. If you ever need to vent, feel free to reach out to me. I may not be able to help, but I'm always here to listen, which can be more helpful sometimes!

Unf*ck Your Habitat: You're Better Than Your Mess https://www.amazon.com/dp/1250102952/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_n.nEzbMCJNH6V. This is a book that has helped me as well. Helps you focus.

It's a woman. She's coming out with a book:

https://www.amazon.com/Unf-Your-Habitat-Youre-Better/dp/1250102952?tag=smarturl-20