The Hoarders Anonymous #5

[CherryMargo]

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Is your house/flat in a complete mess? Do you often feel overwhelmed and helpless when it comes to sorting it out? Do you procrastinate a lot? Do you struggle to declutter due to emotional attachment or decision-making fatigue? Are you embarrassed to invite people in?

Then you and us have a lot in common!

Join in for advice, encouragement and support. Here we share our struggles no matter how big, and celebrate our progress no matter how small. Welcome to thread number five! 🤗

P. S. Here are the links to various methods mentioned in previous threads:

The FlyLady Cleaning Method by Marla Cilley
The Organised Mum Method by Gemma Bray
The KonMari Method by Marie Kondo
The Getting Things Done Method by David Allen

9 days of autistic dc in self isolation... needing to be alone in silence was definitely top priority.

I have done a fair bit of being alone in silence today too. respite care.

I have dismantled an easel and am wondering what to do with it.

Is it wood? That's recyclable. There's a special bin for it at our local tip.

An understandable priority susan 💐 I am hiding upstairs today as 3yo was meltdown central last night when DH was out watching the football and I. Am. Done. Not expecting any decluttering to happen today!

Shows how much I’ve changed though - I was finding it really frustrating not to be able to just get on with sorting clutter! I can sometimes get her involved in sorting stuff with me as she loves having jobs to do, but last night it was just hours of awfulness.

I have worked out that I get one full day and two part days off a month. (fri evening to sun evening so two days spread over three) so about 24 days holiday a year and I am going to stop feeling guilty for doing not a lot today.

yesterday, I put the bedding back on ds's bed and decluttered the fridge of stuff that needed chucking out or using.

I put the compost into a carrier back to send to ex.

today, some washing is in the machine and I may hang it after I have had a sleep.

Just watched a video that was quite interesting:

m.youtube.com/watch?v=G14xkf3jKaE

Summary - all clutter is a result of a deferred decision or an incomplete action.

I have read it described like that too! Definitely relate to it. Now I’m on my adhd meds I’m better at making decisions in general and it’s much easier to declutter and tidy

Yesterday (Saturday) I changed my mum's bed linen and repaired (by hand) her top sheet.

Nordic we all seem to have health issues on this thread. It's a common theme :(

Washed up today, stripped my bed, washed that lot. Need to hang it to dry...got to go and make my bed. The end.

I finished another book yesterday and will probably charity shop it or pass along to a friend after all. Started on another from my to-be-read pile and I’m pretty sure it will also be leaving the house once I’ve finished it.

Achievements: reading, a small amount of weeding the patio, some work emails dealt with, ordered a gift for a relative (only a few days late!), lots of washing done (though drying has been a problem) and my dishes are up to date, even the hand wash only pans. I’ve thrown away some very out of date crisps and a small handful of papers. Oh, I did also sort through a large box of medical supplies and organised it, recycling some expired items in the process.

It might sound like quite a lot but the house looks much the same as it did yesterday.

I watched the video! It's so so true!

When I decluttered my bedroom I just had piles of things that were "half jobs", like I'd tried to organize a pile, but left that job "half done". But months went by and that pile never got completely sorted! "I'll sort that out later" was my downfall. "I don't know what to do with this" was also my downfall. But funnily enough some decluttering jobs felt fast and easy because some jobs were more than "half done" they were almost completely done.

Interesting video, thanks for sharing it.

I have scrubbed all the steps. I had been procrastinating the final three steps, then forced myself to do them tomorrow, I knew future me would be glad they were done. And today I had the pleasure of enjoying them all being clean and sparkly!!

Today a small bag of clothes went to the charity bin. A cardigan went out, I'd kept it, telling myself I'd keep it as a house cardigan, but I acknowledged this morning that I was being daft.

I'm not on top of everything this week, I'm stressed, so I'll focus on any little thing I do manage.

I find that sorting, say five items and putting them where they belong, (fold five items of washing and put in draw say) is better than folding 20 and leaving them to be put away later for dc to tornado through them and back to the beginning.

did not watch the video as I am not up to it at the moment.

I have had a lazy morning and hung the washing form yesterday.

I ordered shopping yesterday too and paid for holidya home. so two admin jobs done.

I have 11 weekend s where the children go to respite per year. so 11 full days 11 evenings and 11 daytimes. I love the completely child free day. the eveing is stressful getting them packed and off. the daytime is ok but I begin to feel their imminent presence and possible tornado of getting ready for bed, so not as relaxing, especially if the next day is a school day.

