keepitreal
New Member
work in progress
Joined: September 2013
Posts: 84 
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Post by keepitreal on May 26, 2018 21:04:46 GMT -5
Wow, almost 5 years since I last updated. I've lurked quite a few times since then, so didn't entirely disappear .. but .. I lost control of the mess. Again. And so it got bad. Again. No surprise there  Back in March this year, the (new) apartment management did full inspections with a representative from our city fire department. I was told quite bluntly that my "clutter situation" violated fire codes and so I was put *on notice*. They took photos. I was told in no uncertain terms that the clutter had to go. Period. I was so humiliated and bawled my eyes out for hours.But then .. something changed. Next day, the property manager came back and told me that although my situation was bad, it "wasn't awful". She told me that she (ie, the management team) wanted to help get my apartment back to an enjoyable living space. She offered their (contract) junk-hauling service at regular intervals for free .. as long as I removed, recycled, donated or sold as much as possible in between. I stopped bawling. I realized this was an opportunity to free up my living space .. and my life. I haven't looked back.Although .. I've done my fair share of sitting doing nothing since then. Alternating with bursts of activity, lugging bags and boxes of stuff to thrift stores, garbage bins, recycling bins and mountains and mountains of laundry.My kitchen, storage closet, dining area and bathroom are now spotless and free from clutter. I'm thrilled .. to tell the truth, I'm able to get so much more done when the space is clear and clean. Bedroom and den area .. not so much. It's a work in progress.I'm so grateful to everyone here who's shared their experiences and generous advice. It's helped me understand that I'm not alone, and that I'm not a horrible low-life person. I have a problem and there are solutions to my problem. I can do this. If you're new and reading this, please feel heartened that you can do this too. love and hugs, Dee
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Post by Irisheyes on May 26, 2018 21:08:48 GMT -5
Welcome back, Dee!
I chattered a bit on your reactivated blog, so won't repeat here.
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keepitreal
New Member
work in progress
Joined: September 2013
Posts: 84
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Post by keepitreal on May 26, 2018 21:19:51 GMT -5
Welcome back, Dee! I chattered a bit on your reactivated blog, so won't repeat here. Thank you so much. Your welcome back means a lot! |
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Post by sillycanuck on May 27, 2018 11:30:34 GMT -5
wow, great opportunity--resulting in a great recovery
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Post by joyinvirginia on May 27, 2018 12:31:32 GMT -5
Hi Dee! Welcome back! It's so good to hear your apartment management has been helpful!
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keepitreal
New Member
work in progress
Joined: September 2013
Posts: 84
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Post by keepitreal on May 27, 2018 14:47:02 GMT -5
Thanks sillycanuck and joyinvirginia. I'm truly grateful for the managers' generous offer to help haul the big, heavy junk away. Their offer comes with conditions though .. including bi-weekly inspections, which is stressful. But that's the price I have to pay, so just suck it up. I'll write more in my blog about this. Thanks again, Dee  |
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Post by def6 on May 27, 2018 19:08:02 GMT -5
Great to see you keepitreal and It's even greater to know that you have been able to keep clutter at bay with regular interval support. There are new members here currently digging out and some of us old ones digging out right along with them. 2018 has truly an active and inspiring year. Please join us for our annual June purgathon. |
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Post by creativechaos on May 28, 2018 8:03:12 GMT -5
This is inspiring. Thank you, and welcome back!
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keepitreal
New Member
work in progress
Joined: September 2013
Posts: 84
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Post by keepitreal on Aug 23, 2020 4:42:48 GMT -5
Well, here I am saying "back again" ... again. This time it's only been 2 yrs, not five  .. although like before, I've lurked a few times, especially to read the old "favorites" threads which are so inspiring. And full of excellent advice.
So how am I doing? The "clutter situation" in my apartment was eventually resolved, at least to a reasonable degree. My mother became ill and died in December 2018 .. she lived in another city so a lot of time on the road, away from home. I did my best to keep up with regular cleaning .. dishes, laundry, floors etc but any thoughts of major decluttering/purging got put on hold.
Last summer (2019) I submitted an application for an apartment in a new building that was just starting under construction. Accepted and deposit paid. At the time, I was advised the projected move-in would be November 2020. Imagine my surprise to learn a few weeks ago they're ahead of schedule and actual move-in is September. I'm moving in 3 weeks, not 3 months!
Covid definitely making things more difficult. Unable to donate unwanted items due to to thrift stores closed or not accepting donations. Household recycling centers closed or restricted. I've been reading the amnesty threads, taking deep breaths and telling myself it's okay to throw still usable-stuff in the garbage. I can't take it with me, new place is much smaller and there simply won't be space. This is a lesson I need to learn for the future, about overshopping and not dealing with broken or no-longer wanted stuff right away. Letting go of guilt.
Looking forward to a new chapter .. but really, it's still a work in progress. I will always have to make a conscious effort to keep clutter at bay. I've put more details in my blog, and will make regular updates there.
Thanks for reading 
Dee
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Post by joyinvirginia on Aug 23, 2020 7:55:05 GMT -5
Hi Dee! a brand new apartment! how exciting! i'm glad the amnesty concept is helping you. I had to clean out an attic last year, and had to constantly think about amnesty.
Best wishes on this new chapter!
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keepitreal
New Member
work in progress
Joined: September 2013
Posts: 84
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Post by keepitreal on Aug 23, 2020 8:14:16 GMT -5
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Post by ohblondie on Aug 24, 2020 15:29:50 GMT -5
I will head over to your blog ad read the details.
Congratulations on your hard work and stellar achievements.
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Post by MakingChanges on Oct 10, 2020 15:53:01 GMT -5
Same here - back after a few years. I'm trying to get things done (and do Keto - ugh!)
Missed you all and glad to be here,
MC
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Post by joyinvirginia on Oct 11, 2020 1:23:38 GMT -5
welcome back, making changes!
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Post by whatgirl on Oct 15, 2020 20:32:36 GMT -5
Welcome back! I am back as well. I usually return now and then to get inspiration and learn helpful coping skills but my posting is usually while in the flurry of crisis cleaning. I am impressed with how much progress you made and it is so nice that the management was helpful. I am hoping and hoping that my landlord will be forgiving.
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