To feel like the clutter in my house is making me feel claustrophobic

[shonapop]

Family of 5, the 3 kids are teens. I feel like I am drowning in stuff, like my house is closing in on me. It makes me feel awful. My mind is a mess and I think this is a big part of why. How on earth do I sort it out? I need to be ruthless but I don't feel like I have it in me. I can't seem to get organised? Any tips & advice?

Daft as it sounds, literally just start anywhere. The drawer in your kitchen with cooking utensils. Under the bathroom sink. Wherever. Do one small job and the rest will fall into place. I think you’re in the right mindset to be ruthless. For the kids and your DH, either chuck on their behalf if you don’t think they’ll notice or give them a box each. Marie Kondo says keep things they’ll bring you joy or things you are actively using.

The less clutter, the less housework.

Is there one room or area particularly bothering you that might be a good starting point?

Get rid! It's so good for the mind.
Anything not used or not worn in a long time - chuck it.
If your going to take stuff to the charity shop, actually do it as it's horrible when you just end up with bags of stuff waiting to go.
I tend to stick to 1 room at a time rather than clothes, toys etc. Feel like it's more likely to get done that way. I used to have drawers of half full toiletries etc. Now I just stick to the minimum.
I can't stand having too much stuff now, I really feel it weighs me down. Easier said than done with 2 toddlers but I try to keep on top of it! You can do it!

Also, if you think you’re going to tackle the whole house, book a couple of days off work and hire a skip. That motivate you.

Send old DVDs, CDs, books, electronics to MusicMagpie. Box up old clothes and give them to Asda George clothes recycling scheme.

YANBU

Even if its all tidy and you can't see it it's still there and you know it's got to be dealt with some day.

Do you know what your main reason for holding onto stuff is?
Might need it one day?
It cost a lot of money?
I haven't used it, it's a waste?
It was a present?
It is for the future person I want to be?

I really quite like the a slob comes clean website/podcasts and her method makes sure things aren't getting worse (you don't pull everything out and make a huge mess).

It's easy just make a start.
Give stuff away recycle it or sell it.

Make a list so you also know your next plans of action on top of what you can make an immediate start with. Decide on a percentage to reduce by and apply where possible, eg how many pairs of socks, knickers, pyjamas do you have, reduce it by 40% and you’ll still have enough.

I’ve felt like this so many times. It’s so hard when you live with others. My DP has a lot of stuff that he never uses.

Hiring a skip or getting a hippo bag to fill is a great start.

Another option is the Marie Kondo method and taking time out to work through it all. You can do it and hopefully your family will help too💐

Yes you can't do it all at once - I know in our house we tend to have 'corners of clutter' or a cupboard which is stuffed with too many things - so I'd start with one. It's good to categorise things as you're sorting and tidying. Selling things on is good if you're in need of extra cash but can add pressure as it becomes another big job to do - giving things to charity is less hassle and makes you feel as if you're not just throwing stuff away. Websites like webuybooks is good for books, cds, games. But definitely start with a small corner or cupboard and it will give you motivation to do more. Some decluttering websites suggest doing a daily routine of getting rid of 5-10 things a day (could be anything - shredding 10 bits of post, listing 5 things for sale) - it would soon add up.

I battled with this for twenty years - I am one of nature's hoarders - and eventually hired somebody to help me. Not exaggerating when I say it has transformed my life. We did it gradually, a little bit like Marie Kondo - clothes, and then household textiles, and kitchen stuff, and books, and old electronics, and so on. It did mean making a bit of a mess day by day because we tried to get all of whatever type of thing together, and then I would decide how much of it I could realistically use/store and how much I would donate. Went through cupboard by cupboard.

Then she would take away everything that could be taken away to sell/donate, or she would help me list stuff on vinted etc., and if there were things that needed repairing she would take them for repair, and with old junk she was really helpful in nudging me to throw it out. She also helped refile all my bills and papers so that things are easier to find.

Then I was diagnosed with ADHD and have realised that actually I manage much better with ongoing regular support, so now I have someone who comes in every week, a bit like a cleaner but for filing, taking stuff to the tip/charity shop (I don't have a car) and just generally keeping on top of things.

It does cost money, but for instance with her help I've been able to clear a 'junk' spare room and and rent it out, and that way more than offsets the cost of her help week by week.

I know so well how hard it can be! I wish you all solidarity with getting to grips with this.

Sorry, I've just seen this was an older thread - I hope that you were able to find some time/get some support and make progress with the house!