So so overwhelmed ☹️☹️

You don't need any of it keep going. It's not easy going through it all but once its gone you will feel better. After its gone you could invite a friend over for a glass of wine as a treat.

Hiya have you considered that you may have hoarding ocd? This is treatable, worth thinking if you have any other themes (ocd thoughts that consume you - like fear of driving).

Well done, you’re doing such a good job and we’re all so proud of you. We’re all cheering you on!

Very well done indeed! 😀

Good luck.

Keep posting.

Mumsnet is behind you!

Well done. Can you afford to hire a skip? It will be much easier than lots of tip runs.

Well done OP, what an amazing start!! We’re all rooting for you 👏 👏 👏

Getting started is the hardest part, really well done OP 🌟🌟🌟

Well done keep going! Where are you? I bet someone will come and help if you let them!

Also if you have a pile or drawer or bin or whatever that is just too intimidating, start with a look through it just to see what's in there, with no pressure to actually move or throw anything. Once you look through it you are certain to find things that can go out, so the pile will be reduced when you go back to it later to properly sort it.

Well done making a start is the hardest thing!
If I can offer any advice (unasked for I know) it's to do one room at a time, then a break.
Try not to veer off and start another task before you have finished one room.
Well done, it's really hard work.

You're amazing for tackling this. Huge well done to you.

I'm imagining how amazing you are going to feel getting into those clean sheets tonight with a sense of pride and a job well done e and probably exhausted
Hope you have a good nights sleep and the rest of the house feels more manageable
Well done
We are proud of you

Well done OP it is so he’s to get started and it sounds like you’ve really kicked it off!! As PP have said, take pics - even if just for yourself to see that amazing progress you’ll make.

but do keep us posted on how you’re going with it all. I am sure you will inspire someone else to get started if you haven’t already! In fact, you have inspired me to have a bit of a sort out!

Where do you live? I'd help.

Very good! I'm giving you a STAR for effort! (sorry no stars on laptop)!

You are a bloody ledgend OP. Just think, every bag you throw out is a step closer to the new you, your bette life.

Well done. Keep us updated. We are your cheerleaders.

Well done!!! You’re doing great

well done you so far!

sorting this out will involve moving thousands of individual items and will take some time but each move is small and simple and it doesn't matter what order you do it in. Just focus on whatever is easiest for you like finding and binning items with visible mold or old food, or recycling to go out, or whatever. You will also get some exercise doing it so that is a positive too. Put on some music and try to enjoy it.

If you are faced with having to make a decision about something and it whips up bad feelings just put it to the side and keep on the things that are easy to toss or organize. By the time you get to the tough decisions you will have the wind at your back having made such good progress.

Go you!!!!!

A huge step just mustering enough courage and energy to say enough is enough.

To have started - and have an end goal for a room is AMAZING.

Just remember you don't need to do anything you aren't ready for - and be proud of yourself for everything you do manage.

Nah you are not So Effing Overwhelmed you are So Effing Smashing It. What an amazing start. It's been like that for 2 years? So what, it's not going to be like it for another two weeks if you carry on like this! You can't change the past, you can change the future, so keep focused on that.
As someone who found your post unbearably relatable, remember part of hoarding is difficulty making decisions and procrastination, so keep the energy up with all those brilliantly sorted bags and boxes and get them out of the house and to the tip pronto.

Did you know that there are professional declutterers some of whom specialise in hoarding behaviour...

You don't need to share with people you know, but you might appreciate the help!

https://www.apdo.co.uk/find-an-organiser.html

You are incredible! The way I read it was that after 2 years you have taken the amazing step of doing this - that is so hard and you have done it! just amazing!

I was watching a programme that said the bedroom is a good place to start. Dust and bacteria buildup actually mean your body is constantly fighting to stay healthy which knackers you and thus makes you less likely to want to clean. By having a fresh room hopefully you’ll sleep better and tomorrow you’ll wake up and the first thing you’ll see is the change you made and what an absolute legend you are.

Well done for getting off to such a good start, even if you can't finish a whole room just commit to sorting one cupboard a day or a wardrobe, it'll soon add up.

It really brightens my mood when I've tidied up even though I hate doing it with a passion and things get pretty messy at times.

Perhaps think of a little thing you can buy when each room is done, maybe a duvet cover for your bedroom or a new dinner set for your kitchen or cushions for your sofa.
You can get lovely things from the charity shops too, I got a new lamp for £3 this week that looks brand new.

You've got this!

What a great start. You've already found the kind of treasure that remind you of happy times. I'm sure there will be more!
Do you use Vinted? Perhaps when you go through your clothes you can sell things you no longer need/want on there and use anything to make to buy some nicer things you do need.