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What can I do if I live with a family of slobs?

I am 18, and I would move out, but there is no way I can afford college simultaneously, so I live with my parents and sister. They toss stuff in the garbage until it is overflowing without at least changing out the bag, leave dirty dishes out and open containers of food all over the house. In the laundry room they spill detergent everywhere and normally dump clothes on the floor instead of the hampers or doing a load. My mom refuses to smoke outside, so everything smells like smoke. I am cleaning all of the time because I am embarrassed and don’t like people see this so they can judge us. Clutter is everywhere because they have bought every stupid product under the sun, and she just leaves it around. I spend at least 70% of my free time cleaning not just my room/bathroom, but the rest of the house. No one else will do it. :/ What can I do?

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Answer #1

Your family sounds just like mine. It bothered me mainly because I liked things clean and neat, not because I cared about what people thought. I’ve somehow gotten used to it, though. Before I knew it, I stopped vacuuming the carpet and I’ve been leaving dishes in the sink as if they would magically wash themselves when I’m not looking. Just know that there’s NO WAY you can change your family’s lifestyle - and if you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em.

At the least, try to be more flexible. It’s better for your mental health, too.

Answer #2

wow… that sucks… i would say, maybe tell them to get their act together just until you leave, maybe they’ll have some sympathy.. if all else fails, consider an intelligable argument.

Answer #3

Dear pachyderms, The golden rule is you cannot change anyone but yourself. So saying that the only thing to do is to try not to spend too much time at home. IF you are doing laundry make sure you are there for the full cycle of washing and drying your own clothes. Wash and dry your own dishes and if you have your own room keep it the way you like and put a lock on the door. There isn’t any way you are going to change the way they live so keep yourself happy by doing what you can for yourself. Sue…good luck

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