When my 3 daughters were young and I would ask them to clean their rooms it felt like a chore for them, but when I said “go make your room look cute”, suddenly it was fun and they wanted to do it . ❤
That is a fantastic family saying! I wish I had heard it when raising my kids. However, I’m going to passing it on! In our family saying is “make a better choice”. We use it especially when you’re about to do something that might not be a good idea.
Yes! I say that my son, he "owns" the family room and when he dusts he gets to rearrange all the decor however he wants to make it cute. He works hard at the blankets and pillows on the couch and the mantel.
It helps when there's a lot of TRASH trash, the kind of junk that was useful exactly once to your child, and they're just... hoarding it. I taught mine "if you don't remember the last time you looked at or touched it, it's time to say 'thank you for helping me' or 'thank you for all the fun we had together', and then we 'say goodbye'" It's also a neat trick for adults who have a hard time letting go of stuff that, intellectually you know it's trash or you're never going to use it (even if it's functionally intact). Also, we blame everything on the cat. Because everything is the cat's fault (she's actually a really great cat lol), there is very little finger pointing or fighting. "Damnit Remy, why didn't you put your clothes in the hamper? How are we supposed to live like this???"
I know that you said in the beginning of the video that you don’t like to clean your own house because that is work and cleaning other peoples houses is a gift. I just want to let you know that every time you clean any house and post it on your channel you give me a gift, because it motivates me to get up and clean something in my own home. I always seem to pause your videos, get up and clean something in my house. This time I unloaded my dishwasher, hand washed a couple of dishes that cannot be put in the dishwasher. I hate, hate, hate washing dishes by hand, but I did it. Then I ran my vacuum on the first floor of my house. I also went and straightened out my clothes closet. I’m sure that my telling you this doesn’t make you enjoy cleaning your house the way you enjoy cleaning other peoples but just the same you really do give me a gift every time you post a house cleaning video. Thanks!
I have friends who think I'm weird for enjoying videos that revolve around cleaning or tidying (house cleaning, yard transformations, etc). You've just put that enjoyment into words--it motivates me to do something to better my own environment. A tidier, cleaner environment improves my mood immensely. :D
same story with me....i watch and then get moving and there is plenty of stuff to move. my home looks better since i started watching this channel. MMC is one of the best channels on YT in my opinion. I can't count the number of donation items i have given, bags i have filled, dishes i have washed, refrigerator cleanings, even washing car mats. I bought baking soda, micro towels, isopro alchohol, vinegar, mr clean's clean freak...etc etc. Need to get that scraper/razor.
Oh, I love love love washing dishes by hand! We don't eat very greasy or juicy stuff, so I wipe off the biggest mess with paper towels before washing the dishes in the sink. I love the hot water on my hands, soothing the pain in my fingers and my broken wrist bones. It's so relaxing! And after finishing I treat my hands with hand cream. It works much better on the softened skin.
@@schnetzelschwester My mom loved washing dishes by hand too. Her kitchen sink was in the corner of the kitchen and it had windows above it looking out to the backyard and one looking out to the side yard. She loved to look out the window while washing the dishes. She said it was relaxing to her. We all have our things. :)
I love having a clean, tidy house. Even when I was 12 and took over the household because my dad got sick and my mom had to go to work. I worked for 35 years and my work had to be in order of priority, and had two calendars to remind me. Climbing into my clean bed last night and knowing no laundry was left undone, no dishes, floors clean, I slept very well. No one else in the family understands me, but I love my life. And I live alone. ❤😅. Yes, I was married with two children, but now a widow and my life is good.
I like a clean house but I have one child still living at home who does not pick up after herself or her dog. 😓 She's finally got a move out date, November 🎉 So I bought new cleaning supplies, ceiling paint, paint for the kitchen wall.... I'm very excited. I will miss her (and her shedding dog) but I am excited to finally have a clean house and not have someone come along and destroy everything I've done!
There’s a certain internal joy that goes with the daily discipline of chores. I find doing laundry as being very emotionally regulating for me. Whereas I struggle with my closet despite several annual purges. Thanks for your post. I look at this as “I get to do this” vs “I have to do this” which only brings out my resistance.
You dont know what a relief it was to see a normal refrigerator with leftovers and pots with food. Im overwhelmed and annoyed by all the refrigerators that are all in clear bins that only have one time serve food and everything in its place. Makes me wonder if anyone cooks or has real food anymore. Thanks for being very real ❤
I know, right?! I cook things in big batches, so my fridge and freezer are full of containers, the same old beat up (not clear) containers I've been using for thirty years, with masking tape labels. The pots are in the fridge until I get around to them. Except for the slow cooker because I use liners. 😁
@lisalamphier1410 I am exactly the same way. I have 5 kids and with me and husband that makes 7. I cook in big batches too so we have leftovers to feed us different meals for the week and my husband has food for lunch at work. I am so unsure how others are doing all the clean containers (mine are the best up Tupperware off brands I always use) and have room for real food? Especially with the new thing where they have fairy houses and decorations in the fridge. 🤔
Leftovers have been a godsend all my life. My ex-husband would not eat Leftovers. Good thing I think they taste better. I have always taken Leftovers for lunch at work. When I was a single mom, I would cook and bake like mad, and that's what we ate that week. 😊
@Exitstarr You are such a sweetheart for doing that! I'm hoping your grandma does well in surgery - but um...also that she does not have memory or organizational issues. Be careful to make sure she *wants* the clean and, if possible, is there to direct. If not, make sure that envelopes with stuff written on them are not tossed, and things that are out, you just make tidy. And - even if she is the nicest grandma in the world - be prepared to be fussed at for your effort after all your hard work. I'm not trying to talk you out of it, just know that if there are piles that have been there a long time, *that may be where she is used to seeing them* - every time she can't find something, it will either consciously or unconsciously be your fault because, until now, she may have had to blame herself. It can be an unconscious relief to blame others. My most loveable, funniest, formerly-favoritest uncle is a hoarder and I did all the sorting with him right there. I tried to set him up with a therapist first, but we were working against a code enforcement violation. I love him so much, I didn't want him to lose the house. When The Yard was clear (he cannot live in the house), he threatened that if I did anything else, he would have me arrested for "elder abuse." Have your grandma agree to the cleaning in a text or in writing, signed, before you start so you are protected.
@@AG-yj1jv oh she texted me about it but this isn’t the first time I went to clean for her! Essentially all I do is scrub her bathroom for the most part but this time she wants her windows done and probably her kitchen tidied up. My grandma is only 68 so she still has plenty of life in her!
Exactly. I suffer from insomnia and the only thing that calms my mind, puts me to sleep is Mack's voice. I'll just put one of his long videos on that I've watched before when I go to bed and I wake up an hour or so later having managed some sleep. Mack's voice is a gift.
I told my friend I dont like cleaning and she said “but why? Cleaning is good for the soul!!” It completely changed my perspective. She passed away last year after a long illness and I still feel close to her when I clean.
I grew up with a single, working mom. She made it clear we all had to do our part. There was a routine in the weekends; we had to change our beds and bring the dirty sheets and clothes to the laundry room. I had to do the ironing and my brother the vacuuming. We had to do the dishes after dinner, and mob the kitchen floor. It may sound like bootcamp to some, but it wasn't all that bad. In the end, as an adult I kept doing those things without giving it a second thought. It made my life easier
That's how I raised my kids. My daughter claims she was abused all her life. My son can clean a house top to bottom in an orderly fashion in record time. Lol his wife doesn't like me too much because of that. I think she is adorable.
That depression cycle is why I love that you do these big cleanings for people. It's much easier for people to move and clean to climb out of their depression if the house isn't so overwhelming. You do amazing work.
There was a commercial several years ago for a drug that said, “A body at rest tends to stay at rest while a body in motion tends to stay in motion. It’s simple physics.” I remember this because at that time in my life I was in a bad headspace. It is just taking that first step, however long it takes.
I decorated my kitchen and started to enjoy cleaning it a lot more. An aloe plant, a watering can, another fake plant, a tray, fruit bowl, some wooden cutting boards, a coffee station( coasters, napkins, coffee container, tea container), cooking station( spoon dish, salt, pepper, oil, utensils). My motivation for cleaning is eating a snack after in a beautiful clean kitchen.
this was my mom's trick for when we were burned out on cleaning - she would buy something for the house and then we'd do a big clean to get ready to display it
And just so you know, I don't care if you are cleaning your house or someone else's, I just like to watch!!!! Hope you and Emily get better quickly. I know what she really needs is to get that surgery done!!!!
I hate clutter. My ex used to pile all his papers and stuff on top of the dresser because he "had to see it in order to remember to take care of it." So I cleaned out the top drawer and laid everything in the drawer just the way it was lying on the top of the dresser and said, open the drawer when you need to see what you need to work on, and close it when you're done for the day. It worked out great!
