nova
New Member
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 2
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Post by nova on May 29, 2019 4:33:04 GMT -5
Hello, I'm glad to have found this forum! I'd say I'm definitely living in squalor whether it's just being "chronically disorganized" or becoming full on hoarding. I allow messes to accumulate in all rooms of the house until it's totally overwhelming, and generally won't clean until I know someone is going to be coming over. Sometimes I make excuses for people not to come over for weeks on end because of the clutter. When I do clean I try to do everything in one go and it's generally very distressing. I don't have many sentimental items and I don't buy things compulsively, it's mostly just literal trash that accumulates as well as unorganized papers and clothes. My car is equally terrible, I think I'll even need to buy some new seat covers as there are stains from left over food that won't come out. I know I need to get a handle on this as I'm really sick of living this way and feeling ashamed and embarrassed to have people see or be in my space without ample time to prepare.
I'm going on vacation soon and this has spurred another mass cleaning, this time I'm doing it over a few days. But I really, really want to keep things in order once I get back. Guess I'm just looking for support and some people I can relate to here.
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May 29, 2019 14:48:32 GMT -5
Post by phoenixcat on May 29, 2019 14:48:32 GMT -5
Welcome nova ! I have the same issues - for the most part I'm in maintenance meaning that with that extra warning, that extra effort and that extra push - I can have people over or go on a vacation. But I know that if I would make just a bit more effort on a daily basis - I could avoid that "crisis" response. My clothes would be washed and put away. My dishes would be washed and put away. I would not have cat gunk on my floors My trash and recycling would be properly binned and out of sight. I could go on and on! Once again, welcome! We have lots of work along threads to join not to mention your own blog. And I think some members are doing a chat group if you like company while you work. PC
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May 29, 2019 14:59:54 GMT -5
via mobile
Post by joyinvirginia on May 29, 2019 14:59:54 GMT -5
Welcome nova! Do you have trash cans in each room? That helps me a LOT! Always make sure a trash can is near me when I'm doing a declutter project, saves time. I have decorative trash receptacles, a big wooden one in one room, a sleek metal one in the kitchen, cute small one with pretty colors in bathroom, etc. when the kids were small, every saturday morning was dump day! they emptied the small cans in their rooms, and we went to the dump! and to get ice cream after! Welcome! I hope you get good ideas here.
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May 29, 2019 18:17:56 GMT -5
Post by def6 on May 29, 2019 18:17:56 GMT -5
Same here nova and it's very frustrating...I know. I get my house the cleanest when company is coming over. I should have people at my house daily to keep it from piling up. I've invited my niece along with her two boys to stay with me...Just to make myself finish this house once and for all. I have also done a marathon clean in order to go on a vacation. I wish you all the best. You'll come back to a clean house and that will be wonderful for you. We don't know why we do the things we do sometimes. Try to take care: adequate sleep, food , water keep from injury(I got a hernia doing this that required surgery.) remember....You are not alone!
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May 29, 2019 19:43:49 GMT -5
Post by larataylor on May 29, 2019 19:43:49 GMT -5
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nova
New Member
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 2
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Post by nova on Jun 1, 2019 3:11:37 GMT -5
Thank you all for the replies! Unfortunately my job surprised my by scheduling me to work 7 days straight before I leave (I work evenings/nights so it's long shifts and near impossible to maintain a normal sleep schedule or be productive during normal hours). I still have to pack and finish buying things so my first thought was the cleaning will have to take a back seat. Or maybe that's just another excuse and there's no reason I can't devote a little time each day to making improvements, even if I don't leave with everything spotless.
I don't actually have trash cans in every room. Why not?? I literally have no idea. So I'll make it a point to change that. I also don't have other basic household items that would help with organization such as a desk or a dresser. So lots of times things just end up on the floor or in piles on other surfaces that shouldn't be used for that purpose. It's crazy because it's not that I can't afford to buy these items, I'd just prefer to save my money for other things.. Maybe there's something too that as well since hoarding money can come from a fear of lack and scarcity. There's a lot to unravel.
Thanks again and I look forward to posting more here!
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Post by def6 on Jun 1, 2019 10:30:52 GMT -5
That's funny you mentioned about the trash cans nova...Before time spent on this forum...I would actually put necessary equipment like trash cans for one, out of the way , piled somewhere instead of actively in use. My young daughter wrote with black sharpie on her trashcan: Trash, Do not remove! I took a picture of that one.
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Post by larataylor on Jun 1, 2019 14:09:17 GMT -5
nova - I like how you're thinking! You want to get things where they need to go as easily as possible ... convenient trash bins, laundry baskets, etc. Maybe open shelves in the closet for your clothes? Or some open shelves and a lot of hangers?
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Jun 15, 2019 23:11:05 GMT -5
Post by itsybitsy on Jun 15, 2019 23:11:05 GMT -5
Even if you don't buy a desk for paperwork, here's a $20 solution. I'm still working on it, but this definitely helps! Containing the daily inflow of paper can be very challenging! If you can get 3 of those "banker-type" boxes and file folders, and one pen, I have found that invaluable to get the paperwork somewhat under control or at least contained to a smaller space within your home. Start with one box for unopened mail and keep a trash can nearby for the envelopes and extra enclosures and flyers you don't need. Second box has the file folders where you start to organize your incoming mail. Use your pen or a sticky to label the file folder as you learn what makes most sense to organize FOR YOU!. I have an action file, a to-be-filed file and: Must Pay Must Act in Near Future (like insurance renewal, tax grant, etc.) Third Box has file folders stored from past actions (payments) and for regular monthly and expected items: utilities, taxes, insurance, credit card statements (after paying), monthly bank statements. Many are going paperless, so perhaps this doesn't apply to you. I still have mounds of paper to deal with! In any case, I try to isolate the paperwork to these three banker boxes (that fold up to hold 8.5x11 size for files created). Beats trying to find paperwork stashed at random throughout the house.
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