I’ve spent years hoarding “STUFF” that I might someday put into use. My big thing as a wannabe practicing artist is most “STUFF” has sculpture potential or collage potential. Trouble is I soon forget what it was I had in mind because I only had a very vague idea to begin with, figuring that when I sat down with the “STUFF” it would come together. Hasn’t really happened on an on going basis and consequentially my “STUFF” is slowly choking the creative potential out of me.
I admit that depression and past issues of “Oh, I wish I didn’t throw such and such out,” have added fuel to my obsessive “STUFF” collecting. Over the years I have thrown out, given away, or put in garage sales some of the “STUFF” but recently I’ve been given an opportunity to start “a new path” and to give myself a clear start I AM LETTING GO OF STUFF!
First up on the “LETTING GO” is taming the paper tiger, if it’s not relevant to the present it goes in the recycle bin or the shredder. Today is Tuesday, by Friday I’ll let you know my progress but the goal is 1 blue recycle bin (about 1.5 photocopy paper boxes) and 1 clear garbage bag of shredded paper.
How to stop hoarding things
How I did it: I watched Hoarders. The show on A&E. It was so disgusting to see these people dibilitate themselves by being so overwhelmed with their possessions and saving and thinking about the future. Now I purge everytime I see things that I don't want. I never let myself think that I'll use it in the future. Clothes especially have a very short lifespan in my closet now. A year, max. Now I only buy things that will last me longer and aren't trendy.
Lessons & tips: Just chuck it. You're not going to use it for the art project, the garage sale, etc. You should donate things that are still useable.
Resources: Generally being overwhelmed with all my stuff. I just had to get rid of things quickly without thinking too much into it.
People doing this are also doing these things:
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Elsie is stubborn and tired right now.
So recently within the past few years I have been diagnosed with OCD and I obsess on collecting and hoarding things. Ever since I was a kid I have had the most disastrous room. I started going to therapy for other reasons and it was noticed that I had OCD in my sessions. Well, my room is really taking it’s toll on me emotionally and my life. It’s really holding me back and it’s so frustrating! My dad bought me a car a few weeks ago and he really got me good. He said I could not drive it until m room is cleaned! Ahhhhg!! It’s horrible, the car I have now I think is just pushing me to stop driving it b/c it keeps breaking down on me!!
So this past week my boyfriend stood outside my window and I threw stuff out to him and he put it in the trash, donate or keep pile. Most of it went to trash and donate. I filled up three trash cans worth of garbage!
Slowly I am getting there.
Last week I managed to get rid of four bags of clothes that i have not worn in years but there are still loads more to go. The thing is the question running through my head is what if I need this and thats where I am stuck.
but I’m getting there.
I’m now throwing things out on a regular basis, and although I’m also buying new stuff I’m being far pickier about what I get.
So i bought a new desk recently, but it keeps all the office stuff far tidier than the old one, which someone happily took away from the end of the drive [ recycling is strong in kent :D ]
And I’m about to have another clear out of clothes since we got a Great Ormond Street hospital collecting bag put through the door again.
So on the whole its feeling positive.
i had the problem with having tonnes of things stuffed into boxes, shelves in hidden corners etc. but i decorated my room, top to bottom dragged everything out and chucked it all out (well the draws under my bed are still shut full of stuff, but that’s something i will deal with when i’m ready!!!!)
i think what people who hoard don’t realise, is that its some sort of issue with not wanting to forget someone, something or a moment…... you have to have a realisation with yourself to stop needing it and let go, live in the present, not the past
right ‘stop hording things’ easy just get rid of all of the shit i don’t need….. open all the draws/boxes/cupboards/bags….go through all the folders/envelopes/shelves…....oh my god you have NO idea.
i have a small bedroom….BUT….i have 2 chests of draws….one is full of clothes(that i never wear)....the other is full of books/photos(that i cant fit on the walls)documents/and just THINGS, those THINGS that just live in your life that you never touch or look at or have any use AT ALL but you have them, and you cant get rid of them because they have existed in your life for too long to get rid of….. but you should just put them in the bin…..but you keep hold of them JUST IN CASE…..of WHAT?.....I’m not too sure.
There is a draw under my bed…..i can only open it if i price it open with a realy long ruler.. its full of shit….programmes from shows i went to see when i was 7….props and bits of costume from my GSCE’s…... letters … postcards … birthday cards….Christmas cards…..wigs…stupid little bits of STUFF i don’t even know what lives in that draw it just DOES.
the moment has passed where the hording thing got out of order… but the time has come…......i will dehord tomorrow…...give me luck…. i will report on my success
made a goodwill pile today. i hope this can make a difference in the abundant and cumbersome wardrobe i’ve accumulated over the pats few months years days minutes. i really must cut back. what the heck though, will it ever stop?
I’d forgotten how long it takes to put things up for sale on ebay, but i have just finished loading the details of some unwanted gifts and started to load the ones for some clothes that are too good to just chuck.
i could donate them to charity, but it seems like the amount they charge in the shops is getting more and more, and although i don’t object to the charities making money [ after all thats what they’re there to do ] i do feel that they are pricing out of the market the very people that they should be supporting..namely those on a restricted income.
So, Ebay here I come.
Sometimes i feel like just getting a skip and emptying all of the things that I have into it.
No matter how much I throw out/recycle there seems to be twice as much waiting to take over the space that I’ve made.
Tomorrow I’m going to clear out the dining room [again].
And this time I’m going to be RUTHLESS.
