Little Hope Notes

Living with chronic illness, like endometriosis and POTS, means that even the smallest daily tasks can feel overwhelming. Some days, I wake up with enough energy to tackle the world; other days, just getting out of bed feels like a victory. And when it comes to housekeeping? Well, let’s just say I’ve had to get really creative.

Keeping a clean and organized home isn’t just about appearances—it’s about creating a space that feels calm and functional, without draining the limited energy I have. Over the years, I’ve learned some helpful hacks that make managing a home with chronic illness more doable (and sometimes even enjoyable). If you’re looking for ways to make housekeeping a little easier on your body, here are my top ten tips.

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1. Meal Prep on Your “Good” Days

Cooking every day is exhausting, and when fatigue or pain hits, the last thing I want to do is stand in the kitchen chopping veggies. That’s why meal prepping on a good day has been a game-changer.

Here’s what helps:

• Batch-cooking proteins and grains (like chicken, quinoa, or rice) so I can easily throw meals together.
• Chopping veggies and storing them in airtight containers for quick salads, stir-fries, or snacks.
• Prepping freezer-friendly meals like soups or casseroles for flare days.

Even just setting aside an hour or two once a week makes a huge difference in how I eat (and how much energy I save).

2. Use Baskets to Carry Things Between Rooms

If your home has multiple levels, carrying things up and down the stairs throughout the day can be exhausting (or even impossible during a flare). I keep small baskets in key areas of my home to collect items that need to go upstairs or downstairs.

Whenever I’m heading that way, I take the basket with me—rather than making multiple trips throughout the day. It’s a simple but effective way to save energy!

3. Keep Cleaning Supplies in Each Room

Running around the house to grab cleaning supplies? No, thank you. I keep a small stash of essentials in every main area (like the kitchen, bathroom, and bedroom) so I can do quick touch-ups when I have the energy.

For example:

• Disinfecting wipes and microfiber cloths in the bathroom for easy sink wipe-downs.
• A mini broom and dustpan in the kitchen for quick cleanups.
• A handheld vacuum near my bed for any late-night snack crumbs (because let’s be real, sometimes eating in bed is a necessity).

This way, I don’t waste energy searching for supplies—I can just do what needs to be done and move on.

4. The “10-Minute Tidy” Rule

Some days, cleaning feels like an impossible task. But setting a timer for just 10 minutes makes it feel so much more manageable.

I pick one area (like the kitchen counter or my bedside table) and clean as much as I can in that short window. More often than not, I end up feeling accomplished and motivated to do a little more. But even if I stop at 10 minutes, that’s still progress—and that’s enough.

5. Invest in Helpful Tools

Chronic illness means working smarter, not harder. Some household tools make daily upkeep way easier, like:

• A robot vacuum – It keeps the floors clean without me having to lift a finger.
• A lightweight cordless vacuum – Easier to maneuver than a bulky one.
• An electric mop or spray mop – Less effort than a traditional mop and bucket.
• An extendable duster – So I don’t have to stretch or strain to reach high places.

If a tool makes housekeeping less exhausting, I consider it a worthwhile investment!

6. Sit While You Clean

Standing for long periods can be tough with POTS, so I sit whenever I can—on a stool while doing dishes, on the bed while folding laundry, or even on the floor while wiping down low surfaces.

It might not look like “traditional” cleaning, but who cares? Less strain on my body means I can actually get things done without crashing.

7. Do Laundry in Small Batches

The classic “let the laundry pile up and tackle it all at once” method? Not happening in this house. Instead, I break it into small, manageable loads throughout the week so I never have to deal with a mountain of clothes.

Bonus tip: If carrying laundry baskets is too much, I use a rolling hamper or small basket to transport clothes in smaller trips. Energy saved = win!

8. Use a Rolling Cart for Essentials

I have a rolling cart that holds my everyday essentials—things like snacks, water, electrolytes, medications, and even my favorite cozy blanket. On flare days, I keep it next to the couch or my bed so everything I need is within arm’s reach.

It’s basically my “chronic illness survival station,” and it saves me from having to get up and down constantly when I just don’t have the energy.

9. Declutter & Simplify

The less stuff I have, the less I have to clean—it’s as simple as that. Over time, I’ve slowly decluttered my home so that every item has a purpose or brings me joy.

A few things that have helped:

• Keeping only the kitchen gadgets I actually use (goodbye, bulky juicer collecting dust).
• Reducing the number of knick-knacks on surfaces to make dusting easier.
• Donating clothes that don’t fit or that I never wear, so laundry is less overwhelming.

Minimalism isn’t for everyone, but keeping my home clutter-free definitely makes managing it easier.

10. Give Yourself Permission to Rest

Some days, the dishes won’t get done. The laundry will sit in the basket. The dust will settle. And that’s okay.

Chronic illness means adjusting expectations and being kind to yourself. If all you can do today is rest, then rest. Your home will still be there tomorrow, and your health is always the top priority.

Final Thoughts: Making Housekeeping Work for You

Living with endometriosis and POTS has taught me that housekeeping isn’t about having a “perfect” home—it’s about creating a space that supports my well-being. By using these hacks, I’ve found ways to keep things manageable without pushing my body past its limits.

If you’re struggling to keep up with housework, start small. Find what works for you. And most importantly, give yourself grace.

What are your favorite housekeeping hacks for chronic illness? Let’s swap ideas in the comments! 💛