Since finding your channel I have used the "Pick something up and move it" method and found that it really works. I've also found that breaking each "job" down into tiny parts makes me feel better. For example if my "job" is to clear the dishes off the draining board I don't look at the massive pile of dishes as one job, I look at it as 10/20/30 whatever little jobs. Pick one pan up and put it away equals one job. Repeat until all the dishes are put away. My brain now thinks at the end of it, "Massive win, I completed X jobs, Yay me!" Makes me feel better and really helps to get stuff done.
Something that’s helped me clean through depression is working on letting go of the guilt that comes with letting things get bad, you can’t prevent what already happened and it’s ok that things fall apart sometimes
The game I played with my kids was that we were detectives looking for clues around a crime scene. We use to make up the most outrageous scenarios, it was a lot of fun. ❤ I was fortunate that my mother taught us how to clean and when we were teenagers we would trade cleaning for her to sew us something new.
I mainly got better with keeping my place clean due to hating insects and having my older brothers as roomates for most of my life. (absolute slobs) my bedroom back when I was roomed with my brother would have been the perfect thumbnail for your youtube video. I now have this bedroom to myself, while I save up money to one day own my own place. I had to gut this room entirely, then Scraped off the old wallpaper that was old and ripped and patch all the holes my brothers put into it (oldest threw knives in them). Repainted it to a lighter blue to make the lighting better in here. added a new carpet, and change the furniture in the room for nicer durable ones we found in a veteran owned furniture thrift shop. the only thing i need to fix is the broken window my bro broke trying to kill a fly too many years ago. My bedroom is pretty much clean for the most part and is pretty much the dream bedroom I wanted as a kid. I very much appreciate your channel, I wish to get the rest of my house fully cleaned. however I prob have a nightmare of a house, my grandfather who recently passed away a week ago, who despite considering him as my actual father to me was a horrible horder. We have a barn full of too many tools furniture and appliances. his mindset was to always have a spare thing, and had too many projects he never got to. he was very obsessive with collecting things nothing in particular, just a lot of stuff. we got loads of broken lawnmowers, snow blowers, a giant pile of tires, a long line of outboat motors in the barn and in the basement. the barn is collapsing because he didnt keep it up, too many health issues and getting fat where he was immobile in the last few years of his life made it hard to do anything. While I was jobless due to a panic attack I got from my first job for a couple years ago from severe social anxiety I spent those last few years helping him out with those projects, to a point where taking care of him was my job. I have a job I held for a year now its kind of sad that when I finally got myself together my grandpa couldnt anymore. Hearing your sympathize with hoarder houses like this is nice, nobody wants to live like this, none of my family are lazy, I dont think ive seen anyone that work as hard as my family to struggle to get where we are. I am getting better at making my mother make healthier life choices and she has been replacing broken stuff now and trying to improve the house more. Channels like yours are a blessing you can't clean everyones house but I feel like your doing a good job to motivate others to do something themselves.
You and Jason did a great job getting your house cleaned a bit. Thanks, Jason for being there for your Dad and Emily to help out! Mack, I want you and Emily feeling better and doing more of what you love doing. Being sick is a bummer 😕 Thanks for sharing something with your growing group of followers this weekend and feel better soon. ❤❤❤
Hi, Miraclerun here. As you know I have autistic twins. Maybe you can go over how autism has impacted your life. From my experience, you are a mature, well-adjusted, person, who everybody can learn from. Not only that, you are educating thousands of people to have a better life. My home is cleaner because of you, so my mind is better. I have endless energy from following your example and advice.
I’m staying with my mom right now, and for the foreseeable future while she’s bedfast under hospice care. The only thing that has helped my anxiety, ADHD and panic attacks is cleaning out cabinets and rearranging counter top items, and as you say “redecorating” the clutter. It gives me micro-bursts of joy. I pick one small area or counter top or cabinet per day.
When there seem to be too many things to do in a room, I will look around and pick one type of item and ONLY focus on that until it’s done. When my bedroom is in disarray, for example, I will see a pair of pants and say “OK, I’m going to find all the pants around the room and in the laundry baskets, etc. and put them all away. Then I will do the same with all my blouses, etc. For some reason, this helps my focus not get too scattered and gives me a sense of purpose amidst the chaos.
What initially drew me to your channel was that a man was doing the work that was considered to be "women's work" when I was growing up (70's-80s) . I always loathed that notion as I never saw myself in that role, despite being female. I know that's antiquated thinking (70's-80's), but that was how it was growing up for me in SW IL. My brother never wanted to do "women's work" and I got stuck with doing it and I hated every minute. Listening to you talk and how you explain things has helped me start to get beyond that notion. I'm not a tidy person by a long shot, but am slowly making my way through some of the old clutter a few 3x3 or 5x5 (whatever it may be). Thank you!
I am a bit similar. I’m young and I’ve always been tomboyish but I got suckered into cleaning & tidying content recently. Now I love leaning into this skill since it turns out I love cleaning & organizing, but I hadn’t been motivated to do them the right way before. Now I even get accused of being a tradwife 😱 lol.
I randomly yell OHIO at myself and the kids. Stands for “only handle it once”, when you pick it up you put it away where it belongs. Doesn’t work so much for big cleans when i use a basket to corral things leaving the room but stuff like dishes going in the dishwasher and junk mail going in recycling? It’s the only way.
Coming up to the second anniversary of significant other's passing, I think I'm more depressed now than when he first passed. Funny how grief works, you think "oh good I'm getting better" and BOOM it hits you all over again. To my benefit when I'm depressed, I clean, so everything is neat, tidy, and uncluttered.
Put in some overhead shelves in the garage. Life changers. Can now actually access boxes to start sorting and purging. Also doing three things that are helping the declutter: 1. Never move from one room to another empty handed. Even if it just gets stuff a little closer to where it needs to be or to the garbage can 2. Focusing on the things that I see everyday that disturb me when I see them. 3. Bought some high end commercial kitchen storage containers. Consolidated like things and got rid of awkward packaging. Freed up loads of space. Also, I installed a pantry app that lets you scan your packaged goods, spices, etc. So helpful. Purging old things and rotating. Now, I have access if I am shopping and don’t know if I have certain things or need to get them. Have a spot now in garage where things that have got to go are being assembled. The big plus is that I invite friends to take a look at the items being added almost daily and take what they want/need. The stuff finds a new home and the small value I might get at a yard sale is offset by knowing it will be used by someone I care about.
Oh Mack! You totally get my brain in regards to cleaning my own house. Thanks. I had to stop my mind from saying I hate doing dishes to I really hate to look at dirty dishes. Weird how just reframing that helped. I could still use a 'cleaning buddy', damn lonely job.
When my husband goes over to help his mom, I do some major cleaning at home as a gift for him. He comes home to an extra clean house...and I benefit too!
Last night I went to bed with some dishes in the sink, I usually clean as I cook and got most of it done but was tired and left the after dinner dishes. I got up at 630, started a pot of coffee, cleaned out the dishwasher & strainer and put the clean stuff away, reloaded the dw, wiped down the counters and cupboard doors and then sat down with a fresh cup of coffee. Relaxed a bit - then before I showered I got in & scrubbed the shower down. Back from grocery store I started a load of laundry, poured another cup of coffee while that runs and watched you clean. And now the laundry is ready for the dryer LOL! I do things in bits now that I'm older, but it gets done.
the whole "pick up one object" is so relatable, even if not specifically cleaning, but once I pick up that ONE THING or start that one thing, i have to see it through... it's the starting that's the hardest!!
The 2-3 square foot area cleaning method doesn't work for me. Too many different kinds of tasks may be required in that 1 area. What works for me is picking a small task with a clear beginning and end (e.g wash dishes, do laundry fold it and put it away, vacuum all floors, mop kitchen floor, clean toilet, dust a shelf, scrub the tub, dust the blinds, clean the coffee table, dust a different shelf). I complete a task and go relax feeling satisfied that I finished something. If I'm feeling good about myself, I might do something else. Eventually, everything gets done.
Great advice on changing your perspective. What is it about cats that have to get on the bed as your making it? I hope you are getting better each day and that Emily is keeping well before her next operation. Keeping ye in my thoughts and prayers 🙏 Have a great week. Mary, Joes wife 👏👏👍💪🙏💐🐈
I can relate a lot to what you say. I can't find the motivation to tidy up my own flat. I'm not a hoarder or anything, and it's not particularly unclean in my flat. But there's stuff lying around, or there's dust on the floor, etc. and it never bothers me enough to actually tidy all of it up at once. I just do small things day by day, so my flat is in a constant state of "slightly untidy". I can live in this state for weeks without the situation getting significantly better or worse. I never seem to find the motivation to finally put all the things away and vacuuming and keeping it that way. But the night before my girlfriend comes for a visit, I can do it all better than necessary, because she knows my flat would usually be "slightly untidy" and she enjoys the "gift" of coming to a perfectly tidy flat.
