hopehope
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Joined: May 2008
Posts: 3,815 
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Post by hopehope on Jul 11, 2010 22:13:12 GMT -5
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Post by moggyfan on Jul 11, 2010 23:06:34 GMT -5
It is hard to know exactly what to suggest without a sense of the scope of the problem.
Are the bathroom & kitchen problematic or will they seem okay to "outsiders"?
How far from "acceptable" is the main room/hallway etc.?
Because if it's real far, then you will have to be ruthless. If it's closer, then you can be more picky/selective.
Anyway, without knowing the answers to these things, I would address them in this order:
Safety:
Are electrical outlets being appropriately used? Accessible? not overloaded?
Are exits clear of obstruction?
Is anything an obvious fire hazard?
Do you have a working smoke alarm (that's probably their responsibility unless you've disconnected it or something)?
Damage to property:
Is anything (anything you are responsible for, that is) causing damage to the floors/walls/windows?
Is anything attracting critters?
Does anything smell really bad?
General:
Can you move around easily? Are the floors clear of too much stuff?
Is the biggest problem boxes of stuff? or are there larger pieces that need to go?
Really, if there are no safety or damage concerns, the rest seems less important.
I'd go room to room dealing with safety/damage stuff first, and then start clearing as best you can.
Do you have any help with moving/relocating/dumping large items you cannot do by yourself?
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Post by CourageouslyLion SeeksSerenity on Jul 12, 2010 4:38:28 GMT -5
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Post by messymimi on Jul 12, 2010 5:34:02 GMT -5
Maybe it is time to tell almost all of your possessions, "All hands, abandon ship!"
That way you can save yourself. They will fend for themselves, and land where they are supposed to land.
messymimi
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Post by uualto1973 on Jul 12, 2010 7:52:20 GMT -5
Start with obvious garbage. Find 3 boxes to label as "donate", "trash", and "find home" and just start tossing.
Or Pick up one thing and ask yourself:
1. It is USEFUL - not just in general, but to ME. Am using it to improve, enhance, decorate, my life NOW?
2. Is it MEANINGFUL - grandma's throw pillows, wedding pictures, etc.
3. Is it BEAUTIFUL - does it bring me joy to look at it? plants, framed pictures, etc.
Pick up ONE thing and made a decision about it. Then pick up ONE thing again... and again...
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Post by butterflygirl on Jul 12, 2010 8:35:19 GMT -5
I'd like to know some more information, Hope.  What are you trying to get done in two weeks? Sell it all, move, clean and organize? I am trying to sell all of my stuff in two and a half months!!! |
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Post by AnnieOkie on Jul 12, 2010 15:24:41 GMT -5
Hope-From what I know of your situation you have done alot in the past few years. I know it has gone slowly for you, but I also know that you fight daily to keep squalor out of your life. My only suggestion (and I know this sounds smug of me....I get the sense that your things are very important to you) is to throw OUT as much as you can possibly bear to part with. Are these things bringing you joy? Are they helping you in any way or hindering? I may be totaly off base. I pray you take my suggestion in the sense it is intended. From one co-inspirator to another. |
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Post by def6 on Jul 12, 2010 17:12:40 GMT -5
Hey Hope! Start with a room that is easy to clean like the bathroom or the hallway it's up to you. Clean and desqualor and organize this simple space. Even buy something new to spruce up. Take your time and enjoy yourself-this is day one. Good luck Hope!  |
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Post by handymandy on Jul 12, 2010 19:08:34 GMT -5
Hey there,
I go through the house and make a list of what absolutely must be done.
Then, either estimate how long it should take to accomplish each task or how much time I actually have to divide among the tasks.
Write it down so you can cross each one off when finished and know that you are making progress.
Try to finish 2 or 3 days ahead of time so you are not still working when you hear the dreaded knock on the door. That way you can have a bath, dress nicely and have your head together and not still spinning.
You will do great!!! I have faith in you.
Love and Hugs from Handymandy
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Post by yearning4order on Jul 12, 2010 21:29:12 GMT -5
I forgot all about this--one time I did have an electrical inspection and there was no way I could desqualor in time. A friend of mine who is a landlord (but not my landlord) pointed out that if I boxed things, arranged them in an organized fashion next to a wall, and then covered them with sheets (nothing flashy), that they would blend into the scenery. So if you get close to the time of, that might be an emergency option to consider.
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Post by puppybox on Jul 12, 2010 21:50:14 GMT -5
yeah, what does "all" mean, exactly? are you moving? who's inspecting? alien invasion/doomsday? George clooney coming for dinner?
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hopehope
Banned
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 3,815
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Post by hopehope on Jul 13, 2010 17:24:10 GMT -5
george and I -- we're like that!!  oh yeah -- and, he thinks I'm so gosh-darned fabulous, he doesn't care about the clutter. pfui! |
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Post by CourageouslyLion SeeksSerenity on Jul 13, 2010 17:24:38 GMT -5
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Hopey, think about the life you dream of ... in your highest hopes, even if it seems impossible.
Who/where would you like to be in 30 years? What you would you like to have done?
Imagine living a life doing all the thinks you've dreamed of. I mean really LIVING life. A real LIFE. Full. Wonderful.
Now, imagine, having lived this life, and you are now 105 years old, and have conquered heights and made a difference. And you are near the end of a remarkable life (at age 105!). And you are remembering the highlights of your life.
Would you be thinking, "I wish I had saved the yellow box and the beige sweater!" ?
Or would be thinking, "I'm glad I climbed Everest, had wonderful children, helped people come out of poverty, wrote a novel, entertained and uplifted thousands!".
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Post by puppybox on Jul 13, 2010 18:49:43 GMT -5
practical advice:
buy bankers boxes at supply store. (fake wood coloured ones are cheaper but white ones are nicer looking. (you can get free boxes too but uniformity of appearence is visually pleasing and clean looking and therefore energising and motivating.
group like items. place in boxes.
as categories become apparent, realise that you can only have so many categories in a small space and try to eliminate things that don't fit into an important category.
as items are sorted into categories realise what you have excess of- you may love your vintage toy cars like I did, but keep your favourite 5 or 25 or whatever and lose the rest
i woul say the best thing I've learned is, if you are in a hurry, try to have a system that eliminates the need for decision making. decision making is the most time consuming and tiring thing.
ie, some examples of rules might be:
keep blue pattern dishes and get rid of other dishes.
keep 7 of any item of clothing and no more.
the other best tip I know is :
clear off flat surfaces at all costs.
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hopehope
Banned
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 3,815
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Post by hopehope on Jul 14, 2010 0:33:28 GMT -5
ty
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