Any advice on tackling a BIG cleaning job?

I was sick for 3 months (from an antibiotic resistent UTI), mostly bedridden, and my room is overwhelmingly messy now. Since I live in one rented room, that is my total home area. Also, due to my advanced age (75), if anyone gets a look at my room, I'd probably wind up being labelled with senile dementia and be put into an institution permanently. So I really need to clean it up here! But my age and recent illness have robbed me of both physical and mental energy. My get up and go has got up and went, as the saying goes. Yesterday I started my dreaded cleaning project and was exhausted after about 2 hours. Just sorting out clutter (plus 3 months worth of mail) and carrying bags of trash out really wore me out. I have come to realize I'm going to have to do this a little at a time.

Anyone been in this situation? How did you deal with it? Any suggestions?

Please don't suggest I get someone else to do it. I have NO family. I have little money. My friends live far away and are my own approximate age. This is a job I will have to do myself.

Mamapolo2016 · F

What look like huge projects can be whittled down to manageable tasks.

1) concentrate on clutter that is actually trash - junk mail, paper, trash. Bag it in bags small enough for you to carry to the dumpster or whatever.

2) Separate the good stuff left - clothes, etc. and bag it too (don't let it get confused with the real junk that you're pitching out).

3) think about asking a housemate to carry out a bag of your trash when they're taking theirs.

4) If there's a senior resource center in your area, call and ask for help. A church or a charity may have volunteers who'd pitch in and help you get back to normal.