The condition of a home almost always is an indication of what is going on mentally, emotionally as well as physically with the people who live there. Love tips on how to reframe thinking so that the task of cleaning takes on a different perspective…its a gift, a demonstration of love or way to get exercise and get more flexible and strong……whatever motivation works! Thanks Mack for your perspective on this super important matter that affects everyone everyday.❤
I have the best news ! Regularly watching and sad that we don’t have the brands your talking about here in Ireland, UNTIL I was randomly shopping in a mr price and there it was - barkeepers friend !!!! I nearly clean freaked out 😂 I actually did say Suck it when I saw it. It is a miracle product. Love you guys. Your the best. ❤
It feels like a reflection of how we feel about ourselves.. self-love/self-care. Like...why do we apply certain expectations to ourselves--that we would neverrrrr place on our best friend? Why do we deserve any less? Why wouldn't we give ourselves the gift of a clean home--like we would for our best friend? Have that friend come body double. Play music that makes you dance. Or pop on a book on tape. Zone out--get into the zone. Picking up ONE ITEM sparks the zone for me, too!
I love a tidy house however I struggle to get it there. 1. I can find 1000 other things to do first... 2. standing on my feet for long periods makes my back hurt like hell 3. I am sure there is some other excuse I make but cant' think of it right now. I know they are all excuses but when I am in pain I'd rather just lay down. Its been a huge struggle for me since I broke my shoulder... Oh... and as I type this you mentioned depression... yeah that is me.
Cleaning for me is theraputic. I clean to deescalate so I'm not taking my frustration out on others. It helps me think and process. Also, I clean to make life easier for everyone living in our house. Yes, I wish others were more vocal with appreciation, but I tell myself it's for me too. That helps with my attitude.
I love that your perspective hack to make cleaning easier is just to be a generous, loving person gifting beauty to your household. 🥰 Resonates with me so hard.
I'm looking forward to this . Cleaning someone else house is a gift. My own house is not so much. Cleaning house is a gift to myself. Thinks for the encouragement. I live alone. I am 73, with adhd, autistic,anxiety dyslexic......thanks Mack. My husband also fell broke his hip, which was replaced bout 4 months ago. He is now walking with a walker. Lives in retirement home. I am unable to take care of him. I do everything here at my house. Yard work, inside side out. He is 85. I am 73. It is a wonderful thing that we lived to see the day we were legally married as a same sex couple. Mack. Thanks for continuing to inspire .
The other thing about cleaning for others that makes it easier is that you do not engage with their things the way one does with one's own things. For example, if I am cleaning for myself, I may need to declutter a countertop. On that countertop might be, for example, mail, bills, etc., that are relevant to me. When I see those, they may get my brain going in other directions. "Oh, yeah, I've got to remember to pay that bill," or "Crap, I forgot to schedule my dentist appointment before the end of the plan year," or "Geez, there's so much I need to do." Or if I live with others, I might be cleaning and find myself frustrated that they've left a mess again, or I have to ask them about what to do with their thing they left out--pitch it, file it, move it...? Those things eat into mental and emotional energy, and that adds to how fatiguing cleaning can be. In contrast, when I am cleaning for someone else, I don't have any of those connections because those things I'm cleaning around aren't personally relevant, so that frees up some energy.
Also what should I do with this or that , declutter or keep? why do l find it so hard to make decisions..l am being nicer to myself though and realizing sometimes it takes time to realize true value of something or how you feel about it and it gets easier to make the decision..as long as l am decluttering some items no matter how little there will be progress and l am strengthening my decision making/ decluttering muscle 🙂
I brought up 8 children, basically alone. Their dad was an alcoholic and not present emotionally and was more a hindrance than a help. I think the frustration of cleaning stems from the tsunami of mess 8 home schooled kids, 9 cats, 1 dog, 1 Fireskink and 12 guinea pigs generated. We also had a rabbit rescue in the garden with, at its peak, 48 rabbits. Couple that with a -30 winter and cleaning became a real chore. Nowadays am single, everyone has grown up and moved. I live with my youngest two and we have 5 cats. I love cleaning now cos it stays nice for longer.
@@Ruth58969 so you didn't just raise them alone - you raised them while wearing a 100lb backpack every single day. raising them alone would have been easy by comparison💕
I agree with teaching them to clean when they are young. I have five kids and when each child turned 1 we taught them to pick up their baby toys and return them to the toy basket each day before naptime and again in the evening before bed. They still have to clean up daily even though they are older now, but they see it as totally normal and it isn't a struggle.
I didn't realize that I do that until you just mentioned it: I clean my house in case company comes. I do like it clean, but the thought that someone might come over and need to use the toilet prompts me to clean the bathroom, sweep the floors and put away junk.
I like that concept of perspective! I love to cook, so I tell myself, “I’m getting the kitchen ready so I can have FUN cooking!” Your idea of cleaning ONLY 1 segment of kitchen counter at a time also is very helpful! I have ADHD & that method prevents overwhelm! Thanks!
The non-existent company that's coming over in an hour is a trick I've used many a time! Love your humour x I hope you and your family feel better soon x
Wow this is why I love cleaning other people’s houses. I never really took the time to analyze it before. You always come up with the best voice overs. So informative!!!
Yes! All of the things that would take 5-10 min to do. But I think about it for hours and days. And then feel like crap about it. Or, get started on one thing and then suddenly I'm off spending two hours doing some other random thing! When I found a med that worked for me, it was like a squeegee on my brain. And I could finally DO the things. I've never felt more like my true self. When I was about a year into therapy she asked about ADHD. I said no no, I did so good in school. I definitely needed educated about all of the symptoms of ADHD. Definitely therapy and medication! It hurts my brain and heart when people think oh you shouldn't take meds you just need XYZ. Its like, you wouldn't say that to a diabetic person. Education about mental health 🎉🎉 I'm really glad you commented. Helps me to not feel alone. This channel has helped too❤
New subscriber here! Im in failing health and living alone. I got a lot of inspiration from this very 1st video of yours! Thank you ❤and i wish better health for you and yours. 😊
You never know what video might pop up when you enter the abyss, but I’m so grateful for this one. By now, you know how much good you do in the world, but this one really resonated with me, and I want to thank you. My entire home is about a level three hoard due to a combination of grief from loss, anticipatory grief (where I am now) and ADD. I doubt you have referrals, but if you know anyone in the Denver area who might be willing to help me, I would be so grateful.
I'm a neat orderly type. Even as a kid. Must of gotten it from my mother. I put things away when I'm done with them. Can't go to bed with dirty dishes in the sink. My oldest daughter apparently did not inherit this, but my youngest daughter did. You & Emily take care and hope you're doing better 🥰
I have autism and adhd, and theres so much stigma with regards to keeping a house clean while struggling with that and anxiety and depression, so i really appreciate that you are non judgemental when cleaning, you dont shame the owners, you change perspectives and think from their point of view. And thats so healthy and so much better than cleaning channels that do it for the views, or to shame owners of cars or houses etc. it just feels so much bettwr to watch and experience. So thank you. Also watching your video tricks my neurodivergent brain into wanting to clean. So thank you for that as well
I am so glad I found you! I was watching Feral Tradwife and she mentioned you. I have had depression and ADD all my life (even in grade school) and this is so much help.❤
It's totally the same when it comes to being a mechanic, carpenter, house painter, house cleaner... you do it all day and when you come home you're tired and just want to relax. You don't want to paint the roof trim or trim the hedges or fix the cabinet or mop the floor. You just want to sit down, decompress, and rest. So I totally understand and respect folks that work all day and the last thing they wanna do when they get home is work some more.
I’m a loner as well. I like your way of thinking on cleaning like someone is coming over or you’re decorating. I’m trying to get motivated to paint our spare room. I’ve washed the walls, it’s going slowly, but I’ll get there. Can’t wait to see how it turns out.
After watching a couple of your videos, I get up and clean something, anything and it lifts up my mood and I feel better. Sometimes I take a whole day and clean without stopping till I am very sore and tired because I know if I stop I won't get back up after resting and keep going. Then it takes a few days to recover.
It is true that keeping up is an easier routine to establish than catching up, but I think the tip of the day is definately Get yourself started. Move one object. Thanks for that! It is so simple even maybe I can do it! ❤
I love the little progress flags in the corner. It shows your channel is a true safe space. You’ve got a subscriber for life now. Thanks for being a good human.
Thank you for your insight on those who may be neurodivergent. We finally got married this year and my “craft room” craftermath was daunting. I no longer look at it as cleaning the whole room. I started with 1 box and sorted it. Then 1 drawer and the next thing I knew I can see my desktop and walk freely around the room. I also use the “Swedish death clean” mentality when sorting, I feel so much lighter mentally. I know my son will appreciate this in the future. I still have way too much stuff but my “ P.H.D.s ( projects half done) are getting done too. Sadly we have no moose in Florida.
