None of us wants to inherit the ‘hoarder label’, though each of us is probably guilty of accumulating worthless junk anyway. So how do we ensure that we are not heading down the slippery slope of hoarding? Read on to find out more.
Size is Irrelevant
Yep, quite right because there is no ‘one-size-fits-all’ when it comes to accumulating clutter. Picture the scene as some folk like to proclaim, ‘My mission is to clear the garage, and I’m going to do it this weekend’. Others take the ‘chip away at the problem slowly’ approach – you know, one shelf at a time, when I have time, which in all likelihood will be never.
Some even like to involve a workmate or companion to sort the problem, while those with deep pockets may think nothing of seconding a professional organiser. Go with whichever describes your situation best, but for heaven’s sake, please do not procrastinate.
One Step at a Time
Consider the approach to your clutter problem by choosing the solution that feels right for you – avoiding the ‘no need to do anything’ option carefully. This allows you time, and as long as you stick to your plan, it will work for you even if it takes years. Slow momentum is better than backsliding into the nothingness abyss!
Basic instinct is an amazing driver. Following the one-minute rule is infinitely better than deferring the action until later. For example, junk the unsolicited mail as soon as it appears in your letterbox. Put the jam jar back in the kitchen cupboard rather than leaving it on the counter top. Interrogate yourself as to why you are hanging on to chipped or broken glasses, crockery or dented/sullied pots and pans.
Seriously Question Yourself
Storing items that you never intend using again leads to unnecessary clutter in the beginning, and may even develop into hoarding issues down the road. Illustrating this, we have all experienced the problem of ‘Christmas comes but once a year’. Why the need to keep the decorations year in, year out? They fade and fool us into thinking, “I’m here forever”.
Inheriting Possessions Can be a Curse
Inheritance always seems exciting at first, especially when it comes to money, property or shares/other assets. Windfalls are simply wonderful! However, receiving Aunt May’s antiquated, and well-worn furniture is potentially a major headache going forward. Be tactful and decline what you do not really want or need.
The deceased have moved on and out and all they are trying to do is gain your admiration for the kind deed they plan to fob off on you. See it as their revenge as they offload junk on their dearly beloved family, and avoid potentially costly estate clearance fees. See it as a millstone attached to you forever!
Ask, Do I Need, Use or Love it?
If offered a collectable valuable, such as a stamp collection or old coins and notes, accept them and sell them. Regard the rest as unwanted hand-me-downs, because that is likely what they are.
Classic Scenario: The Garage Syndrome
Most of us have grown up to accept that our garage is more than a safe haven for the car. It is a convenient space for hiding/hoarding things we do not want to trash, but we are not quite sure what to do with. Ask yourself the question what tools do you really use regularly, and which never even get a second look.
If convinced that everything in the garage is ‘must keep’, take photos and measure the space the items occupy. Then head down to your local DIY store and price a self-contained utility storage unit that you can keep outside the garage.
The message is clear: avoid clutter and the possible consequences of lapsing into the hoarder profile.
