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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Clutter and hoarding (bit light-hearted)

4 replies

Lucyccfc · 26/04/2014 11:43

By nature, I am minimalist. I can be ruthless when throwing things away or recycling. I don't hoard or keep much stuff, unless I really need it.

However, I have a sister who is the complete opposite.

Her DS is with us today and he has brought a shed load of stuff with him. He is an avid collector of what he see's as useful and interesting things. Bless him - I would describe most of it as crap that needs to go in the bin.

So, this weekend, we have a box full of keys, 12 old and broken mobile phones, 4 tins with various items in - old watches, coins, bits of plastic and paper. Numerous ornaments, such as old bells, characters and plastic flowers.

I would really love to throw the whole lot in the bin (but I wouldn't, as they are his things). It drives me mad.

At least every 30 minutes I have to ask that he put some of them away, as they are all over the lounge and he pulls a face and says 'he needs them all'. Got to a stage now, where he has been told he can have 10 things out at a time and no more. He thinks I am being mean.

Bless him, he is only 6, but this will go on all weekend otherwise.

(No point in asking for him to minimise what he brings, as my sister doesn't see it as a problem - she is a huge hoarder and her house is packed to the rafters with stuff, stuff and more stuff).

OP posts:
NotSuchASmugMarriedNow · 26/04/2014 12:14

Can you take him out somewhere? Take his mind of his belongings. Hoardings an odd habit, one I don't fully understand, but I'd guess it has connections with mental health function.

Lucyccfc · 26/04/2014 12:29

You read my mind. The rain has stopped, so I have got the bike, scooter and football out and they are on the front playing now.

OP posts:
Littlef00t · 26/04/2014 13:06

It sounds like he's trying to play and your constantly making him tidy away. Could you give him an area he can get everything out in and make sure it all goes home at the end of the we rather than restricting him to 10 items?

You sound like you're struggling with your minimalist instincts.

MardyBra · 26/04/2014 13:11

Why not just let him play and tidy up with him at the end of the day. As long as he confines it one room.

It sounds like you are nagging the poor little lad unneccessarily.

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