I also used the Swedish death cleaning mentality when a friend offered me a player piano and about 50 song scrolls for free. I desperately wanted it and would love to play it again after 20 years of not having a piano, but decided against it when I thought of my children having to get rid of it when I’m gone.
So true regarding gifting to your loved ones. That was exactly the mindset I needed to take care of my health a few years back, as a way to keep looking after my children; I needed to be healthy to give them the best mother possible.
Love your vids! This one got me to thinking about the gift giving side of our brain. Have you heard of "Swedish Death Cleaning?" The simplified explanation is decluttering and cleaning ones house for those friends and family who will come after one has passed. Sounds morbid on the surface, but I think it's one of the most mindful concepts I've ever come across. You basically select the most emotionally charged and important things to keep and get rid of everything else. You then keep your house tidy so that you gift those who handle your affairs with very little work and are not a burden to them after you pass. There's also organizing the important paperwork and tucking that away, but yeah, while you're alive, you only see things that actually matter to you every day and keeping them clean and tidy as a way to remember and be thankful for the experience they're associated with. Good vibes all around.
Hey man, I'm just an occasional viewer but I have some unsolicited advice that might be helpful to you. Idk what the source of your dishwasher freakiness is, but I know for me having someone explain how it works in excruciating detail can help with that kind of thing. There's a channel on here called Technology Connections, where a dude named Alec takes apart various household appliances and explsins/demonstrates how they work. Insane production value. He's done a couple videos on dishwashers, but just his latest one is all you need. He cut open the side of one and put in a window so you can see what's going on in there, he has it drain into a bucket so you can see how it uses the water, heck he even explains how the soap chemicals work. As someone who also has autism, I find his videos really comforting and enjoyable. Just thought I would pass it along in case you think it might help (or would just be entertaining, he's very witty imo), I know what a pain handwashing can be. Love your videos! Keep up the good work
Don’t worry… I can wait for new video 👍🏻 please take care of you two. It’s not cleaning… it’s decorating 👍🏻🤭… for me too… it’s a very good tip ! Bonjour de France 🇫🇷 Positives vibes for Emily and you 🙏🏻 🌸🌸🌸
What you said about having ADHD and needing to see everything really hurt me and helped me to understand my husband of 39 years. If it were up to him there would be no cabinet doors and somehow everything would be in a single row, completely visible. I've always been annoyed that he didn't want to look at the back of the refrigerator or cabinet for something. I didn't realize why. Saying that cleaning is a gift to self or decorating was helpful. Thanks
Thank you so much Mack for this video! You gave me answers to questions I've always had: why is cleaning my own house so hard sometimes and on the other hand so easy and enjoyable at my partners/my parents place. And even the country accommodation I used to run: cleaning the messiest mess came so easy. I will watch this video every time I get overwhelmed or paralyzed at home with my two kids. I wish you and your wife all the best😊❤
I love Jason..what a lovely son! My youngest still lives with me at 37 lol. He has realised I can't do it all now at 67..so he now does the bathroom... thank God. Cleaning the shower cubicle got too much. I love the fact jason is helping his dad! X
Hi Guys! I agree with the kids helping, my mom had us clean the house every Saturday morning. Years after I left home I realized I did the same thing, it was like an automatic urge that I had to do.
Great video! I also have ADD so cleaning is overwhelming. I literally asked my daughter yesterday why is it enjoyable for me to clean other people’s houses but can’t get motivated to clean my own home? I said I believed it’s because I like to do something nice and make them feel good. Why don’t I want to make me feel good? I think it’s because I’m not emotionally tied to other people’s things so it’s easier to go through the house. I take too much time at my own house pondering on getting rid of the clutter. I’d rather have someone else do it for me!😂
Omgosh bed visiting kitty was sooo FLUUUUFFY!!!! You have a fantastic voice, very soothing...subject matter discussed is also on point. Moose are quite vexxing!😂
I thought taking a cleaning job might cause me to neglect my own house (much like when i cooked for a living it made me not want to cook when i got home from work). But I'm experiencing the opposite. Cleaning the school is a job (although one i take very seriously and enjoy immensely) and keeping my own home is a gift to myself and my family 😊 i love and agree with the message here, as always. Much love Mack and fam ❤️
Hi Mack. Thanks for putting out a video whilst not feeling well and looking after Emily. It's great that Jason helps you. It's good that you look out for each other. I hope you reach a million subscribers soon and get your well-deserved gold plaque. You're my favourite channel on RUclips.
Thanks Mac. Yes. Getting up and moving helps. Frustrating when I can't do stuff! ( Dislocated elbow beginning of August. ) Can't sweep or mop because can't guide the handles. Yet. Started PT so I'm hopeful that SOON I can get back to it. Meantime I am plotting and planning the changes I want to make this winter in each room. As you said, perspective is everything. I CAN make notes and think & plan. I CAN do a little more each time - granted that a test is often required between attempts to do stuff. But it's amazing how many things can be carried by setting it on top of the sling for that extra hand balance instead of 2 hands in front! I have learned through many many years of failures that concentrating on what I can do & HOW I can use that to do something, well, that helps me come up with other ways of doing things than I've previously done. Granted, for many without limitations they get frustrated at my way of doing things which ONLY SHOWS just how LIMITED THEY ARE! Anyway. I think this way of cleaning mindset to be able to start cleaning is key! Thank you.
Your information on cleaning while working with your wife's ADHD really hit home for me. My 16 year old has ADHD and autism and my boyfriend has ADHD as well. I'm the only non-ADHD person in my house. It's always frustrated me that they both put things in different places and clutter seems to follow them around. But seeing how you work your cleaning in with the needs of your wife gave me a whole new perspective. I'm going to check out that Feral Tradwife channel that you mentioned and maybe my "neat freak" self and my family's ADHD can learn to live in harmony.
Your perspective always helps me look at the struggle differently. Thank you for sharing. Motivation isn't an issue. I'm mentally and emotionally capable of much more than I'm physically capable which creates a ton of frustration.
When my 3 daughters were young and I would ask them to clean their rooms it felt like a chore for them, but when I said “go make your room look cute”, suddenly it was fun and they wanted to do it . ❤
That is a fantastic family saying! I wish I had heard it when raising my kids. However, I’m going to passing it on! In our family saying is “make a better choice”. We use it especially when you’re about to do something that might not be a good idea.
This feels like 5D mom chess
That is low key genius. My daughter couldnt care less about cleaning but making things cute is her jam.
Yes! I say that my son, he "owns" the family room and when he dusts he gets to rearrange all the decor however he wants to make it cute. He works hard at the blankets and pillows on the couch and the mantel.
It helps when there's a lot of TRASH trash, the kind of junk that was useful exactly once to your child, and they're just... hoarding it. I taught mine "if you don't remember the last time you looked at or touched it, it's time to say 'thank you for helping me' or 'thank you for all the fun we had together', and then we 'say goodbye'" It's also a neat trick for adults who have a hard time letting go of stuff that, intellectually you know it's trash or you're never going to use it (even if it's functionally intact).
Also, we blame everything on the cat. Because everything is the cat's fault (she's actually a really great cat lol), there is very little finger pointing or fighting. "Damnit Remy, why didn't you put your clothes in the hamper? How are we supposed to live like this???"
I know that you said in the beginning of the video that you don’t like to clean your own house because that is work and cleaning other peoples houses is a gift. I just want to let you know that every time you clean any house and post it on your channel you give me a gift, because it motivates me to get up and clean something in my own home. I always seem to pause your videos, get up and clean something in my house. This time I unloaded my dishwasher, hand washed a couple of dishes that cannot be put in the dishwasher. I hate, hate, hate washing dishes by hand, but I did it. Then I ran my vacuum on the first floor of my house. I also went and straightened out my clothes closet. I’m sure that my telling you this doesn’t make you enjoy cleaning your house the way you enjoy cleaning other peoples but just the same you really do give me a gift every time you post a house cleaning video. Thanks!
I have friends who think I'm weird for enjoying videos that revolve around cleaning or tidying (house cleaning, yard transformations, etc). You've just put that enjoyment into words--it motivates me to do something to better my own environment. A tidier, cleaner environment improves my mood immensely. :D
same story with me....i watch and then get moving and there is plenty of stuff to move. my home looks better since i started watching this channel. MMC is one of the best channels on YT in my opinion. I can't count the number of donation items i have given, bags i have filled, dishes i have washed, refrigerator cleanings, even washing car mats. I bought baking soda, micro towels, isopro alchohol, vinegar, mr clean's clean freak...etc etc. Need to get that scraper/razor.
Oh, I love love love washing dishes by hand! We don't eat very greasy or juicy stuff, so I wipe off the biggest mess with paper towels before washing the dishes in the sink. I love the hot water on my hands, soothing the pain in my fingers and my broken wrist bones. It's so relaxing! And after finishing I treat my hands with hand cream. It works much better on the softened skin.
