Let the vacuuming begin!

There are certain things I can't do. By that I mean not only is it painful, etc... I mean if I do these things- it brings about problems later for my physically (if not immediately [LOL]).

Some of these are vacuuming the floor, mopping the floor, sweeping the floor. You know what? It might not be these activities- it could just be that the floor is my enemy! [wink]

Seriously though, if you also have issues with mobility, strength, pain- you might find these tips today helpful to you.

Tools of the trade:

• shopping cart
• chair with wheels
• utility or mop bucket on wheels
• twisting mop
• short broom
• tall dustpan
• vacuum

Shopping Cart: Shopping cart? Did she say shopping cart? [LOL] Yup! She did.
Sometimes anothers misfortune can be your good fortune. A few months back a chain of department stores were going out of business. (I won't name them- its already sad enough, right?) So my hubby went there for me and bought one of the MANY carts they were selling. Not much- I can't remember off hand what it was, so it definitely wasn't much. [wink]

What would I use a shopping cart for you ask? Plenty!

Whether you have health/physical problems or not- here is just a few helpful ways an ordinary shopping cart can help you in your home:

1. Transporting laundry from room to room (Also #1 here at this house)
2. Bringing in groceries in one trip
3. Moving something heavy from one area to another
4. Taking the lunch or dinner prep outdoors (& back in again) to grill- in one trip

I'm sure there are more ideas you could come up with too. The thing I really like about the cart is that I can move laundry from the laundry room to my bedroom to fold and pushing it is light (since it is just clothing) and gives me something to hang on to.

Chair with wheels: I have an office chair that I've had forever. But I use it for getting around in the kitchen or my bedroom. It saves on my strength- and if you do not have the option for a wheelchair but issues with mobility, pain, etc... its great to use if you are in the kitchen or maybe in an area that or doing an activity that will require more standing than you can do comfortably- and its great for doing the 'chore' I'm going to talk about in a moment.

Mobile Bucket: Great for those with and without physical issues. Why carry what you can push or pull? Save your back!

Twisting Mop: Actually- any mop that can be used with little effort in wringing excess water out of . Here is my personal 'tip' on mopping (if you have to and it is an effort for you or painful). As I'm sitting in my chair with the rollers [wink] and the mop bucket is beside me (ready to be moved easily along with me and my chair), I push the mop away from me and turn it over and pull towards me. I know- how simple or obvious is that; but by doing that it does what I can't do- it 'acts' like a pressure mop when I can't use my strength to do it.

Broom & Dustpan: Doing this was such a great help to me. By using a shorter broom (but much longer than a duster) and a dustpan with a long handle- it allows me to do those quick sweepings or small cleanups from my chair... thereby saving my back, strength and pride! :)

Vacuum: Using an upright vacuum or floor model- either way; there is nothing wrong with sitting while using the device. AND if you are using the chair with wheels you can move along as needed.

Rests & Breaks: Why rush? When (and if) I help do the house cleaning- I take my time. Whether it is sweeping, laundry or whatever... I take MANY breaks and rests. I'm not on a time clock to get it done. What is important (to me any way) is that I was able to do it- I was.

Hope these help-

Luv & Prayers,

Joy