We need to have a clear out before having work done on our house in a few weeks time but already old resentments about each other's clutter are surfacing.
Neither of us are neat freaks and being in middle age we've accumulated a lot of stuff over the years - both our own and from family members who have died. Luckily we live in a good sized house that can generally take it. However, as always when we reach a point where something has to be done, we're not handling it well.
My DH has had many different hobbies over the years but when the hobby goes, the paraphernalia stays. He has boxes of stuff right from childhood throughout the different phases and interests in his life. We also have similar from several of his close family members who have died.
Meanwhile I feel like everytime we have to find space, it's my stuff that goes to make space for his. To begin with that was ok as I don't mind a good clear out, but now it feels like my personality doesn't make much of an impression on our home anymore because I've gradually reduced my possessions and I'm taking up a smaller and smaller space. We moved a couple of years ago so I reduced my clutter but DH brought his in many boxes that have never been unpacked or sorted - we have a whole unused room that is full of boxes.
I understand that grief can play a part in this but it feels like the living are being squeezed out and we're definitely not making the most of our home.
If this sounds familiar, how do you cope?