@@schnetzelschwester
@@schnetzelschwester My mom loved washing dishes by hand too. Her kitchen sink was in the corner of the kitchen and it had windows above it looking out to the backyard and one looking out to the side yard. She loved to look out the window while washing the dishes. She said it was relaxing to her. We all have our things. :)
I love having a clean, tidy house. Even when I was 12 and took over the household because my dad got sick and my mom had to go to work. I worked for 35 years and my work had to be in order of priority, and had two calendars to remind me. Climbing into my clean bed last night and knowing no laundry was left undone, no dishes, floors clean, I slept very well. No one else in the family understands me, but I love my life. And I live alone. ❤😅. Yes, I was married with two children, but now a widow and my life is good.
It makes me happy to hear you're happy.
Good for you 🌷
Mary, I am the same. I get such a good feeling when everything is done. I'm looking forward to my fresh clean bed tonight 😃🛏️
I like a clean house but I have one child still living at home who does not pick up after herself or her dog. 😓
She's finally got a move out date, November 🎉 So I bought new cleaning supplies, ceiling paint, paint for the kitchen wall.... I'm very excited. I will miss her (and her shedding dog) but I am excited to finally have a clean house and not have someone come along and destroy everything I've done!
There’s a certain internal joy that goes with the daily discipline of chores. I find doing laundry as being very emotionally regulating for me. Whereas I struggle with my closet despite several annual purges. Thanks for your post. I look at this as “I get to do this” vs “I have to do this” which only brings out my resistance.
@@Jumajaju811 I felt that too,,god luck
You dont know what a relief it was to see a normal refrigerator with leftovers and pots with food. Im overwhelmed and annoyed by all the refrigerators that are all in clear bins that only have one time serve food and everything in its place. Makes me wonder if anyone cooks or has real food anymore. Thanks for being very real ❤
I know, right?! I cook things in big batches, so my fridge and freezer are full of containers, the same old beat up (not clear) containers I've been using for thirty years, with masking tape labels. The pots are in the fridge until I get around to them. Except for the slow cooker because I use liners. 😁
@lisalamphier1410 I am exactly the same way. I have 5 kids and with me and husband that makes 7. I cook in big batches too so we have leftovers to feed us different meals for the week and my husband has food for lunch at work. I am so unsure how others are doing all the clean containers (mine are the best up Tupperware off brands I always use) and have room for real food? Especially with the new thing where they have fairy houses and decorations in the fridge. 🤔
Leftovers have been a godsend all my life. My ex-husband would not eat Leftovers. Good thing I think they taste better. I have always taken Leftovers for lunch at work. When I was a single mom, I would cook and bake like mad, and that's what we ate that week. 😊
@@bjumorrisdatter904 I'm so glad someone else has leftovers and enjoys them too 😊
It’s important to gift yourself the clean. This Monday im going to go gift my grandma the clean because she just had shoulder surgery.
Oh, bless you!
@Exitstarr You are such a sweetheart for doing that! I'm hoping your grandma does well in surgery - but um...also that she does not have memory or organizational issues. Be careful to make sure she *wants* the clean and, if possible, is there to direct. If not, make sure that envelopes with stuff written on them are not tossed, and things that are out, you just make tidy. And - even if she is the nicest grandma in the world - be prepared to be fussed at for your effort after all your hard work. I'm not trying to talk you out of it, just know that if there are piles that have been there a long time, *that may be where she is used to seeing them* - every time she can't find something, it will either consciously or unconsciously be your fault because, until now, she may have had to blame herself. It can be an unconscious relief to blame others.
My most loveable, funniest, formerly-favoritest uncle is a hoarder and I did all the sorting with him right there. I tried to set him up with a therapist first, but we were working against a code enforcement violation. I love him so much, I didn't want him to lose the house. When The Yard was clear (he cannot live in the house), he threatened that if I did anything else, he would have me arrested for "elder abuse." Have your grandma agree to the cleaning in a text or in writing, signed, before you start so you are protected.
@@AG-yj1jv oh she texted me about it but this isn’t the first time I went to clean for her! Essentially all I do is scrub her bathroom for the most part but this time she wants her windows done and probably her kitchen tidied up. My grandma is only 68 so she still has plenty of life in her!
Oh yeah and she isn’t a hoarder lol she just has health issues and she can’t scrub like she once used to!
@Exitstarr *This* is good and healthy helping: Her asking you, you helping with things she can't do, her doing the things she *can*
I love how she sneaks in while no one is looking and adds one more thing to the counter. " No one will be the wiser, so I'll just put this here" 😂
I saw that too!!😂❤❤❤
Love these insights, I need to hear them over and over again! My ADHD and autistic brain doesn’t process, but you always get me motivated!!
I can not be the only person who thinks this guys voice is so calming, like why need asmr when this dudes voice is a thing
Exactly. I suffer from insomnia and the only thing that calms my mind, puts me to sleep is Mack's voice. I'll just put one of his long videos on that I've watched before when I go to bed and I wake up an hour or so later having managed some sleep. Mack's voice is a gift.
I do, I really like his voice, and he has a great sense of humour. 😊
!!!!!💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯!!!!!!!
@@WendyHannan-pt7ez I hear they are hard to gift wrap!!
Love his voice … sounds just like Ray Liotta’s opening narration in ‘Goodfellas’
I told my friend I dont like cleaning and she said “but why? Cleaning is good for the soul!!”
It completely changed my perspective. She passed away last year after a long illness and I still feel close to her when I clean.
I'm sorry about your friend. Don't you love it when someone can say something small that just wakes you right up?
Wow I like that phrase, thank you for sharing it. Truly sorry for your loss.
Once again I love a man saying making a room look pretty.
I grew up with a single, working mom. She made it clear we all had to do our part. There was a routine in the weekends; we had to change our beds and bring the dirty sheets and clothes to the laundry room. I had to do the ironing and my brother the vacuuming. We had to do the dishes after dinner, and mob the kitchen floor. It may sound like bootcamp to some, but it wasn't all that bad. In the end, as an adult I kept doing those things without giving it a second thought. It made my life easier
That's how I raised my kids. My daughter claims she was abused all her life. My son can clean a house top to bottom in an orderly fashion in record time. Lol his wife doesn't like me too much because of that. I think she is adorable.
That depression cycle is why I love that you do these big cleanings for people. It's much easier for people to move and clean to climb out of their depression if the house isn't so overwhelming. You do amazing work.
There was a commercial several years ago for a drug that said, “A body at rest tends to stay at rest while a body in motion tends to stay in motion. It’s simple physics.” I remember this because at that time in my life I was in a bad headspace. It is just taking that first step, however long it takes.
I love how the grey cat magically shows up whenever you make the bed 😻 Congratulations on 600K.
Why does cats always do that,,,,,,,☺
cats like to help make the bed
I decorated my kitchen and started to enjoy cleaning it a lot more. An aloe plant, a watering can, another fake plant, a tray, fruit bowl, some wooden cutting boards, a coffee station( coasters, napkins, coffee container, tea container), cooking station( spoon dish, salt, pepper, oil, utensils). My motivation for cleaning is eating a snack after in a beautiful clean kitchen.
Adorable kitchen theme!
this was my mom's trick for when we were burned out on cleaning - she would buy something for the house and then we'd do a big clean to get ready to display it
@@k.6028 That is perfect,,I love to go to plants and second hand shopping for something nice to my home so I get motivated to clean.
And just so you know, I don't care if you are cleaning your house or someone else's, I just like to watch!!!! Hope you and Emily get better quickly. I know what she really needs is to get that surgery done!!!!
Yes! Every video holds so much information.
No one's ever gifted me a moose.😭
It’s okay. I don’t even have a house moose 🤷♀️
Me neither. I think moose are very underrated. 😅
I’d give 10 thumbs, if I could:)
I like moose🎉
@@ness00jc Now I want a house moose, and where I live we don't even have moose.
We do have cows, but what's a cow when you want a moose of your own?
It’s so sweet that Jason put on a shirt to match your kitchen curtains this morning! 😄🩵
I hate clutter. My ex used to pile all his papers and stuff on top of the dresser because he "had to see it in order to remember to take care of it." So I cleaned out the top drawer and laid everything in the drawer just the way it was lying on the top of the dresser and said, open the drawer when you need to see what you need to work on, and close it when you're done for the day. It worked out great!
Since finding your channel I have used the "Pick something up and move it" method and found that it really works. I've also found that breaking each "job" down into tiny parts makes me feel better. For example if my "job" is to clear the dishes off the draining board I don't look at the massive pile of dishes as one job, I look at it as 10/20/30 whatever little jobs. Pick one pan up and put it away equals one job. Repeat until all the dishes are put away. My brain now thinks at the end of it, "Massive win, I completed X jobs, Yay me!" Makes me feel better and really helps to get stuff done.
