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AIBU?

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Original poster

So so overwhelmed ☹️☹️

317 replies

SoEffingOverwhelmed · 09/08/2024 14:41

Sorry posting for traffic. I need motivation and well god knows what else.

My mental health is rock bottom. I am a hoarder. I live in absolute squalor.

Today is the day I need to blast through the clutter. The junk. The piles of clothes. The piles of rubbish. The empty packaging and empty boxes. Empty cups. Some mouldy. I know how gross this is.

I am overwhelmed I’ve allowed it to get to this point. I can’t see my floors. Dust is everywhere. No wonder I’m constantly run down and have allergies.

It’s all m fault. Everything is filthy. I’m so ashamed and embarrassed.

It’s just me though. No kids. No pets. No partner. So im not putting anyone else through this hell. My friends don’t know. They’ve never seen it.

I’ve made a start. I’ve almost filled a roll of bin liners up to take to the tip. Cardboard boxes ready to be ripped up for the recycling box. I can now see a fraction of my wooden floor.

But by God. It’s hard. So hard. This is just a quick break to write this and have a drink. (Of tea) now I’ll be back to it and hopefully finish one room by this evening.

I don’t even know why I’ve posted here. But if you’re this far, thanks for reading.

OP posts:
redalex261 · 09/08/2024 16:13

Good for you! The photo progress idea is a great suggestion. Every one of us has far too much stuff and it’s easy to let it run away out of control. You will begin to feel so much better as you do this! All the clutter and garbage really weighs down your spirit - chucking out is cathartic.

Yousay55 · 09/08/2024 16:11

Wow-keep going!! You’ll feel so proud of yourself when you start to see areas getting better. You can do it!

ILoveNigelTufnel · 09/08/2024 16:11

Cheering you on from the sidelines too!
when you run out of steam and you’re tired, remember be kind to yourself. You’ve done an amazing job so far!

Bestfootforward11 · 09/08/2024 16:11

Well done!!! I can completely relate to your feelings of being overwhelmed. Sending you all good wishes x

hellofrommyothername · 09/08/2024 16:11

You can absolutely do it and I am so rooting for you!

My mum is a hoarder and I know how difficult it is and how much it takes to tackle it. But your life will be so improved by doing it.

Starlingexpress · 09/08/2024 16:10

Brilliant OP-you’ve got this!

Fernticket · 09/08/2024 16:08

Mabelface · 09/08/2024 14:58

You absolute fucking legend. Look at what you've achieved! That's huge and you should be really proud of yourself right now. I know this fight and how it feels like a whole mountain range. Keep going bit by bit, and don't forget to reward yourself too, because you deserve to.

THIS! In bucket 🪣 loads. Been there and I know how hard it is. Keep going OP. You are amazing.

Ineffable23 · 09/08/2024 16:07

Good luck OP. I would say the key thing is to not allow sorting to mean it gets temporarily worse - so either take stuff to the tip today or tomorrow or order a skip as someone above suggested.

I think "a slob comes clean" used to be a blog and is now a podcast that you might find helpful to listen to if you wanted.

Sounds like you're making amazing progress already. How many rooms does your house have?

saraclara · 09/08/2024 16:06

I'm decluttering, and discovered that there are some fantastic facebook groups for people who are doing everything from just trying to sort out their loft, to people in your position. And I have to say that it's people like you who seem to get benefit from the group most. Sometimes they've just managed to get rid of a single carrier bag of rubbish, but it's recognised by all as an achievement.

They're private groups, too, so no-one is judging. One of them is called Clear the clutter and breathe, but I'm sure there are others.

ConfusingPainAdvice · 09/08/2024 16:05

Well done! Pace yourself though. You probably can't do it all in one day, so keep doing it every day, as much as you can handle and yiu will get there. Then do a bit every day to keep it nice. It will be so lovely when its done!

comeondover · 09/08/2024 16:04

Brava OP! Amazing start, you should be really chuffed with yourself 🎉

brunettemic · 09/08/2024 16:04

Great work, well done! Just keep looking at it like that but positively…you’ve cleared a good chunk and can now see some floor. Break it down into small bits and that’s all you need to achieve each time…a little bit more floor.

Thudercatsrule · 09/08/2024 16:04

What a lovely post!! So much stuff on here is so depressing to read. Your strength and courage to post it has made me cry, dont know why - keep going, yr amazing and keep us updated x

LittleGlowingOblong · 09/08/2024 16:03

Living alone is hard, and it sounds like you’ve been through a tough time. Big hugs 💐

DizzyDandilion · 09/08/2024 16:03

You are absolutely not alone. I don't drive so getting rid of stuff tricky when driver has similar issues! However, want to have house that people can visit and be a better role model for my teenagers. I have done 2 cupboards in the kitchen....sounds so little...now need to do 2 more cupboards. I have a huge list and my approach tends to be a pruning exercise...but I have started. I do have undiagnosed adhd I am sure and my dh is worse than me but baby steps...if I think too hard I just freeze and do nothing. Well done op...you are inspiring.

ijustneedtokeepbreathing · 09/08/2024 16:03

Well done op.

AdoraBell · 09/08/2024 16:02

Well done on recognising it and making a start. You’ve achieved 2 hard things there already.

ns87 · 09/08/2024 16:00

Keep going OP, we believe in you!

oakleaffy · 09/08/2024 15:59

Good for you, @SoEffingOverwhelmed What a great start. Podcasts and pics help xx

RB68 · 09/08/2024 15:59

Amazing a whole roll of bin bags- that will make a big difference, well done. You will deserve your clean bed and clean at the end of the day. Leave yourself some energy for tomorrow. CAn you order a skip instead of tip runs? It might help make a massive dent in things to keep you inspired. Good Luck.

VibeVanguard · 09/08/2024 15:57

OP you are an inspiration. Thank you.

I've been feeling utterly overwhelmed too. I have a mountain of life admin to get through and I was crumpled up in tears. Thought I'd procrastinate distract myself with MN and you've given me the motivation I needed to get on with a few of my tasks.
🙌

Dreamiesarecatcrack · 09/08/2024 15:56

Me too OP, I have 1 week to sort it before my gas safety check, it's disgusting and I have no idea where to start. I'm envious and proud of you in equal parts, keep going, you're definitely not alone Flowers

Projectme · 09/08/2024 15:56

Yay for you OP!!! You've done an amazing job in just starting it. Ah I'm so chuffed for you

BlackFriYay · 09/08/2024 15:56

Well done OP, you are going to feel so much satisfaction when you finish your bedroom today and take a step back to admire it. I'm thrilled for you.

You have motivated me to get off my backside and tidy up today. I'm not a horder but do have ADHD and have a tendency to let things slip.

Keep us posted, you've got this 🙂

ginandheels · 09/08/2024 15:55

So impressed by your strength, resolution, focus and determination! Keep going - you are changing your life and inspiring others too.

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