I have been collecting papers (and other things) over the years. The stress of it is just killing me. I want to declutter. But have no idea where to start.
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Instead of seeing the entire picture of clutter, you need to break it down into sections. Pick one area of one room, take a picture of it with your phone or camera before you start. Be ready to part with things before you start. Then I recommend that you have some empty totes at the ready. 1 for recyclables, 1 for donation to charity, 1 for trash, and 1 for things you need to keep. Only work on the area that you took a picture of before you move on to anywhere else. I have found that by breaking up the clean up into smaller sections within each room, I feel less pressure. When you Finish that area take another picture to compare with the first. It will give you a sense of pride and confidence when you see the improvements you made. Then keep continuing on with the next section. Make sure though that your "Keeps" box or tote is the smallest of all the totes. And before you put anything in that tote ask yourself these questions: "Do I really need/use this? Will I use/need this again? When was the last time I used/needed this?" Set yourself with small goals to start off. And make sure you reward yourself when you complete each goal. Best of luck! I hope some of this will help you.
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@purplepursez10 I empathazied with you. But if hoarding has become serious, and you've no controlled of being a clutter person.... A Hoarder. You needed help, you may needed therapy....... If its out of control! All what @zombiepenguin posted, you won't be able to do. You just have to not bring more "stuff" in the house, unless you get rid of the "stuff" in the house. Some of the things is junk, yes junk, you can't part with. Everything have sentimental value........ Yes, that's the difference between a hoarder, and us, people who collected "stuff," but can easily throw them away, no emotional connection towards them. Please, let your doctor referred you to a therapist. It would only get worst. Be strong, the best is yet, to followed.... SG friends are here, to support, and be supported. Be hopeful.
It sounds like you deal with a lot of anxiety in a lot of different ways. I wonder how your organization has been throughout your life.
I have always been a hoarder to some extent of my life. 30 years of living and always have had a hard time getting rid of things. I am not that bad, yet. But I'm going to try the minimalist mommy approach to things. To see if that helps. An I am in therapy once every other week for P.T.S.D.
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Things to get rid of !! 1 ) rarely used kitchen gadgets 2) neglected unfinished projects 3) old files and personal documents 4) piles of grocery bags 5)user manuals 6) outdated electronic's 7) expired medications 8) Mystery electronic cords 9) old bills and receipts 10) abandoned beauty supplies 11) stacks of old magazines and newspapers 12) old shoes 13) clothes you never wear 14) old make-up
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@trixiedaisy I like your list. How are you coming with your list ?
@java Yes meant old old files like over 10 years old and same thing for the old old bills and receipts...lol
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The hardest part of any project is beginning it, I take tiny parts as the goal and I keep track by taking pics of my accomplishments. I happened while we are not thinking and so it seems like it just appeared but it was small steps to get it so it must take small steps to get it to go away. Also I ask my kids what is valuable and what can be found later or bought later when I really need it. Also I am trying to not go through the emotional adoption when I find a so called treasure. I can have a houseful of treasures but if I am embarrassed to have any one over, who do I get to share them with. Also don't buy for anyone else. that has helped a lot and is really just another reason to buy. I hope this helps, my drug of choice here is food and books, So make a place for sorting and changing where something is into a container and take that container as one goal per week it has worked so far. Blessing let me know if any of this helps.
1 Heart