Your videos make me want to cry, because of your compassion, the way you talk to us and you teach us to talk to ourselves with Love. Thank you.
Something that’s helped me clean through depression is working on letting go of the guilt that comes with letting things get bad, you can’t prevent what already happened and it’s ok that things fall apart sometimes
The game I played with my kids was that we were detectives looking for clues around a crime scene. We use to make up the most outrageous scenarios, it was a lot of fun. ❤ I was fortunate that my mother taught us how to clean and when we were teenagers we would trade cleaning for her to sew us something new.
Words have power ... renaming cleaning to decorating is massive. Thank you
I mainly got better with keeping my place clean due to hating insects and having my older brothers as roomates for most of my life. (absolute slobs) my bedroom back when I was roomed with my brother would have been the perfect thumbnail for your youtube video.
I now have this bedroom to myself, while I save up money to one day own my own place. I had to gut this room entirely, then Scraped off the old wallpaper that was old and ripped and patch all the holes my brothers put into it (oldest threw knives in them).
Repainted it to a lighter blue to make the lighting better in here. added a new carpet, and change the furniture in the room for nicer durable ones we found in a veteran owned furniture thrift shop. the only thing i need to fix is the broken window my bro broke trying to kill a fly too many years ago.
My bedroom is pretty much clean for the most part and is pretty much the dream bedroom I wanted as a kid.
I very much appreciate your channel, I wish to get the rest of my house fully cleaned. however I prob have a nightmare of a house, my grandfather who recently passed away a week ago, who despite considering him as my actual father to me was a horrible horder. We have a barn full of too many tools furniture and appliances. his mindset was to always have a spare thing, and had too many projects he never got to. he was very obsessive with collecting things nothing in particular, just a lot of stuff.
we got loads of broken lawnmowers, snow blowers, a giant pile of tires, a long line of outboat motors in the barn and in the basement.
the barn is collapsing because he didnt keep it up, too many health issues and getting fat where he was immobile in the last few years of his life made it hard to do anything. While I was jobless due to a panic attack I got from my first job for a couple years ago from severe social anxiety I spent those last few years helping him out with those projects, to a point where taking care of him was my job.
I have a job I held for a year now its kind of sad that when I finally got myself together my grandpa couldnt anymore.
Hearing your sympathize with hoarder houses like this is nice, nobody wants to live like this, none of my family are lazy, I dont think ive seen anyone that work as hard as my family to struggle to get where we are. I am getting better at making my mother make healthier life choices and she has been replacing broken stuff now and trying to improve the house more. Channels like yours are a blessing you can't clean everyones house but I feel like your doing a good job to motivate others to do something themselves.
You and Jason did a great job getting your house cleaned a bit. Thanks, Jason for being there for your Dad and Emily to help out! Mack, I want you and Emily feeling better and doing more of what you love doing. Being sick is a bummer 😕 Thanks for sharing something with your growing group of followers this weekend and feel better soon. ❤❤❤
Hi,
Miraclerun here. As you know I have autistic twins. Maybe you can go over how autism has impacted your life. From my experience, you are a mature, well-adjusted, person, who everybody can learn from. Not only that, you are educating thousands of people to have a better life. My home is cleaner because of you, so my mind is better. I have endless energy from following your example and advice.
I’m staying with my mom right now, and for the foreseeable future while she’s bedfast under hospice care. The only thing that has helped my anxiety, ADHD and panic attacks is cleaning out cabinets and rearranging counter top items, and as you say “redecorating” the clutter. It gives me micro-bursts of joy. I pick one small area or counter top or cabinet per day.
Sending you strength xxx it sounds like you have a lot on your plate right now ❤
"Routines take a long time to get embedded into the human skull brain face hole."
I like your funny words magic man!
Super helpful video!
He has a way with words lol
When there seem to be too many things to do in a room, I will look around and pick one type of item and ONLY focus on that until it’s done. When my bedroom is in disarray, for example, I will see a pair of pants and say “OK, I’m going to find all the pants around the room and in the laundry baskets, etc. and put them all away. Then I will do the same with all my blouses, etc. For some reason, this helps my focus not get too scattered and gives me a sense of purpose amidst the chaos.
What initially drew me to your channel was that a man was doing the work that was considered to be "women's work" when I was growing up (70's-80s) . I always loathed that notion as I never saw myself in that role, despite being female. I know that's antiquated thinking (70's-80's), but that was how it was growing up for me in SW IL. My brother never wanted to do "women's work" and I got stuck with doing it and I hated every minute. Listening to you talk and how you explain things has helped me start to get beyond that notion. I'm not a tidy person by a long shot, but am slowly making my way through some of the old clutter a few 3x3 or 5x5 (whatever it may be). Thank you!
I am a bit similar. I’m young and I’ve always been tomboyish but I got suckered into cleaning & tidying content recently. Now I love leaning into this skill since it turns out I love cleaning & organizing, but I hadn’t been motivated to do them the right way before. Now I even get accused of being a tradwife 😱 lol.
Don’t put it down put it away is what I sing to myself a million times a day
@@adrienneforeman2153 Very good mantra! I am going to use this one. 😃
@@karynsperry7676 just know everyone in your house will think you’re weird 😂😂😂. I say duh I am weird
One million and one times a day for mua 😅
I end up running out of hands. And pockets. And room under my arm. And room in the bra. 😅
I randomly yell OHIO at myself and the kids. Stands for “only handle it once”, when you pick it up you put it away where it belongs. Doesn’t work so much for big cleans when i use a basket to corral things leaving the room but stuff like dishes going in the dishwasher and junk mail going in recycling? It’s the only way.
Coming up to the second anniversary of significant other's passing, I think I'm more depressed now than when he first passed. Funny how grief works, you think "oh good I'm getting better" and BOOM it hits you all over again. To my benefit when I'm depressed, I clean, so everything is neat, tidy, and uncluttered.
Please know that you are seen and loved. Sorry you’re going through a tough time. ❤
I'm so sorry for your loss. ❤️
I have heard the second year of grief is very, very difficult. Hugs.
This channel is better than THERAPY!!!
I love it here...
Thanks MMC
Put in some overhead shelves in the garage. Life changers. Can now actually access boxes to start sorting and purging.
Also doing three things that are helping the declutter:
1. Never move from one room to another empty handed. Even if it just gets stuff a little closer to where it needs to be or to the garbage can
2. Focusing on the things that I see everyday that disturb me when I see them.
3. Bought some high end commercial kitchen storage containers. Consolidated like things and got rid of awkward packaging. Freed up loads of space.
Also, I installed a pantry app that lets you scan your packaged goods, spices, etc.
So helpful. Purging old things and rotating. Now, I have access if I am shopping and don’t know if I have certain things or need to get them.
Have a spot now in garage where things that have got to go are being assembled. The big plus is that I invite friends to take a look at the items being added almost daily and take what they want/need. The stuff finds a new home and the small value I might get at a yard sale is offset by knowing it will be used by someone I care about.
Oh Mack! You totally get my brain in regards to cleaning my own house. Thanks.
I had to stop my mind from saying I hate doing dishes to I really hate to look at dirty dishes. Weird how just reframing that helped.
I could still use a 'cleaning buddy', damn lonely job.
When my husband goes over to help his mom, I do some major cleaning at home as a gift for him. He comes home to an extra clean house...and I benefit too!
Last night I went to bed with some dishes in the sink, I usually clean as I cook and got most of it done but was tired and left the after dinner dishes. I got up at 630, started a pot of coffee, cleaned out the dishwasher & strainer and put the clean stuff away, reloaded the dw, wiped down the counters and cupboard doors and then sat down with a fresh cup of coffee. Relaxed a bit - then before I showered I got in & scrubbed the shower down. Back from grocery store I started a load of laundry, poured another cup of coffee while that runs and watched you clean. And now the laundry is ready for the dryer LOL! I do things in bits now that I'm older, but it gets done.
the whole "pick up one object" is so relatable, even if not specifically cleaning, but once I pick up that ONE THING or start that one thing, i have to see it through... it's the starting that's the hardest!!
Love the option of cleaning one thing/area when overwhelmed! That change in perspective really does help! 😊
The 2-3 square foot area cleaning method doesn't work for me. Too many different kinds of tasks may be required in that 1 area. What works for me is picking a small task with a clear beginning and end (e.g wash dishes, do laundry fold it and put it away, vacuum all floors, mop kitchen floor, clean toilet, dust a shelf, scrub the tub, dust the blinds, clean the coffee table, dust a different shelf). I complete a task and go relax feeling satisfied that I finished something. If I'm feeling good about myself, I might do something else. Eventually, everything gets done.
