8 Home Organization Tips for People With Rheumatoid Arthritis

Doctor William C Lloyd Healthgrades Medical Reviewer
Medically Reviewed By William C. Lloyd III, MD, FACS
  • Smiling woman relaxing on bed
    Create an RA-Friendly Space
    Your home is supposed to be a refuge, a place to relax with family and loved ones. But when you have rheumatoid arthritis (RA), navigating around your home and using certain household objects can be challenging or painful. These eight tips will make your home work for you—so you can get back to doing what matters most. 
  • Cleaning supplies
    1. Buy Multiples
    If you live in a multistory home, keep a stash of cleaning supplies on each floor. This will help you avoid lugging cleaning products up and down stairs. Consider doing the same for other cleaning tools, such as vacuum cleaners.
  • messy, hoarding, clutter, disaster, mess, filth, unclean
    2. Contain the Clutter
    Small areas of clutter can easily become mountains of stuff if they’re not contained. Assess your home and identify clutter hotspots. Place a decorative container where you tend to empty your pockets. Stash bills and mail in a folder. Designate a place for your keys and cell phone.
  • Clean living room
    3. Get Organized
    Take a look at items you frequently use and where you keep them. Then, reorganize in ways that make sense for you. If there’s an item you often use in your living room, but it’s stored in your bedroom, move it to your living room so it’s easier to access.
  • cart
    4. Try a Cart
    You can also keep items you frequently use, such as a laptop, on a cart with wheels and move it from room to room as needed.
  • Pills poured into a persons hand
    5. Stock Up On Openers
    Whether opening medication bottles or food containers, RA can make these tasks difficult and painful. Ask your pharmacist to dispense your medications in easy-open bottles, Also, use openers that make the job easier. For example, the Dycem Bottle Opener helps remove childproof tops. A nutcracker or pliers with a long handle can help loosen bottle caps.
  • mechanical grip
    6. Reach Higher
    Medical supply stores sell a tool called a reacher. It can help you grab items located high up. Keep one handy in your home to reach items easily when no one is around to help. If you find yourself frequently using the reacher to perform the same task, consider moving the object to a more convenient location.
  • Bathroom mat
    7. Create a Safer Space
    Having arthritis can increase your risk of falls. Look around your home and get rid of anything that can cause you to trip. Pick up clutter on the floor. If you have throw rugs, make sure they’re secured to the floor. Use nonslip mats in showers and bathtubs.
  • Clean kitchen
    8. Make Over Your Kitchen
    There are countless tools and assistive devices available to make meal prep easier on your hands. Replace your troublesome gadgets with those that make your life easier. Instead of slicing bagels with a knife, use a bagel slicer. Look for pots and pans with two handles instead of one. Use magnetic measuring cups and spoons that stick together so they’re easier to find in crowded drawers.
8 Home Organization Tips for People With Rheumatoid Arthritis
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Last Review Date: 2022 Feb 23
THIS TOOL DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. It is intended for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Never ignore professional medical advice in seeking treatment because of something you have read on the site. If you think you may have a medical emergency, immediately call your doctor or dial 911.