26/06/2026
"I want a cleaner... but I don't want anyone touching my things."
For many autistic people and people with OCD, this is a very real dilemma.
A clean home can improve wellbeing, reduce stress and make daily life easier. But allowing someone else into your space, especially someone who needs to move your belongings to clean properly, can feel overwhelming.
The answer usually isn't to force the issue.
With one of my clients, we spent weeks preparing before a cleaner ever walked through the door. We talked about what cleaning actually involves, why some items need to be moved briefly, and what could be done beforehand to make it feel safer.
For example, if a toothbrush and toiletries are put away before the cleaner arrives, the sink can be cleaned properly without anyone touching those personal items.
I chose to hire my cleaner who is kind, patient and happy to follow clear instructions. We use photos, visual guides and consistent routines because they reduce uncertainty and help everyone know exactly what to expect.
We're starting with just a few agreed tasks and gradually adding more as confidence grows.
The goal isn't to eliminate anxiety overnight. It's to build trust and show that small, predictable changes can lead to a cleaner, healthier home without everything feeling out of control.
If you're supporting someone with autism or OCD, remember that progress is often measured in tiny steps. Sometimes the biggest achievement isn't a perfectly cleaned ho use. It's someone feeling safe enough to let another person help❤️💙