Great advice on changing your perspective. What is it about cats that have to get on the bed as your making it? I hope you are getting better each day and that Emily is keeping well before her next operation. Keeping ye in my thoughts and prayers 🙏 Have a great week. Mary, Joes wife 👏👏👍💪🙏💐🐈
I can relate a lot to what you say. I can't find the motivation to tidy up my own flat. I'm not a hoarder or anything, and it's not particularly unclean in my flat. But there's stuff lying around, or there's dust on the floor, etc. and it never bothers me enough to actually tidy all of it up at once. I just do small things day by day, so my flat is in a constant state of "slightly untidy". I can live in this state for weeks without the situation getting significantly better or worse. I never seem to find the motivation to finally put all the things away and vacuuming and keeping it that way. But the night before my girlfriend comes for a visit, I can do it all better than necessary, because she knows my flat would usually be "slightly untidy" and she enjoys the "gift" of coming to a perfectly tidy flat.
Same thing for me no motivation just let things collect dust😊
The condition of a home almost always is an indication of what is going on mentally, emotionally as well as physically with the people who live there. Love tips on how to reframe thinking so that the task of cleaning takes on a different perspective…its a gift, a demonstration of love or way to get exercise and get more flexible and strong……whatever motivation works! Thanks Mack for your perspective on this super important matter that affects everyone everyday.❤
I have the best news ! Regularly watching and sad that we don’t have the brands your talking about here in Ireland, UNTIL I was randomly shopping in a mr price and there it was - barkeepers friend !!!! I nearly clean freaked out 😂 I actually did say Suck it when I saw it. It is a miracle product. Love you guys. Your the best. ❤
It feels like a reflection of how we feel about ourselves.. self-love/self-care.
Like...why do we apply certain expectations to ourselves--that we would neverrrrr place on our best friend?
Why do we deserve any less?
Why wouldn't we give ourselves the gift of a clean home--like we would for our best friend?
Have that friend come body double. Play music that makes you dance. Or pop on a book on tape.
Zone out--get into the zone.
Picking up ONE ITEM sparks the zone for me, too!
Cleaning and cooking and planning definitely helps me with depression. Just like you Lone Wolf, it's one piece at a time 😅
I love a tidy house however I struggle to get it there. 1. I can find 1000 other things to do first... 2. standing on my feet for long periods makes my back hurt like hell 3. I am sure there is some other excuse I make but cant' think of it right now. I know they are all excuses but when I am in pain I'd rather just lay down. Its been a huge struggle for me since I broke my shoulder... Oh... and as I type this you mentioned depression... yeah that is me.
Cleaning for me is theraputic. I clean to deescalate so I'm not taking my frustration out on others. It helps me think and process. Also, I clean to make life easier for everyone living in our house. Yes, I wish others were more vocal with appreciation, but I tell myself it's for me too. That helps with my attitude.
I love that your perspective hack to make cleaning easier is just to be a generous, loving person gifting beauty to your household. 🥰 Resonates with me so hard.
I'm looking forward to this . Cleaning someone else house is a gift. My own house is not so much. Cleaning house is a gift to myself. Thinks for the encouragement.
I live alone.
I am 73, with adhd, autistic,anxiety dyslexic......thanks Mack. My husband also fell broke his hip, which was replaced bout 4 months ago. He is now walking with a walker. Lives in retirement home. I am unable to take care of him. I do everything here at my house. Yard work, inside side out. He is 85. I am 73. It is a wonderful thing that we lived to see the day we were legally married as a same sex couple.
Mack. Thanks for continuing to inspire .
Thanks. Lookin forward to the new shirts. I got a greenbean t-shirt a couple of weeks ago.
I'll try not to write a long comment in the future. 🫎
Congratulations!
@@SuperSydneyh thank you.
I hope you and Emily feel better real soon.
The other thing about cleaning for others that makes it easier is that you do not engage with their things the way one does with one's own things. For example, if I am cleaning for myself, I may need to declutter a countertop. On that countertop might be, for example, mail, bills, etc., that are relevant to me. When I see those, they may get my brain going in other directions. "Oh, yeah, I've got to remember to pay that bill," or "Crap, I forgot to schedule my dentist appointment before the end of the plan year," or "Geez, there's so much I need to do." Or if I live with others, I might be cleaning and find myself frustrated that they've left a mess again, or I have to ask them about what to do with their thing they left out--pitch it, file it, move it...? Those things eat into mental and emotional energy, and that adds to how fatiguing cleaning can be. In contrast, when I am cleaning for someone else, I don't have any of those connections because those things I'm cleaning around aren't personally relevant, so that frees up some energy.
Also what should I do with this or that , declutter or keep? why do l find it so hard to make decisions..l am being nicer to myself though and realizing sometimes it takes time to realize true value of something or how you feel about it and it gets easier to make the decision..as long as l am decluttering some items no matter how little there will be progress and l am strengthening my decision making/ decluttering muscle 🙂
I brought up 8 children, basically alone. Their dad was an alcoholic and not present emotionally and was more a hindrance than a help. I think the frustration of cleaning stems from the tsunami of mess 8 home schooled kids, 9 cats, 1 dog, 1 Fireskink and 12 guinea pigs generated. We also had a rabbit rescue in the garden with, at its peak, 48 rabbits. Couple that with a -30 winter and cleaning became a real chore. Nowadays am single, everyone has grown up and moved. I live with my youngest two and we have 5 cats. I love cleaning now cos it stays nice for longer.
I, too, raised 8 kids. Dad died of cancer. I had to work, raise kids, and I chose to go to college part time until I earned my BSN of Science degree.
Holy moly. Y'all are the real ones.
@@Ruth58969 so you didn't just raise them alone - you raised them
while wearing a 100lb backpack every single day. raising them alone would have been easy by comparison💕
I agree with teaching them to clean when they are young. I have five kids and when each child turned 1 we taught them to pick up their baby toys and return them to the toy basket each day before naptime and again in the evening before bed. They still have to clean up daily even though they are older now, but they see it as totally normal and it isn't a struggle.
I didn't realize that I do that until you just mentioned it: I clean my house in case company comes. I do like it clean, but the thought that someone might come over and need to use the toilet prompts me to clean the bathroom, sweep the floors and put away junk.
I like that concept of perspective! I love to cook, so I tell myself, “I’m getting the kitchen ready so I can have FUN cooking!” Your idea of cleaning ONLY 1 segment of kitchen counter at a time also is very helpful! I have ADHD & that method prevents overwhelm! Thanks!
I can’t believe how smart you are - I’m so grateful ❤
The non-existent company that's coming over in an hour is a trick I've used many a time! Love your humour x I hope you and your family feel better soon x
Thank you for making this video, you gave me a new perspective on how I look at cleaning and what can help with depression which I have.
Wow this is why I love cleaning other people’s houses. I never really took the time to analyze it before. You always come up with the best voice overs. So informative!!!
Adhd medication helped me w achieving the will to clean and keep on top of my life.
Yes! All of the things that would take 5-10 min to do. But I think about it for hours and days. And then feel like crap about it. Or, get started on one thing and then suddenly I'm off spending two hours doing some other random thing! When I found a med that worked for me, it was like a squeegee on my brain. And I could finally DO the things. I've never felt more like my true self. When I was about a year into therapy she asked about ADHD. I said no no, I did so good in school. I definitely needed educated about all of the symptoms of ADHD. Definitely therapy and medication! It hurts my brain and heart when people think oh you shouldn't take meds you just need XYZ. Its like, you wouldn't say that to a diabetic person. Education about mental health 🎉🎉 I'm really glad you commented. Helps me to not feel alone. This channel has helped too❤
New subscriber here! Im in failing health and living alone. I got a lot of inspiration from this very 1st video of yours! Thank you ❤and i wish better health for you and yours. 😊
I have a real problem doing dishes. I despise doing the dishes. Once I start I'm good, but it takes me days, yes days, to start doing them.
Same here for not do dishes but I do likes to collect stuff
For me it's vacuuming. Once I start I'm done in 15 minutes... but it takes monster mutant dust-bunnies overtaking the bedroom for me to start.
Hope you’re feeling better
You never know what video might pop up when you enter the abyss, but I’m so grateful for this one. By now, you know how much good you do in the world, but this one really resonated with me, and I want to thank you. My entire home is about a level three hoard due to a combination of grief from loss, anticipatory grief (where I am now) and ADD. I doubt you have referrals, but if you know anyone in the Denver area who might be willing to help me, I would be so grateful.
I'm a neat orderly type. Even as a kid. Must of gotten it from my mother. I put things away when I'm done with them. Can't go to bed with dirty dishes in the sink. My oldest daughter apparently did not inherit this, but my youngest daughter did. You & Emily take care and hope you're doing better 🥰
I have autism and adhd, and theres so much stigma with regards to keeping a house clean while struggling with that and anxiety and depression, so i really appreciate that you are non judgemental when cleaning, you dont shame the owners, you change perspectives and think from their point of view. And thats so healthy and so much better than cleaning channels that do it for the views, or to shame owners of cars or houses etc. it just feels so much bettwr to watch and experience. So thank you.