I find that sorting, say five items and putting them where they belong, (fold five items of washing and put in draw say) is better than folding 20 and leaving them to be put away later for dc to tornado through them and back to the beginning.

So true!

Managed to clean downstairs again yesterday and did a bunch laundry inc my sofa throw that I’ve been meaning to wash for ever and all dog mats and used towels . I looked through his toys there and tossed a few then washed the remaining plastic ones .
I also got rid of some puppy pee matts we don’t seem to need anymore since the nearly used up box was just taking up space in my mop cupboard ( I have a full box still I’ll keep for emergencies) and some old kids water bottles . Today have put holey pyjamas and a bunch of too small pants into the rag bag and will read through and recycle some newspapers and magazines . Also aiming to clean first floor which houses my bedroom
and a bathroom plus a living room if I can move after yesterday’s efforts . Need to edit my food order for tomorrow as well and wash more laundry . Nice and quiet here today DH took kids and the dog to his moms until tonight then the kids will go back midweek and he’ll join them next weekend . He’s got a lot of jobs to do there he’s helping his mum declutter his dads boat collection now after selling all the bikes . He’s gotten one boat cleaned up and ready to sell yesterday. Kids have lots to do there MIL lives on the coast by the water and we’ve got sailing boats , a motorboat to pull a wakeboard or an inflatable seat etc , kids and DH do windsurfing and standup paddle boarding too , next door Auntie has a pool. Making the most of DH childhood home while she still has the house .
I also have a to be read book pile in my bedroom drawer .I was aiming to read one a week but I’ve fallen behind now . I have 23 left that are all going when I’ve read them .
DH washed all our windows and we took some winter duvets to be washed the rest will go on collection of the first we do this in the spring and fall . Feeling useless but trying to list all the stuff I am getting done and it’s actually quite a lot with all the appointments and admin that are getting done too ...

Was going to say the earlier video made me feel so anxious it brings back memories of the huge amount of clutter in the old house upstairs I sorted all through before moving here . I really thought I couldn’t do it it seemed so overwhelming especially while feeling so bad ,and would just have to get a skip but there were sentimental things in there too so couldn’t really do that . When I despair here I think of how I got through all that . It was when we pulled the attic contents out to look through it after years of just showing more up there and into cupboards while DD was little and I was too unwell to declutter regularly like I used to that things go out of hand in the topfloor . Never again !!!

I got a bit more done today downstairs more laundry as always and put the dishwasher on while decluttering one kitchen cupboard where I removed a stained cutting board , 4 glass bowls , 2 big pie dishes and 2 casserole dishes . Looked into under stairs cupboard and out goes my old sandals ,an old football , a stinky dog weekend bag I though was long gone , a cereal bowl , another book to the book donation pile and a mug and Dino dig kit to the charity shop pile also found a dig food bag destined to foodbank . Also an electronic game I’d ask DH to remove the battery from and to throw away ...
Half dead now and will have to somehow drag myself and my food tray up the stairs so I can comfortably eat a meal in front of the TV as my reward !

Two more areas I’m now happy with !

I have achieved more laying about taking advantage of respite care.

also thrown/recycled 10 things from the end of the sofa heap. (progress and more than five things)
washed a load of washing and hung up.
made ds's bed
put ds's clothes in his drawers.
washed up 100 items and played draining board jenga.
put some of the dry pots away to start.
cooked myself a fry up for lunch as a respite treat.
worked on keeping the temperature in the flat at acceptable levels by window opening, closing and opening curtains etc. (this will be a daily summer task checking forecast, indoor and outdoor temperature and deciding what needs doing when) we live in a flat with west (wsw) facing windows so it gets very hot if not careful.

intrigued by the idea of A living room. My living room, has to be: living room, office (computer desk) drying room for laundry, dining room, craft/sewing room, and bedroom. It still has the remnants of playroom too. At some point I need to fit in a double bed.

@Nordicmom

Was going to say the earlier video made me feel so anxious it brings back memories of the huge amount of clutter in the old house upstairs I sorted all through before moving here . I really thought I couldn’t do it it seemed so overwhelming especially while feeling so bad ,and would just have to get a skip but there were sentimental things in there too so couldn’t really do that . When I despair here I think of how I got through all that . It was when we pulled the attic contents out to look through it after years of just showing more up there and into cupboards while DD was little and I was too unwell to declutter regularly like I used to that things go out of hand in the topfloor . Never again !!!

