Tips for DIY and housework

There are many things you can do to make DIY or housework easier and less painful.

DIY

Organise storage in your workshop, potting shed or garage using the same ideas as suggested for the kitchen - worktops should be at a comfortable height and you should sit or 'perch' to work.
Pad the handles of tools to make them easier to grip and buy lightweight, power-assisted tools such as drills or screwdrivers. Some manufacturers now produce tools with large grips. Look for non-slip, comfortably shaped handles.

Wear wrist splints while polishing, sweeping and doing DIY to ease pain.
Use a long-handled dustpan and brush so you don't have to bend down.
Use a towelling mitt for dusting or cleaning mirrors/windows as it's easier than gripping a cloth.
Raise your washing-up bowl by putting it on blocks or another upturned bowl in the sink.

The following tips may help when washing, drying and ironing clothes:

You may find it easier to do half-loads when washing.
A reaching gadget may help to get the clothes out of the machine.
Raising a clothes basket on a block or box will make it easier to pick up, or use a clothes basket or plastic box with wheels and a handle if possible.
Use a tumbledrier - take the clothes out straight away and hang up to reduce creasing (and ironing).
It might help to sit down to iron.
Setting up an ironing board to a low level can help with shoulder pain, but it shouldn't be low enough to make you stoop.
Use an iron-flex holder which keeps the iron's cord out of the way to reduce wrist strain.
For small amounts of ironing, use a metallised ironing cloth/ thick towel on a worktop.
Use a reflective ironing board cover so you only need to iron clothes on one side.
Plan ahead and buy non-iron clothes and fabrics.
If you're redesigning your living space, you may want to consider a pull-out ironing board.