[thesneakypanda]

So, this past week I have been cleaning out my bedroom and preparing to move into a room downstairs in my parents house. Also, I have started dating a guy and he would love to come over to my house and meet the family, but until recently I have denied the fact that I am a hoarder... I believe this guy wanting to come over to my house really gave me the motivation I needed to clean my room out. So, I realized I definitely am a hoarder and it was overwhelming to me. I ended up getting rid of about 90% of the stuff in my bedroom. It was a mixture of being overwhelmed by all the stuff, the new guy in my life, and just not wanting all the stuff anymore. My issue is the holidays are right around the corner and I keep telling everyone I don't want anything for Christmas... because I really don't. I don't want anymore stuff... I'm afraid of this phase ending and going back to compulsively buying stuff and letting it all pile up again. Any suggestions or comments? I'll be happy to read them

[Travelinglady]

I've seen the TV show "Hoarders" and it always seems that these folks have some sort of psychological issue that leads them into hoarding, such as the loss of someone important to them, not having very much when they grew up, etc.

It could be, as you suggest, that you just got overwhelmed with all what went on in your life, so you didn't get around to cleaning up. To me (not that I am an expert), the fact that you cleared things out on your own and are very concerned not to be a hoarder suggests that you aren't someone who will be prone to keep piling things up.

I know what you mean about having too many things and not needing a lot of additional stuff for Christmas. I have been busy trying to get rid of a lot on my extra loot lately, too.

[Topiarysurvivor]

I was just reading this after searching for hoarding, and wondering how Christmas went for you.

At first this seemed a little trite and cutesy, but I have really benefited from FlyLady - you can find her on Facebook and by Googling I think. Her motto , " you don't have to catch up, just jump in where you are" really helps me.

I am a huge " hunter and gatherer" , and quickly fill any space I have to overflowing . I also am one of those a favorite blogger calls NNO , not naturally organized, and really have to work to build routines. I feel a little childlike using someone else to tell me what routines I should have, but why not - she's spent a lot if time developing her system.