I grew up with a hoarder (mother). I lived for two years in with a family member who was an extreme hoarder (I had to negotiate 'canyons' of stuff to get to and from my room). This experience probably triggered the OCD I have today about not having clutter. I throw everything out if I'm not going to use it immediately and everything I do keep has an assigned spot.

But, it sounds like you have not taken it to such and extreme - pat yourself on the back.

Assign yourself a week to do one room then the next week to do another, etc. Taking steps for change should be in reasonable increments. Keep yourself interested and motivated by giving yourself small awards with each step.

I had to clean up my mother's home when she was ill and it ripped my heart out to be the 'bad person' for throwing out so much of what she was keeping - like dried out markers from my childhood. She had an even harder time not having control over what I was doing.

I sorted everything according to: have you used it this year? Have you used it in the last 6 months? And, was the item identical in use to another (she had a dozen collanders)?

There was a lot of crying to be sure but afterwards she felt a lot better - almost renewed of spirit.