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Post by Starting Again on Mar 15, 2017 17:15:39 GMT -5
I posted here several years again as "messylife" (which I guess is still technically my user name, although my display name is now "Starting Again")
I haven't made much discernible progress in the last couple years. When I think about it, I can pat myself on the back for some progress in a couple years before that, giving/throwing away many bags of stuff. But in the last few years things have been pretty static.
I have no kids or dh, no job, no disability (other than one bout of clinical depression 10 years ago, and a back that only hurts much when I clean the tub (or something in it, e.g. the cat litter box (rarely))! (I broke my back 10 years ago, but mostly it hasn't caused problems)), and technically plenty of time. I don't have any big activity that takes a lot of my time (other than a forum or two where I spend an hour or two). I sleep way too much (11-12 hours) but honestly am very tired and sleepy when I don't. I have one sweet cat; I take care of her litter FAIRLY well (at least scoop every day).
My house has piles of stuff (especially paper, mostly in boxes) in every corner, and clutter all over. It is also dusty and dirty. I don't clean the bathroom nearly as often as I should. The house is also not well maintained. I just had a faucet replaced that was corroded with a sharp corner that cut my hand. Sliding closet doors are all broken (can't even hide my closet when someone like a plumber comes). Closets are stuffed. Most doors don't close properly. Even my front door does not open properly (of 4 locks only one is really working right). One lock needs several tries to open (it is scary to think I might be locked out of my own condo!); another lock feels like it is locked but the door can be pushed open. The walls haven't been painted and the carpet (filthy, although it has been professionally cleaned in the last year or two) has not been replaced since I got the condo (30 years ago). And then there are the blinds, and etc. I am 60, and not rich (my savings may run out in about 10 years).
Anyhow I need to "start again, again, and again". If I could manage 20 minutes 4-5 days a week it would be a baby step in the right direction.
I hope to get some encouragement and motivation here!
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H2H
Banned
halfwaytohoarder gets rid of it all!
Joined: February 2017
Posts: 2,041
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Post by H2H on Mar 15, 2017 17:38:16 GMT -5
Hi there..
I hope you share more, I've only been here a month (less actually) but SOS is now the center of my trust and a touchstone I can figure out how to manage and make crucial decisions before the roof caves in. <grin>
So glad to know you!
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Post by joyinvirginia on Mar 15, 2017 17:49:21 GMT -5
Welcome, starting again! You will get lots of great ideas here. You have made a great start posting about your particular challenges. Personally, I think paper multiplies at night when no one is looking!
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H2H
Banned
halfwaytohoarder gets rid of it all!
Joined: February 2017
Posts: 2,041
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Post by H2H on Mar 15, 2017 17:58:47 GMT -5
joyinvirginia >> at night when no one is looking!
My mother was convinced that all the missing bobby pins turned into wire coat hangers in the night.
She bought big buckets of bobby pins from Woolworth's in the 50s, 60s..and alway ran out, yet those cheap metal hangers would jab you in the chin if you opened the coat closet too quick and they jumped out..
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Post by def6 on Mar 15, 2017 18:18:39 GMT -5
Hello Starting Again Welcome back! Try cleaning one thing like the kitchen sink and keep it clean and clear everyday. Add to the clean by getting a small bathroom clean and decluttered. Swish and swipe quickly everyday to maintain. Then probably a load of clothes done to completion. A fresh set of sheets on your bed. Just pull them up when you wake up in the morning... Tada a made bed. Let yourself enjoy the clean. You'll be motivated! |
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Post by dtesposito on Mar 15, 2017 19:26:57 GMT -5
Hi Starting! The best advice I can give you is to join a working thread and commit to posting (and working) every day. It helps to share what you're doing with other people, you won't feel so alone, and you'll feel accountable once you've said you'll do something!
People will have lots of suggestions on how to proceed if you need that, and it helps to talk through your feelings about getting rid of things.
Don't look at the whole picture, just make tiny goals, one at a time.
Diane
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Post by Arid on Mar 16, 2017 2:10:42 GMT -5
Starting Again: Have you considered looking into why you are sleeping so much? There could be any number of causes: sleep apnea, underactive thyroid, anemia, depression,--even dry eyes! (Don't ask me how I know this!  !!) Welcome back! Arid |
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Post by PerrinJade on Mar 16, 2017 8:59:01 GMT -5
Welcome back, Starting Again. I saw you posted in the Listzilla section. That's one thing that helps me tremendously. I also use the Workalong threads. I think everyone here has given good advice. I would echo all of it. I think doing 20 minutes a day is a good start. I would recommend adding to that as you feel comfortable, until you get to a point where you're working maybe a couple hours a day. If you're able, that is. I know that's too much for some people. Maintaining your victories is important, though. I would suggest finding a good routine that works for you as soon as those pockets start to appear. I hope you find encouragement and consolation here. Enjoy and best of luck.
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Post by ohblondie on Mar 16, 2017 14:31:52 GMT -5
I agree with everyone especially Def6. Pick one area and clean the heck out of it. then defend the heck out of that area and clean another area. then defend the two areas, on and on and on......
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Post by creativechaos on Mar 21, 2017 18:03:30 GMT -5
hi Starting Again; i remember you and love your new board name. welcome back! you can do this. you are worth it. i love all the list and work along threads; don't always do them but they help. like everyone else says, start small and focus on the trash first; then get kitchen (or at least dishes) in some kind of order. i like the idea of suffering as little as possible - so start with the easy stuff and work up to what is hard. i hope to see you around the boards and work along! glad you are back. ps - my apt is a hoardy dusty mess but getting a feather duster changed my outlook about dusting (when i hang it up, can find it, and actually use the darned thing!) with it, i actually LIKE to dust - whereas before, i hated rag dusting. some say the microfiber tack rags work great too - but i would think those are for when things get more back into control.  |
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Post by def6 on Mar 21, 2017 20:11:00 GMT -5
Don't you love it when a product like that makes you want to use it time and time again. Oh what a feeling!  |
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