Embarrassed/ashamed of my council flat that needs cleaning

HampshireH

Yawny said:

Soz, me again 😃, i don't use social media and Facebook, maybe I could put alittle ad in the local post office window or would that be abit silly?, how would I word the ad ?🤔

Time to start.

You won't get a proper response to an advert and yiu can't vet them/see previous works/reviews

You don't have to have a huge social media presence but most small business work on it so you will find your options significantly limited if you choose not to

The cat isn't an issue.

You have posed a problem and seem to be putting barriers up to the solution

Auti

Do you have a social worker or housing officer that you could speak to? You might find they could help you sort out your flat and if due to disability you are finding cleaning difficult they may put you in touch with a home help. Another avenue to explore. Perhaps it is now a good time to go through your belongings to see if they are all exactly what you want to keep and maybe free up some space in your home - can be hard when it seems overwhelming

Sea_Shell

Yawny said:

Cheers, i forgot to mention which makes things even more impossible is that i have an indoor cat that can't go out so i would prefer professional cleaners as they wouldn't use harsh chemicals regarding my cat but they don't want to do it, and yes my flat is cluttered with lots of stuff because the flats too small and I obviously can't get a bigger place because have problems earning money/working , ' and i have plenty of money at the moment to pay someone or people lol

This will be what's putting cleaners off TBH.    How can they clean, if they have to negotiate round everything.   If it's dust that's a problem (and cat hair?), then it will accumulate on your stuff, not just surfaces and carpets.  So they'd also have to clean all your stuff too!

How physically able are you to go through your stuff and have a ruthless clear out?     Just a little at a time, so that maybe you can get someone in to clean just that one room.   Do you have friends or family that could help, or are you worried that they'll judge you?     Would you be upset, say, if they wanted to throw out something they see as junk, but you want to keep?   eg, a broken or damaged item.

Which room do you want to doing most?    Bathroom, kitchen, etc? 

If bathroom, that shouldn't be to difficult to clear, as you don't really need much actually IN a bathroom (compared to other rooms), but I know how easy it is to accumulate a variety of toiletries!!    Wheeled vegetable trolleys are good storage for those, which can easily be moved to clean, rather than a shelf full of stuff.

If the kitchen, are you on top of thing like the washing up and taking the rubbish out?  


ETA - type Declutterers (plus your town) into google, and see if there are any specialists nearby.   

DullGreyGuy

Are you looking for a regular cleaner or a one off "deep clean"?

Many will tell you the stories of difficulties getting a reliable regular cleaner, many seem to have a long list of things they won't do or dont like etc (eg the owner/tenant being in the property at the same time as the cleaner). Even if you manage to find one that agrees to do it then some take the !!!!!! on the hours billed but aren't willing to do fixed price and others call in sick/kids sick/dogs sick every other time they are due. 

A one off exercise should be easier to sort out. It may be worth having a ball park cost type of conversation before they attend and make it clear that the number they quote was round about what you were expecting to address any "they can't afford it" concerns 

ka7e

Your local Council will probably have a list/website of DBS-checked micro-providers, that usually includes cleaners and handymen as well as carers. Ours gives a brief description of services provided and often hourly rates. We also have "Village Agents" that liase with vulnerable adults to match them with local services - again, they are very active theough social media, but search for "Community Hub" in your area.

Teapot55

I have just looked up information on a local council website about ‘personal assistants’. 

There might be something similar local to you. This might give you an idea of the sort of thing to look for: 
https://www.portsmouth.gov.uk/services/health-and-care/adult-social-care/support-to-be-independent/find-a-carer-or-personal-assistant/#pa

I know you said you wouldn’t qualify for a carer to be provided for you but you might be able to find a personal assistant this way. 

Regards 
Teapot55

thegreenone

Could you box up a lot of your 'clutter' and put it in a corner?  You will still have all your belongings but the cleaners will be able to go through more thoroughly.  Once they've done, perhaps you could look at what you have in your boxes and make decisions.

Yawny

Cheers guys, what annoys me, if i have sort out and bin my clutter i might aswel do the whole thing myself lol, yep might ring housing officer

Sea_Shell

Yawny said:

Cheers guys, what annoys me, if i have sort out and bin my clutter i might aswel do the whole thing myself lol, yep might ring housing officer

Only you know how limiting your disability is, with regards the physical aspect of clearing and cleaning is.

Are you able to make a start, and take small steps, or does it all feel too overwhelming, mentally?

Do you feel (some of) your clutter really is "for the bin"?   If, so, can you start putting some out with your usual rubbish.  A small bit at a time.

Can you identify, say, 3 things, that you can see from where you are, that can go, today?

These might be old magazines or newspapers, a broken ornament, or an odd sock.

How do you eat an elephant?   One mouthful at a time. 😉

Yawny

Yeah, i suppose i could try and do small bits at a time, cheers