Is this the right place for a discussion on Hoarding. I certainly feel anxious right now.

I am dealing with a great deal of anxiety right now. First of all I was triggered earlier today by an unrelated matter, but the anxiety has continued and fed off the project I have decided to tackle.

I never considered myself a hoarder. I've lived with hoarders and it wasn't pleasant. I tried my best to be understanding but at times their hoarding was of great impact upon my own life.

Well, I have realised today I have a tendency towards hanging on to things myself. If someone comes into my home they wouldn't have any reason to think I had a problem. Open a closet or drawer however and you would see a completely different picture.

I am moving in a few months and I realise I need to cull much of what I have accumulated in the seven years I have been on my own. It I now realise is beyond ridiculous. For example I just found five boxes full of bills and paperwork for anything and everything in all that time. I found 21 pairs of jeans, not to mention every other item of clothing I have purchased since I was on my own. Shoes, this seems to be the worst of my collection. And then there is the ridiculous stuff - like a mother lode of bread bag clips and twist ties.

At times sorting through these belongings has made me shake and even cry. How do I decide upon that which to keep or turf. What if I lose weight, what if I gain it I feel a need to hang on to clothes that don't fit now for 'just in case'. There are shoes I've worn once. Okay, time to get a grip....

[Marla500]

I have this too. Have you seen the 'Goal Tracking-Declutter and Cleaning' thread?
https://forums.psychcentral.com/self...-goal-setting/
I have found it motivating. Don't try to do too much at once. I know with a pending move its hard, but maybe do a few minutes at a time then come back to it later?

[mobiusmoon]

Originally Posted by justafriend306

Is this the right place for a discussion on Hoarding. I certainly feel anxious right now.

I am dealing with a great deal of anxiety right now. First of all I was triggered earlier today by an unrelated matter, but the anxiety has continued and fed off the project I have decided to tackle.

I never considered myself a hoarder. I've lived with hoarders and it wasn't pleasant. I tried my best to be understanding but at times their hoarding was of great impact upon my own life.

Well, I have realised today I have a tendency towards hanging on to things myself. If someone comes into my home they wouldn't have any reason to think I had a problem. Open a closet or drawer however and you would see a completely different picture.

I am moving in a few months and I realise I need to cull much of what I have accumulated in the seven years I have been on my own. It I now realise is beyond ridiculous. For example I just found five boxes full of bills and paperwork for anything and everything in all that time. I found 21 pairs of jeans, not to mention every other item of clothing I have purchased since I was on my own. Shoes, this seems to be the worst of my collection. And then there is the ridiculous stuff - like a mother lode of bread bag clips and twist ties.

At times sorting through these belongings has made me shake and even cry. How do I decide upon that which to keep or turf. What if I lose weight, what if I gain it I feel a need to hang on to clothes that don't fit now for 'just in case'. There are shoes I've worn once. Okay, time to get a grip....

Budgeting your time is very important here.
This topic is dear to me because my mom hoarded a lot and it added to the mental baggage that she carried around from her childhood and beyond (she's a survivor in many ways) as we moved around she often brought her stuff with us. Needless to say, moving is an ample opportunity to lighten your load.

I'm of the mindset that a simple environment - uncluttered - makes it easier to think and breathe. Even just cleaning a room can help to clear my mind. I believe the spatial clutter we fill our homes with clutter the mind too in so many ways. Of course, it all isn't entirely our fault because it is in the consumer society's best interest that we want more things and have a lot of space to fill.

So, budget your time and be picky with yourself when getting rid of clothes. Same goes for knick-knacks and even kitchen stuff that accumulates.

My fiance and I began a serious minimizing phase this past winter and actually last week got rid of two end table that were just not necessary at all to have. Granted we are getting ready to downsize into a much smaller living space, we can both attest to how great it feels to minimize and de-clutter.

& just remind yourself that every piece of paper thrown away (or recycle if you can, please!) is a small step closer to you being free from it. And this will TRULY make moving much easier. It's doable and very much worth it, I promise you.

There are many good guides about steps to follow when minimizing and de-cluttering, seek them out. Youtube is a great resource as well.

[Trippin2.0]

My mom is a hoarder too, we have a time rule attached to cleaning.

That is, if i haven't seen it or used it in 6 months, its goes. I use 3 months for my own stuff.

Thinking things might become useful in future is exactly how she got us to go along with this nonsense in the first place...

Thank you for the good support you all.

I let go of something today. I have sold one of my kayaks. It held a great deal of emotional attachment. There was a time I used it near every day. Now I can count the times on one hand in the last four years. Gosh it was so hard to do this but to try and feel better, I tell myself it is going to a good home and will actually be loved and used.

[mobiusmoon]

Originally Posted by justafriend306

Thank you for the good support you all.

I let go of something today. I have sold one of my kayaks. It held a great deal of emotional attachment. There was a time I used it near every day. Now I can count the times on one hand in the last four years. Gosh it was so hard to do this but to try and feel better, I tell myself it is going to a good home and will actually be loved and used.

That's what is special about this change. Often these items go to a good home and you know will become something of a treasure to someone else.

Also, it has a dual impact because selling stuff helps out with any possible financial troubles you may encounter.

Glad to here you are making progress