Letting people into the house

[OddsocksParticipant]

Nana wrote:

Not a nice way to speak to you – but if there really are rats getting into the house, do be very careful and act as soon as you can to keep them out and to clean, get rid of any food which could have been ‘got at’ by them – rats are dangerous in that, although they actually keep themselves clean and neat they carry diseases which can even be caught through contact with their urine – be sure to wear rubber gloves when cleaning.

I used to work in the food industry and I keep all foods not in the fridge or freezer in jars, or boxes of metal, glass or thick plastic, with lids. Nothing can get in or out.

My own progress, such as it is, has taken years – but I am really seeing such a difference now it is just a matter of keeping on doing things regularly, so that they become the normal thing and everyday occurrences.

After a time, though – you might start to get sudden impulses to start to tidy shelves and corners where things have accumulated, and sometimes at the most inconvenient times – it does feel so very strange, but also enjoyable in an odd way.

Thank you so much for pointing out the health risk. I did know about them and the action needed, but I might not have done, and it is so important.

Well done with the progress that you have made! I need to get into the habit of doing things regularly. I have just occasionally have had one of those impulses, and its wonderful to have them rather than doing anything to avoid taking the action. Very enjoyable!

[NanaParticipant]

I’ve taken the Christmas tree down, have packed up most of the decorations, but I have paused in order to repair the old fashioned wooden figures – refixing a cymbal, an arm and some feet so that they are ready to use for next year. Once the box is repacked it can go up into the roof space with the tree holder so I can find it again.

I am sorting through the things in the area where the tree was placed now, so the room is opening up a bit.

I suppose I ought to be glad that I had the space for the tree, and I was so very pleased that I could find the things I needed so easily, but now I want to do more sorting in that part of the room.

I have a dishwasher full of clean things, and also a washing machine to empty, so I’d better do that before I go to bed, ready for the morning.

[OddsocksParticipant]

bluesyjay wrote:

specifically about your three people,

they are most likely used to seeing messy spaces, all three for different reasons, firemen, pest control people and construction workers…

so this will not be the first time or the last

second, they usually really do not care, they are focused on getting the job done whatever it is

maybe the firemen will be more “preachy” because it’s part of their job

but isn’t if fantastic that you get to participate in a declutter group? what an opportunity! congratulations, I really hope you will find help, sharing empathic people, accountability, tools, etc.

so think about the firemen as a price to pay for that, in my idea it is worth it, as a rite of passage

wishing you the best of luck and all my “virtual” support

Thank you for those wise words! I re-read them when the fire people were about to arrive!

It was awful but it was short (and got 5 free good smoke alarms). And wont have to have it again! And it had to happen for the course.

The online info said that they would visit for about 30mins and give fire prevention advice. It was about 10 mins. Some of the team put up smoke alarms (free, and last 10 years) while their boss talked to me. A few facts (age etc) but otherwise only about clutter and what danger that means. If I was having any help. He kept asking if the Council knew about my problem, despite me saying I own my flat?

Off to find some chocolate!

Part of me still hopes that I will have a tradesman (they have all been men so far) who when I apologise about the clutter, says its not too bad!

[chaosqueenParticipant]

Maybe he was trying to say the council has ways to help? I say in celebration of having survived that visit you part with 1 item per person who cam in :lol:

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