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Post by _Linda_ on Apr 28, 2010 19:02:40 GMT -5
We all know all of the cons of our hoarding/ cluttering/ squalorous lives. What are some of the "pros" that you try to convince yourself of? For me it would have to be that I can always find something useful in the couch cushions. Like that is going to outweigh the benefits of a clean house.
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Post by notsomessyshell on Apr 28, 2010 19:08:43 GMT -5
I don't have to have any big family events. If you knew my family you would understand.
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Post by _Linda_ on Apr 28, 2010 19:47:14 GMT -5
I understand completely. My family is "interesting" to say the least.
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Post by messymimi on Apr 28, 2010 20:48:54 GMT -5
Everyone in the neighborhood knows that I am a slob housekeeper with a clean kitchen, and bathrooms they can let their kids come in from the park to use anytime.
The good part is, I've set the bar low. I don't have to clean it up, because no one expects me too. That is also the sad part.
messymimi
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Post by dtesposito on Apr 28, 2010 21:03:29 GMT -5
I think the pros I try to convince myself of are the usual--"if I need it some day I'll have it" or "if someone I know needs it I can provide it to them" or "I'll save money by not having to buy it in the future". But we've already talked about how those statements aren't true because when you need it you won't be able to find it.
I also get discouraged when I clean something and then I just have to clean it again the next week and the next and the next. It feels like it saves time to just not spend any time cleaning at all. But of course, if you don't clean at all things get REALLY dirty, instead of the slightly dirty in between your weekly cleanings. And when you start keeping things cleaner you look around and realize that it really IS nice to have it clean--even if you live alone and it's "only for you".
I really can't think of any other positive aspect to my cluttering. I've read some posts here saying that some people feel like the clutter serves to keep others away. I don't think that applies to me, because I've always been okay keeping people away if and when I want to--I don't think I need the clutter to do that. I also don't feel anxious when the place starts to get clean as some other members have expressed--I love when it's clean, it actually lifts my mood quite a bit. So why don't I find it easier to clean? I don't know!
Diane
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Post by _Linda_ on Apr 28, 2010 21:10:25 GMT -5
We all know that our thinking of the "pros" to our problems are faulty, but we continue to do it. I am curious to see how others rationalize their problems. I know that I am happier and less stressed when the house is clean. But that doesn't seem to be enough motivation for me to make the efforts.
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Post by Arid on Apr 28, 2010 23:47:09 GMT -5
OK; here's an example for you:
One of my friends had a GORGEOUS home--collection upon collection EVERYWHERE. Everything was painstakingly organized. The Hummel figurines all were beautifully arranged in a lighted china cabinet. The Precious Moments figurines were in another lighted china cabinet on the other side of the room. All the collectible silver spoons were displayed in cherry spoon racks hung on the wall. The antique cameras were high up on a 4-inch wide shelf that ran around the top perimeter of the room. You get the idea. . .
As I viewed all this, I couldn't help but think, "Boy! If a burglar came in here, he could empty out thousands of dollars worth of stuff in mere seconds!!!"
Now, in *MY* house, that burglar REALLY would have to work for any valuables that he might find! If the poor guy didn't know which pile to get into, it could take him ages!!!
Arid
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Post by howardsgirlfriend on Apr 29, 2010 2:09:03 GMT -5
My most obvious: cleaning is time-consiming. By not cleaning, I save my time and energy for more desirable pursuits, such as searching for my keys, writing checks for late fees, etc.
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Post by mafixit on Apr 29, 2010 10:29:54 GMT -5
my pros- it will get messy again why bother.. I can think better in clutter, ! sad, I know.
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Post by Chris on Apr 29, 2010 10:37:59 GMT -5
I actually have some odd thoughts around the idea that I wouldn't have anything to "do" without the extra stuff. I've even been in other homes that are so neat and organized that I'm actually uncomfortable trying to imagine my home that "stripped down" yet after having been in so many homes like that (thru my job cleaning) I know intellectually that living that way is actually more normal. [and from time to time I've been in very organized craft rooms and seen that I could still sew and do scrapbooking without the gosh awful mess] In the past I now see that I believed that if things were messy enough I'd NOT have to host family dinners which I hated with all my might because of a lot of complicated reasons. It's funny too because I still try to control what I will and won't do by the stuff I keep and the stuff I sell and get rid of and I guess that's a good thing because I got rid of the huge dining table and 6 chairs, the freezer and the roaster -- all symbols of the expectation that I would just march right in here and take over for my MIL in having the entire tribe here to pig out every holiday. NOT I'm beginning to feel stronger about having boundaries without the excess clutter. At first it was terrifying.
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Post by ponygirl on Apr 29, 2010 11:07:07 GMT -5
OK; here's an example for you: One of my friends had a GORGEOUS home--collection upon collection EVERYWHERE. Everything was painstakingly organized. The Hummel figurines all were beautifully arranged in a lighted china cabinet. The Precious Moments figurines were in another lighted china cabinet on the other side of the room. All the collectible silver spoons were displayed in cherry spoon racks hung on the wall. The antique cameras were high up on a 4-inch wide shelf that ran around the top perimeter of the room. You get the idea. . . As I viewed all this, I couldn't help but think, "Boy! If a burglar came in here, he could empty out thousands of dollars worth of stuff in mere seconds!!!" Now, in *MY* house, that burglar REALLY would have to work for any valuables that he might find! If the poor guy didn't know which pile to get into, it could take him ages!!!Arid Oh, Arid! I'm ROFL!!!
That is exactly what I've said! A burglar would take one look around in my place and probably make an immediate retreat! Criminals want to get right in, get what they believe is of value, and get right out. Wouldn't happen here. Why make it easy for 'em?! (Just kidding, folks, I really want to get organized!)
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Post by dtesposito on Apr 29, 2010 11:58:05 GMT -5
I'm beginning to feel stronger about having boundaries without the excess clutter. At first it was terrifying. Chris, this is really interesting--can you say more of what you mean by boundaries without the clutter? Diane
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Post by gottaproblem on Apr 29, 2010 12:13:34 GMT -5
Reading this I started to feel that I have built a protective fort around me. I actually feel that a stripped down place would be scary. I know this is sick thinking, because I actually like things neat and lovely looking. But not enough to get my place that way. I remember years ago when we would clean up to have people over and it kind of gave me an empty feeling. Burgulars would simply turn around and leave my place. It would not be worth looking for any valuables.
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Post by sidestep on Apr 29, 2010 12:18:10 GMT -5
The clutter in the kitchen keeps the cat off the kitchen counter, and the piles on the furniture protect it from the cat's nails! Truly effective!
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Post by fluffernut - now Jannie on Apr 29, 2010 12:41:12 GMT -5
The Pro is that I do know where everything is in my home piled with clutter. The Con is that dgging oUt a particular item can be very time-consuming. Ask me for my 2009 tax return, I can get it in a minute. But ask for my kids baby pictures, they're still in the envelopes scattered across three room.
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