While we were away on vacation and watching tv before going to bed, we happened on a documentary on A&E about hoarding. The people on the show had very severe hoarding problems, but I still recognized in the them the same level of anxiety I get when I try to deal with my mess. These people had accumulated disgusting amounts of filth. One woman hoarded cats, and there were dead cats and decomposing cats all over her home and property, rats, etc. She was completely unaware of the severity of her problem, and could not conceive of the idea that she might have to get rid of all her animals. She had a terrible panic reaction at the idea that this could happen, which of course it did, had to, since she was endangering herself and the animals.
Although it was hard to look at, I took it in, remembering my parents' home, and the mess I had to deal with, and vowed that I would never let my own problem, minor in comparison at this point, get out of hand.
When we came home from our trip, Jeremy, that wonderful boy, had cleaned up the table and surrounding area. And I am trying to keep it clear, as a new year resolution. I cleaned out the cabinet and am giving away packaged food I do not think we will use. The next task is the refridgerator.
9 comments:
Well, we have our problems with hoarding, too--but M plans to have all of the paperwork transferred to computer files, and that will eliminate most of the problem.
I actually look forward to our Christmas dinner parties as a chance to really clean up and reorganize the place. Entertaining really helps give a focus for getting rid of unnecessary stuff, including clothes, etc. which we give to the salvation army.
We both recognize that ultimately, this place is too small for all the activity here, and we'll probably have to get a bigger place (a house, probably), and I suspect more space would help you and your family as well.
We just have to keep working at it, day by day. Fortunately, more of our work everyday (vendor invoices, etc.) is being shifted to the computer files, and it's not as bad here as it was a year ago.
Robbi, it is wonderful that the boy is helping you out. You should, pull everything out of your cabinets, throw out food that is expired, and orgazine the cabinets. I have done this over the last three weeks. I also, washed the shelf's and put new shelf paper in/on all of the cabinets. My kitchen is organzied and pretty.
Beth
Good for you, Robbi.
Robin,
I think Manny has the same problem, from what I can see. But I am glad that the online storage is helping out. It helps me to some degree, but I also make hard copies of my work, of course.I think you are right that space will be some help, but I think also that people expand to fit whatever space they have. Look at my parents!
I have done those things, except I did not put shelf paper in there, but I am giving stuff away to the food drive and I have thrown out dubious onions and potatoes and am starting over.
Well Lou, I haven't done anything with the fridge yet. Too many papers to grade and holidays and conferences and planning and parents. Too much of a muchness.
The answer is get rid of shit!! I gave away things that was very difficult for me to give away but, I did it. I gave stuff to people that, I know will apreciate it. I have had my place painted, and cleaned out all cabinets and my place looks amazing. It is alot of work to do this, but, it is well worth it. Robbi, I have offered to help you. The hardest part for me, was getting started. Once you do, you feel inspried to clean every room top to bottom. Forgot to mention, I too, live in a 2 bedroom apt.
Beth
Beth,
I just don't have time to do that kind of cleaning. I am barely able to do what I need to do now. But sometime I will o these things.
EXCUSES EXCUSES!!!! Dedicate 10 minutes a day to cleaning a specific area. For example you can spend 1 day throwing out expired food, the next day wiping down the outside door, the next day wiping down the shelves inside the door, the next day 1 shelf in the fridge and so on. Keep antiseptic wipes on the counter next to the fridge so you can do quick mini wipe-ups in between the once a year empty out the whole fridge cleanings.
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