How can I get my family to help clean the house?

Question

I can't stand living like this anymore!! My house is ALWAYS messy, my mom says she wants a clean house all the time, yet I'm the only one who takes the time to make it happen. There are days when I'll spend 10+ straight hours cleaning, and no one helps me (and 2 days later its the same way it was before!!). My 16 year old brother is so lazy and moans and complains about having to do any cleaning whatsoever, he leaves his trash everywhere and it's so frustrating.
My dad is like my brother to some extent, so he's no help. I'm only 15 and I don't have the authority to force them to clean. Yet I'm so sick of living in a pigstye I'll spend most of my time stuck in my room.
The worst part is I'm ashamed when people comeover, and I feel bad because I can never invite my friends over spontaneously, I have to have at least two days notice.
Its so tiring living like this, please, I need help! How can I convince my family to help clean, or at least MAINTAIN what I've done. This can't be normal.

Answer 1

Set a meeting with the whole family & tell them how you feel. Ask if there is any compromise. If they don't want / like to clean... let them give you money for your cleaning job on a weekly basis so you can buy yourself something nice or hire a maid who would come twice a week.

Otherwise, if they don't agree... divide your house into areas and make everyone responsible for each area on a daily basis to clean. All of you should think of punishment if somebody does not comply (some kind of restrictions).

Turn it all into a game/competition... don't go hostile on them at the beginning.

If the relationship is healthy, it would work!

Answer 2

I have a similar problem with my ex and my 16 year old son.There house is always a trainwreck. And I have gone over to clean it. I will tell you right now nagging wont work. Been there done that. Its called conditioning. Just like a dog that has bad habits. I kept telling both of them that no woman or girl is going to want to come over and visit with you when you live like this. Most woman like a clean room or house. I think it worked because his room is much better. The dad is not so willing. Try it it might work .

Answer 3

those are all super solutions. My extra perfect a million/2 and that i keep on suitable of the dirt as maximum suitable we can for the time of the week by spending quarter-hour right here and there. fairly of cleansing 3-4 hours on each weekend we sparkling virtually 8 hours as quickly as consistent with month. earlier my bathe I sparkling the lavatories and the showers interior the abode and then take my bathe. that is a 30-40 5 minute investment with 3 loos. i attempt to comb and vacuum for the time of the week to arise the cat hair and misc dirt that we song in. whilst the sink gets finished I do the dishes, taking the sparkling ones out and putting the grimy ones interior the dishwasher. I hand sparkling those that are too massive. we can't do besides as a professional service and we can't do it as rapid. each each now and then that is nicely worth it to purchase it sluggish for ourselves by hiring a professional. If we ought to keep extra $$ then my next step is to place an advert on Craigslist and notice if a professional needs some extra beneficial $$ to paintings privately on the weekend.

Answer 4

::sighs:: I got the same problem. I think I'm the one who cleans up the most other than my mom. Usually when I clean, like you said, it's messy in 2 days or so. But the thing I have noticed is that whenever I tell my brother or sister to take their trash to the garbage, they actually do it. And I'm younger than them! So I think telling them straight up to clean up after themselves should help out some.

Answer 5

Everyone has their level of what is acceptable. Sounds like you are in the same boat I was at you age and again as a wife and mother.

A couple of years ago I learned something from a man who's wife and daughter were the worst I have ever seen.

He made himself a room,kept it very clean, and let the rest go.

When anyone came over it was obvious who was a clean person and who were the pigs.

Answer 6

The next time you are cleaning up put all of the stuff that your family leaves laying around in big garbage bags and hide it....quit putting it away....regardless of what it is. If its something that they value, guaranteed after they think its been thrown away they will keep it put away somewhere safe.

Also, why are you the only one cleaning when your mom has problem with the mess too? She should lay down the law. She is the parent and you are the one acting like the parent.
You have my sympathies.
Good Luck!!!

Answer 7

Would it be an option to move out of the house or even live with a relative for a while? That will make your family realise how much they appreciate what you do and perhaps make an effort to do some cleaning! Best of luck.

Answer 8

ouch! that can't be good, and it's especially hard when it's the adults that won't cooperate. talking won't probably help, hmmm... try not to clean, i mean they are counting on you in cleaning, try to live in dirt a little longer(except your room)... if they see insects are living in the house and when it starts to stink (that would be really hard for you) maybe they'll see how dirty the house is and clean up.

just a thought, i don't know if it would really help coz i havn't really tried it but sometimes reverse psychology's effective.

good luck! it would be fun if you let me know what happens.

Answer 9

Your mom means she wants you to clean the house. I would ask to spend the night at a friends or relatives house. I'm sorry that your family is triflin.

Answer 10

Actually there are lot of people who live like pigs in a house. they dont' care and maintain nothing. you have to talk to your mom nd get her to help maybe she can help with this and tell her how embarrased you are about this stuff. it could't hurt to try. take care.