Hoarding...not just on TV

Byatt

wannabe_sybil wrote: »

I also think that you should look at something and think, 'I am paying for the floor/shelf space for this item, in my rent and mortgage. Is this item worth it?'

And how easy is it to replace?

I find it so hard to part with something that I may be able to do something with later. I just need to manage my realism about how many hours there are in a day.

(knitters' term, SABLE - stash acquired beyond life expectancy)

Edited to add - reason I actually signed on for was to ask, what is the messy thread? Is it that one that has over seven thousand posts? Do you have to read all of them to sign up?

Yes, it is the one with over 7000 posts, although you don't have to read them all, I have popped in and out dependent on my mood at the time which fluctuates widely. Just read what you want and join in. There is another thread on page 2 at the moment about decluttering. I also joined that one at the beginning of the year but then fell by the wayside. This thread has motivated me hugely.

Well done, lostinrates, I also have been getting rid of plastic containers that might come in useful one day.

Jo-Jo, just saw your post. I'm glad you gave her short shrift. Don't play her game, she will up the anti for a while, which is iusual for that sort of person (my mother was the same in many respects but she wasn't physically violent, but verbally could decimate you in seconds)...take care of yourself and I hope puss cat will be alright. Hugs.

Possession

You handled it just right Jo-Jo. Don't play her game, she'll figure out the rules have changed eventually.

miffy257

Well done Jo-jo, hope your other cat will be ok.

whitewing

Jojo, good for not putting up with any carp from her.

Well, I just borrowed 2 books from the library today. I would normally have bought them but I am being good and it will force me to let them go back. I love books.

wannabe_sybil

Jojo - lots of hugs. I hope you don't get offended, but imo your mother owes you so, so much already that unless she makes some inroads into that debt, you shouldn't bother letting her rack up any more debt to you. Debt in time, and headspace and emotional energy.

I really hope your kitty gets well and that things improve. I usually say that all cats are evil, but there are regrettably humans out there that leave them standing. I would definitely prefer my cat.

Hobsons_Choice

Oh Jo Jo...I do hope your other cat will be OK. Lots of {{{{hugs}}}} to you and a cuddle for puss.

Gingernutty

Wow JoJo, it's not getting any easier. What was that? Some mad attempt at emotional blackmail?

I'm sorry to hear your other cat is ill too, btw. I hope the outlook for the other cat is better.

I've been getting rid of, well, failure really.

A large collection of paperwork to do with all the old job hunts, all the old jobs and old cassettes (I'm keeping a rare few I want on CD).

It's not like I need rejection letters from 2007, now is it really?

I've got two rubbish bins (don't ask how that happened) and two recycling bins (again, I won't bore you) ready to go out for the bin men tomorrow.

I can see more floor than I have in a long while.

Dodgy hugs JoJo :grouphug: . I hope it gets better for you soon.

Sirbendy

We keep on top of our house - regular donations to charity shops etc...but I tell you, if I go to my mums..oh boy.

Double garage - car lives outside. Garage full of tables, chairs, paperwork, petrol canisters, junk, junk and more junk. Utility ditto (including a dead tumble dryer in pieces that needs a new belt - might resurrect it). Shed ditto.

I've said to the missus - give me 2 days and a skip, I'll sort that right out. You can guarantee it'll be a protest job though...sigh..

euronorris

Well done JoJo for standing up to her, and not letting her waste your time and energy. I really hope that your other cat will be alright, and recovers quickly (HUGS) xx

Sirbendy - There isn't much point in you cleaning up the space under protest. Unless the root problem is addressed, she'll fill up that space again, unfortunately.

Well done to everyone who is getting rid of stuff they don't need. I never seem to find the time/energy in the evenings, so I will tackle our stuff again at the weekend.

((HUGS)) to all who need them xx

Byatt

norris, I am just doing it as I can. It's so hard because of the emotional connection to the stuff, so takes longer than if you were a person just tidying up. I haven't really planned but have done bits and pieces for about half an hour or so. Today I took stuff to the tip/recycling centre and was really worried they would just put some of the things in the conatiners...they sell on stuff cheaply (the money they make is theirs I think) and of course I wanted my stuff to be sold on (because it seems less wasteful)...but I did walk away even though I think they chucked a rabbit shaped plant pot which upset me at first...I had to give myself a talking to, after all, it wasn't a living rabbit! Still, I did it. Onwards and upwards.

edit, Sirbendy, it's always easier to do it for someone else. I could quite easily go into someone else's house and clear it out because there isn't the emotional connection to their stuff. I understand your frustration but as norris says, the emotional side has to be tackled. I am very aware of how I am and the reasons behind my clutter, but it's still hard to clear it.