To pack up entire house just to tidy it up

[Cannotseethewoodfromthetrees]

I'm living in a nightmare. I can't seem to get it sorted. Been trying to get straight for 15 years and it's worn me down. I just want to pack everything and start again like I'm moving in fresh. Is that crazy?

I can see the attraction... Maybe you should apply to be on the decluttering programme which Stacey Solomon hosts?!

Have you watch sort your life out, it's on bbc1. They do do this put on a warehouse and cull half the belongings. You could do this but use the garage/storage locker

I think I'd need the warehouse... I wonder how much one would cost to rent. I don't want to be on TV unfortunately

It's actually a good idea- especially if you add a give/sell box(es). I have chronic illness and getting rid of stuff helped enormously. I also did a semi-pack to get it under control. It really helps you see how much stuff you really have, what you never use, and what can be better used by someone else. Go for it!

Have a look at The Minimal Mom on Youtube.

If it’s too daunting, do a cupboard at a time. Take everything out first then only put back 50%? Roughly!!

Then complete a room and start on the next. In your own time.

We did a massive declutter to put our house on the market. Cleared the loft, removed whole items of furniture etc. We liked it so much afterwards that we seriously considered staying!

If you watch Your Home Made Perfect (or any extension/home renovating show) I always think the "after" shots' wow factor is partly about having no stuff out, and often even not many places to put stuff. Maybe having to pack their stuff up and move out is the real secret!

But, how about just getting a skip instead of handling everything twice? Resist buying more storage furniture and get rid of any that you can, it just creates more shuffling and reorganising overhead in future. Most hardcore minimalist tip - reduce the number of horizontal surfaces in your home so clutter has fewer places to collect. Honestly, you think you need every bit of furniture until it's gone and you realise what a big chunk of floor and room space it was taking up.

I could have posted this, OP. My house is an absolute mess. I am a hoarder (but not stuff piled high to the ceiling level).

I’d like to do similar. I’m forever throwing stuff out or giving it to charity shops but it doesn’t seem to get any better. I live in a one bedroom but spacious flat and it drives me nuts.

Well they do it on Stacey Solomon’s Sort Your Life Out and that works well.

Do you have a big space you can then sort everything out maybe living room or something where you can sort stuff before it makes it back into the room it lives.

Hire a skip and just dump stuff. It's addictive when you get started plus skips are costly so you will want to get your money's worth from it. Clutter is such a mental drain.

@Cannotseethewoodfromthetrees I feel your pain- I’m in a Facebook group with a lady called Heather Tingle. She specialises in decluttering especially for the overwhelmed, the ADHD and autistic amongst us and people with conditions such as fibromyalgia.

I’m following her in there and also joined her course to help me tackle a bit at a time over 12 weeks. Join us in the free group and get some support and accountability (and ideas)? https://m.facebook.com/groups/untangledbytingle/?ref=share

Im a minimalist i hate clutter and junk if im not using it or need it BIN it.
Just start with one room a time large black bags bin bin bin.
Stuff you cant bin take it to the tip sit it out side with a large note ALL FREE.
Im brutal.
For example my living room is 1 small round coffee table 1 small leather sofa one tub chair and 3 shelves.
Hate ornament or walls covered in pitchers.
My kitchen basics clear work tops kettle fridge freezer cooker.
Bedroom 1 large king size bed single canvas wardrobe.
Bedding 1 on 2 off.
I like to feel free.
when you start you really get a good feel for it.
I done it years ago i sat looking at all this stuff i had (i had tons) but could not tell you why i had it it was just sitting and collecting dust.
I had over 20 cups and glasses. ( now have 4 cups and 4 glasses)
It was like a switch that went off in my head and i just started to clear out took
me a few days but i loved it the more space i saw the more i done.
Redone all my floors with tiles so i can sweep and mop no bulky hoovers.
I dont buy crap like i use to i only buy what i really need.

I did Marie Kondo in 2015. Read the book and followed to the letter, got rid of so much stuff. Once I’d done my clothes (the first step) I felt so invigorated and my pants and socks have been neatly folded ever since!

If you are having trouble knowing where to start could you afford a few sessions with a professional organiser? They'll help you make a plan, sort through stuff and declutter.

I said exactly this to my DH yesterday 🤣

I’d love to do it. But I’m not sure it would work. I’ve moved house a couple of times with all of this crap… Honestly, I might have thrown out loads if our last move hadn’t happened during Lockdown. But, I’m sure I wouldn’t have! In reality, I just need to get the black bags out. For kids stuff too!

If you haven't used it in the last year, bin it.
Stop being so sentimental. Nearly everything we own is junk and tat.

Bag it all up and take it to a tip.

You'll feel exhilarated and lighter.