SPRING-Clean Declutter - Need Help

[Adge]

@Former-MemberI haven't heard any recent rodent movements in the roof - so hopefully they are gone (for the moment).

It was a long time (6 or 8 weeks at least), before they finally seem to have gone. I have not checked in the roof again, though - I need to do that, to at least re-stock the bait (if it's all gone). Thanks for asking.

Adge

[Former-Member]

Hi @Former-Member and everyone... well I sort of achieved something today - put a few things up in the attic that had been cluttering up the house. Feeling guilty though - three TVs have followed me home this week. A lot of people seem to be having hard rubbish collections and I really can't help myself. My dad was exactly the same... wood, steel, lawnmowers, paint. He came from a very poor background and was an orphan when he came to Australia so I guess it's the accumulation aspect of "you might need it one day" or you just can't bear to see something being thrown out. My mother was the exact opposite - everything neat and clean and nothing kept that wasn't needed. She had one of those houses where you were always scared to touch anything or move anything.

I don't know if anyone else is using ziilch? It's a website for free stuff - you list stuff and people come and get it. I'm thinking of getting rid of some stuff if I can't sell it on facebook or ebay - all the CD players, TVs, general stuff that I really don't need. Also I'm going to a swap meet this weekend and I'll setup a table and hopefully some stuff will go to a new home. I'm determined to take myself in hand this year and sort out the mess. 

I hope everyone else is getting into the spirit of decluttering - take care and steer clear of the redbacks.

[Former-Member]

@Former-Member hope you can offload a bit of stuff at the swap meet. Have you any strategies in place so that it is strictly sell only and no bringing anything home that you did not take with you?

[Former-Member]

Hi @Former-Member - that's the plan... don't bring back more than what I arrived with. I really don't need anything - I have so much "stuff". I remember there was that TV show "your life on your lawn" where all your possessions get put on your lawn and with the help of an expert you work out what you really need. It was targeted at hoarders I am guessing. Maybe that's what I need although my front yard wouldn't hold close to all my clutter. Hope everyone else is OK - hot one in Vic. this weekend. I don't have air-con so the fan will be getting a workout. 

[Awpgirl]

@Former-Member that sounds like a really awesome way to declutter.

[Former-Member]

Hey @Awpgirl Have you got a specific declutterering project you are hoping to tackle?

I have sorted through a fair stack of papers and have put them into piles for filing or different levels of attention.

[Awpgirl]

@Former-Member I am unpacking from moving house and want to make sure each item has a place and a purpose.
This requires me to assess each item as I unpack and it is helping me make sure my new house is one of decluttered calm.
My main issues are clothes that are too small for me which I hope to fit back into; papers and documents ; not having enough storage areas

Therefore my plan is as follows (and please if you have any other ideas please chime in)

1. Repacking clothes that are too small in boxes and info don't fit into them in 12 months donating them to charity.
2. Identify furniture needed and packing those items safety unyil I can buy the furniture to store them
3. Developing a "one touch" habit with everything that enters my home. Everything get assessed when it enters my house and placed on the appropriate place.


Thats my current focus anyway

[Awpgirl]

Starting my decluttrring and finding it really hard to get out of bed and motivate myself to do it.
I am exhausted and on the brink of anxiety attack.
I need to find some sort of incentive to get started on this.

[Faith-and-Hope]

Choose only three things @Awpgirl ..... and that might be only three pieces of paper.

When you feel okay with that, choose three more things .....

Baby steps.

[Awpgirl]

@Faith-and-Hope thank you.that is a great idea. I'm curled up in bed nearly in tears and feel like a complete infant.

I have a house inspection and wanted to declutter and clean. Now it all seems to much.

Anyone I asked to help me is "busy" and asking for help is very challenging.

I'll take your suggestion and modify it slightly. I think I have put too much pressure on myself ad my body has decided it can't get out of bed