Also watching your video tricks my neurodivergent brain into wanting to clean. So thank you for that as well
I hope you and your wife recover soon, blessings
I am so glad I found you! I was watching Feral Tradwife and she mentioned you. I have had depression and ADD all my life (even in grade school) and this is so much help.❤
I've been gifted a moose... coffee cup! So did my hubby. Double moose at our house. Some say more cowbell; we say more moose 🫎
It's totally the same when it comes to being a mechanic, carpenter, house painter, house cleaner... you do it all day and when you come home you're tired and just want to relax.
You don't want to paint the roof trim or trim the hedges or fix the cabinet or mop the floor. You just want to sit down, decompress, and rest.
So I totally understand and respect folks that work all day and the last thing they wanna do when they get home is work some more.
I’m a loner as well.
I like your way of thinking on cleaning like someone is coming over or you’re decorating.
I’m trying to get motivated to paint our spare room. I’ve washed the walls, it’s going slowly, but I’ll get there. Can’t wait to see how it turns out.
So happy you are back!!!
"sick kick flip" LOL~~~. Ya get me every time!! 💜
After watching a couple of your videos, I get up and clean something, anything and it lifts up my mood and I feel better. Sometimes I take a whole day and clean without stopping till I am very sore and tired because I know if I stop I won't get back up after resting and keep going. Then it takes a few days to recover.
It is true that keeping up is an easier routine to establish than catching up, but I think the tip of the day is definately Get yourself started. Move one object. Thanks for that! It is so simple even maybe I can do it! ❤
Go for it! You got this!
I love the little progress flags in the corner. It shows your channel is a true safe space. You’ve got a subscriber for life now. Thanks for being a good human.
Congrats on surpassing 600K subs❣️ Take care, y’all. 👍😍
Thank you for your insight on those who may be neurodivergent. We finally got married this year and my “craft room” craftermath was daunting. I no longer look at it as cleaning the whole room. I started with 1 box and sorted it. Then 1 drawer and the next thing I knew I can see my desktop and walk freely around the room. I also use the “Swedish death clean” mentality when sorting, I feel so much lighter mentally. I know my son will appreciate this in the future. I still have way too much stuff but my “ P.H.D.s ( projects half done) are getting done too. Sadly we have no moose in Florida.
I also used the Swedish death cleaning mentality when a friend offered me a player piano and about 50 song scrolls for free. I desperately wanted it and would love to play it again after 20 years of not having a piano, but decided against it when I thought of my children having to get rid of it when I’m gone.
So true regarding gifting to your loved ones. That was exactly the mindset I needed to take care of my health a few years back, as a way to keep looking after my children; I needed to be healthy to give them the best mother possible.
Love your vids! This one got me to thinking about the gift giving side of our brain. Have you heard of "Swedish Death Cleaning?" The simplified explanation is decluttering and cleaning ones house for those friends and family who will come after one has passed. Sounds morbid on the surface, but I think it's one of the most mindful concepts I've ever come across.
You basically select the most emotionally charged and important things to keep and get rid of everything else. You then keep your house tidy so that you gift those who handle your affairs with very little work and are not a burden to them after you pass. There's also organizing the important paperwork and tucking that away, but yeah, while you're alive, you only see things that actually matter to you every day and keeping them clean and tidy as a way to remember and be thankful for the experience they're associated with. Good vibes all around.
Hope you and Emily feel better soon. To me, a clean bed and a clean kitchen are greatly appreciated when you are sick. Its a gift!!🎉🎉🎉
So glad to hear you 😢 in a funk & needing guidance 😂🫎
Bought new rugs for kitchen and living room 👍🤗 to gimme Some ooompft 🤔💜
Hey man, I'm just an occasional viewer but I have some unsolicited advice that might be helpful to you. Idk what the source of your dishwasher freakiness is, but I know for me having someone explain how it works in excruciating detail can help with that kind of thing. There's a channel on here called Technology Connections, where a dude named Alec takes apart various household appliances and explsins/demonstrates how they work. Insane production value. He's done a couple videos on dishwashers, but just his latest one is all you need. He cut open the side of one and put in a window so you can see what's going on in there, he has it drain into a bucket so you can see how it uses the water, heck he even explains how the soap chemicals work. As someone who also has autism, I find his videos really comforting and enjoyable. Just thought I would pass it along in case you think it might help (or would just be entertaining, he's very witty imo), I know what a pain handwashing can be. Love your videos! Keep up the good work
So good to see you feeling better, and your advice always helps me. ❤
Don’t worry… I can wait for new video 👍🏻 please take care of you two.
It’s not cleaning… it’s decorating 👍🏻🤭… for me too… it’s a very good tip !
Bonjour de France 🇫🇷
Positives vibes for Emily and you 🙏🏻
🌸🌸🌸
What you said about having ADHD and needing to see everything really hurt me and helped me to understand my husband of 39 years. If it were up to him there would be no cabinet doors and somehow everything would be in a single row, completely visible. I've always been annoyed that he didn't want to look at the back of the refrigerator or cabinet for something. I didn't realize why. Saying that cleaning is a gift to self or decorating was helpful. Thanks
Thank you so much Mack for this video! You gave me answers to questions I've always had: why is cleaning my own house so hard sometimes and on the other hand so easy and enjoyable at my partners/my parents place. And even the country accommodation I used to run: cleaning the messiest mess came so easy. I will watch this video every time I get overwhelmed or paralyzed at home with my two kids. I wish you and your wife all the best😊❤
I love Jason..what a lovely son! My youngest still lives with me at 37 lol. He has realised I can't do it all now at 67..so he now does the bathroom... thank God. Cleaning the shower cubicle got too much. I love the fact jason is helping his dad! X
Hi Guys! I agree with the kids helping, my mom had us clean the house every Saturday morning. Years after I left home I realized I did the same thing, it was like an automatic urge that I had to do.
Great video! I also have ADD so cleaning is overwhelming. I literally asked my daughter yesterday why is it enjoyable for me to clean other people’s houses but can’t get motivated to clean my own home? I said I believed it’s because I like to do something nice and make them feel good. Why don’t I want to make me feel good? I think it’s because I’m not emotionally tied to other people’s things so it’s easier to go through the house. I take too much time at my own house pondering on getting rid of the clutter. I’d rather have someone else do it for me!😂
Omgosh bed visiting kitty was sooo FLUUUUFFY!!!! You have a fantastic voice, very soothing...subject matter discussed is also on point. Moose are quite vexxing!😂
Hope you’re feeling better now . ❤. Sending a prayer for 🙏🏼your wife. I just finished going through breast cancer. Survivor here!
I thought taking a cleaning job might cause me to neglect my own house (much like when i cooked for a living it made me not want to cook when i got home from work). But I'm experiencing the opposite. Cleaning the school is a job (although one i take very seriously and enjoy immensely) and keeping my own home is a gift to myself and my family 😊 i love and agree with the message here, as always. Much love Mack and fam ❤️
Hi Mack. Thanks for putting out a video whilst not feeling well and looking after Emily. It's great that Jason helps you. It's good that you look out for each other. I hope you reach a million subscribers soon and get your well-deserved gold plaque. You're my favourite channel on RUclips.
You nailed it!!! I love this new perspective 😊
So happy you're better. Thank you for your videos I greatly appreciate them.
Thanks Mac. Yes. Getting up and moving helps. Frustrating when I can't do stuff! ( Dislocated elbow beginning of August. )
Can't sweep or mop because can't guide the handles. Yet. Started PT so I'm hopeful that SOON I can get back to it. Meantime I am plotting and planning the changes I want to make this winter in each room. As you said, perspective is everything.
I CAN make notes and think & plan. I CAN do a little more each time - granted that a test is often required between attempts to do stuff. But it's amazing how many things can be carried by setting it on top of the sling for that extra hand balance instead of 2 hands in front!
I have learned through many many years of failures that concentrating on what I can do & HOW I can use that to do something, well, that helps me come up with other ways of doing things than I've previously done.
Granted, for many without limitations they get frustrated at my way of doing things which ONLY SHOWS just how LIMITED THEY ARE!
Anyway. I think this way of cleaning mindset to be able to start cleaning is key! Thank you.
Amazing thought, blaming was our family motto.
Excellent video, I need those reminders that l am on the right track.
I'm glad you're feeling better!
Your information on cleaning while working with your wife's ADHD really hit home for me. My 16 year old has ADHD and autism and my boyfriend has ADHD as well. I'm the only non-ADHD person in my house. It's always frustrated me that they both put things in different places and clutter seems to follow them around. But seeing how you work your cleaning in with the needs of your wife gave me a whole new perspective. I'm going to check out that Feral Tradwife channel that you mentioned and maybe my "neat freak" self and my family's ADHD can learn to live in harmony.
Your perspective always helps me look at the struggle differently. Thank you for sharing. Motivation isn't an issue. I'm mentally and emotionally capable of much more than I'm physically capable which creates a ton of frustration.