This is helpful to know where you have come from....

this is where I am at the moment. all too much.

add in an amazon order. and a fucking meltdown

I have been missing in action from this thread again.
I have had a mixture of ill days and OK days and the housework has not been my priority.

Yesterday
However yesterday I had a very productive day in our bedroom (the worse area in the house). Moving 4 bin bags of laundry to the bathroom and 5 bin bags of stuff to throw. I also have a box of things for charity in the hall from our room too!
I am pleased I tackled it a bit, I need to keep chipping away at it. So far to go in this room. I took a before photo, when I get an after photo I might post them!

Today
Today I sorted all the laundry in the bathroom into Ikea bags loads ready for washing. I intend on catching up with all the laundry this half term. Wish me luck it is so many loads.

Did all my meds for the next two weeks, which takes ages. Plus found a space high up in a storage unit for all my pills (my kids are all old enough to not eat anything strange especially pills so no worry there)

Then sorted out the playdough box which takes ages cleaning all the plastic play stuff with baby wipes to remove old playdough, I usually do it after they play. But it is done and in a labelled box!

Also pulled out all the scout stuff, mats, sleeping bags etc, they are going in a box in the attic, currently in my living room.

Also reorganised landing and bathroom, sorting out things and moving freestanding shelves etc. It took a while but I am glad I did it.

I kept up with the kitchen until today. Today it is a mare but I will catch up with it tomorrow, first thing.

Tomorrow
Kitchen, pack scout stuff (into box, label it, get DH to put box in attic). Endless laundry and last storage unit to tackle.

Future
Ordered storage bags for all our duvets, as it is getting close to summer. I will find a place for them to stay over summer, until we need them in winter. I think this is a real adult thing to do, lol

I have also decided I need to conquer our room, for once and for all. Once finished I will get a desk and chair, ready for a potential home job. Maybe if I get the workspace sorted that will send a signal out to the universe to help me find the job (Alongside actually applying for jobs) It is worth a try and it is good to have a goal.

Not expecting anyone to read this exceptionally long post but it helps me to get all my past/present/future plans down in writing.

I read everything everyone writes, even small sentences really can inspire me or when I agree with something it makes me feel seen as well.

I'm stressed today and I felt all dithery this morning, I am amazed though because I focused and got on big load of laundry. And I sorted out some gardening. I have a huge Camelia, and at this time of year it flowers and every day there are a big pike of petals that fall down. They fall on an area that we have to walk on (a little path and two steps) so I really like to sort them out every day if I can. Otherwise they get trodden on and get mushy and it's even harder to sweep them up.

I have taken all the recycling out, and ripped up two boxes and put them in the recycling bin.

I took books off a book shelf to clean the bookshelf last week, and the books are still a big mess on DS's bedroom floor. Half a job! I really must sort those books out.

come on down, you can do it....

well done on the progress so far.

I am adding to the list, sitting up with a poorly child who wanted me to stay with them when they felt ill. just getting my tea... (ffs.) was waiting on them arriving home with their dad then waaiting for them to settle, then waiting with a poorly child.

Today I've dealt with kitchen first thing instead of dithering walking dog. I've realised that finishing tasks is quite a high bar for me, I feel better with open ended tasks...like half cleaning and tidying. .still better than nothing though.

Plates are stacked in hit soapy water and I've put a wash on. And removed a smelly dishcloth from sink.

Garden is looking lovely, a lot of sweepings to clear but I've taken my glasses off,vwhich helps. DD is meant to be tidying her room today. Long awaited. Watch this space. The house is so grimy but I live with it and try not to spoil the "days of their youth" stressing about it. Food, laundry and wiped surfaces is all that matters to the four others who live here!

Yesterday I...

-read yet another book that I’ll be passing onto the charity shop.

• got quite a few washing loads done and hung out on the line.
• put dry folded washing away in the drawers.
• sorted the stinky food bin
• moved a pile of paper from my desk to a really useful box that was already half full of jumbled papers that need to be properly sorted and filed.

I guess the paper churning comes under both deferred decision and incompleted action but the desk does look better.

Well done to everyone for efforts large and small. It’s all worthwhile.

Found tax information today...