I KNOW I have a problem

[Janet]

I am taking pictures of mine too and that way you get to see it as others do. It’s working! Slowly and painfully, I am gradually decluttering and getting organised.

[feag]

Totally agree regarding the kettle issue, as i have same with my mum who i am now back living with, we got a lovely new kettle but the old one we have still kept, as it is something we have had for years it went on the gas hob and the new one is electric, so we felt that if there was a power cut we could bring out the old gas hob kettle and use that.

Hmmmmmm

[Remy]

I think that is a great way by taking pictures. Well done.

TBH just get rid of the “just in case stuff”. If something breaks its nice to have a nice new replacement and not some old broken thing as back up. Things are always being updated anyway so sling the old and buy new if you need to otherwise you will never unclutter. Good luck

[Compulsive]

Thanks for the replies.
Janet I’m glad it’s working for you. It really seems to help but I get really embarrassed when I see it. It shocks me how I live really. In just about every other area I’m a very logical person. I now have a dedicated memory card to the pictures so that no-one else can get hold of it. I would be mortified if others saw what was kept behind closed doors.
Feag I’m glad I’m not the only one who keeps things like that. I have gone to throw it out so many times but it’s that little niggle that gets me every time. I’ll throw mine out if you’ll throw yours out. You know as well I as I do that we don’t really need to keep them.
I need a clutter buddy I think.
Jules it’s a lovely idea but I could never do a show about it. I am ashamed enough but posting anonymously on an internet forum is 1 thing, showing the world is another. Keep up the good work though, I LOVE the “worlds strictest parents”, it makes me feel great lol.

[rachelpapworth]

Hello Compulsive. I can hear how embarrassed and ashamed you feel and I want to reassure you that you’re not alone. I help people who have way too much stuff to declutter and create homes they love, homes that support them to live the lives they want to live. Without exception, the people I work with feel guilt and shame about their stuff. Many are too embarrassed to have anyone else come into their home (they’re suffering from CHAOS – Can’t Have Anyone Over Syndrome).

You’re also far from alone in having irrational thought processes that lead you to hold onto stuff. In fact, I assert that EVERYONE has such thought processes, even people whose homes are clear. The difference is that people have different levels of ability to manage such thought processes.

I train people to understand and get power over these thought processes. If you want to know more about this, join the Green and Tidy community at http://www.mygreenandtidylife.co.uk. It’s free to join and you get a decluttering masterclass plus regular hints, tips and inspirational stories.

Wishing you every happiness.

[Author]

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