Hoarding is causing me so much misery

[beansandpeas]

Hi everyone! I'm new to the OCD community. My OCD has to do with hoarding, and it is affecting my marriage. If I could get rid of the hoard it could make a real difference for both of us. It would be helpful if any members who had success with this, or have found any virtual support groups I might reach out to reply. thanks, and be well....

[Annette_pd]

Have you ever tried the method of getting rid of 1 thing the first day, 2 the next … then 3 etc… this has worked for me. You could always do one item per day if that helps 🙂

[beansandpeas in reply to Annette_pd]

Hi Annette,Thanks for your post. I'm not familiar with one a day or progressing to two the next day, etc....worth trying!

[azaleacrimson]

Welcome, beansandpeas! 😀

I have a little bit of an issue with hoarding; for me, I feel like I have a sentimental attachment to almost everything so I don't want to get rid of things. I agree with Annette_pd's reply - starting slow is a good idea. Try to rationally determine what you're least attached to, and try to get rid of one thing at a time, and over time it'll get easier. 😀

I'm not especially knowledgeable about the topic, but I hope my limited insight can be helpful. 😄

[beansandpeas in reply to azaleacrimson]

Hi azaleacrimson,Thanks for responding. I have an emotional attachment to many things, and for the trash or junk, I resist dealing with. So slow and steady seems to be a helpful approach.

[Sallyskins]

I have a similar problem, or rather the same problem! I am currently trying to clear up the mess I am living in! I do hold on to a lot of stuff for practical reasons - I love books, and I do needlework, so those take up a lot of space. But I also have a lot of junk.

Part of the problem is lack of storage space, and it's difficult to put books on shelves when the floor space in front of the shelves is crammed with junk so you can't reach them!

But I have learnt a few tips. One is to set aside a short period to get as much clearing as you can done, say half and hour. Do it steadily, with a bin bag and a recycling box, and another bag to put items to sell or take to a charity shop. After half a hour, you can sit back and have a bit of a rest. It may surprise you to know how much you've got done.

It can also help to take a small area and concentrate your efforts there. Once things have been sorted, stowed away or put in bags for the garbage, recycling or sell/give, try to keep it as free from junk as you can.

Resist the temptation to buy stuff you neither want nor need. And resist the temptation to have more than one of things like household appliances.

It's quite a hard thing to crack, but if I can find anything else that would help you (or me) I can post here for you.

[beansandpeas in reply to Sallyskins]

Hi Sallyskins,Thanks for your helpful tips. For the last month I have tried to prioritize those places I need to clear, but like you, lack storage space. It's so frustrating and depressing because my husband would like me to just throw everything away! yeah, right!

My most positive progress so far is donating clothes in drawers and closet. If I find any other ideas that work, I'll be happy to share in this space.