Compulsive hoarding is a distressing and debilitating psychological condition that can be difficult to diagnose accurately. Even to date, there is much to learn about this complicated and confusing disorder. A very basic description of a compulsive hoarder is someone who is unable to dispose of excess or unused things things to the point where their belongings are taking on a life of their own by cluttering up all living space, nooks and crannies.
Can you relate to this?
- You Love Your Stuff
- You Hate Your Stuff
Yet, you yearn to learn how to “let go” of your stuff without going crazy?
Why does one acquire things?
There are varying degrees of answers to this but the staggering amount of people affected by clutter is rising. To such degrees that self-storage units are no longer profiting from the transient mover, they are now capitalizing on the people who need additional space to house their stuff permanently.
So how do we break the clutter spell?
Begin by getting clear on what the motivational factor is behind the need to dig out.
For example:
- You want to live in a safe, clean environment that is conducive to healthy living.
- You want to reduce the risk of having your loved one’s inherit your clutter.
- You want to deal with it now before it becomes too unmanageable.
Once you understand your motivation, your commitment to a “call to action” plan has a greater chance for success.
Here are some ideas to help you on your way:
Try An Experiment
Make a hypothesis about how sad you would feel if you got rid of something you are having difficulty parting with. Then throw the artifact away and compare your resulting distress with the hypothesis. Typically your reaction should be far less severe than you’d feared. Once you experience this, it might be a little easier to let the next treasured item go.
Create A Memory
Before giving away your things that you consider to be treasures, videotape or photograph them. Now you have a permanent record and can share with family members.
Make Charities Work
Select a charity that you believe in and feel good about to donate your items. It makes it easier to let go of your items this way. In return, ask for a tax-deductible receipt.
Take Baby Steps
One room, or one part of the room at a time is the key here. Remember, clutter loves unfinished business, so make sure you follow through and finish to completion.
Seek Support
Seek the aid of an experienced professional organizer or clutter coach. Consider joining a clutter support group – check on line for one in your local area. It’s a good way to work on managing those behaviors that created the clutter.
Did you find this helpful?
Download My eBook – “Blissful Organization – A Guide to Simple Living” to learn more on how to live clutter free!
