Remember those worn out jeans that will only fit if you lose 20 pounds? Or those margarita glasses you used just once in college? As humans we tend to find attachments in lifeless belongings that we associate with distant memories and certain phases of our life, but what if we feel sudden anxiety when we are told to dispose of the clutter? Do you feel a deep sinking feeling, like you just can’t get rid of it?
Cluttering Vs Hoarding
It’s safe to say that most of us have enough space in our houses to move around and adjust new furniture pieces. It’s also easier to clean the mess up and adjust guests and family members when the need be. Our bedrooms are meant to be used for what they really are- sleeping and collecting valuables and keeping our possessions close to us. While this is all normal, hoarding is miles apart from what I have described above. At its worst, hoarding is a state of mind where a person is chronically disorganized and extremely attached to their possessions, to the extent that it effects their social, personal and romantic lives.
How to Recognize Hoarding?
In order to recognize the signs and symptoms of hoarding, you need to answer the following questions from yourself and answer honestly:
- Are you buying the same things (clothes, furniture etc.) even when you have piles of it at home?
- Do you feel ashamed when you have to invite someone over in this mess?
- Are you financially unstable because of this constant clutter?
- Do you feel euphoric and happy when you buy something new?
- Do you have a difficult time letting go of the things you bought?
Tips for Overcoming Clutter
- I know it’s hard, but make a promise to yourself to either utilize, or discard/recycle/donate any unused or unwanted items around the house.
- Commit to daily decluttering. Choose a certain area of the house, set a timer even if it’s just 10 minutes and clean that area of the house. Rid yourself of broken, unused items so you can make space for new ones.
- Going hand in hand with the above point, make it a habit to not buy anything unless you have completely ridden yourself of the previous item. Either use it till its broken, sell or donate if in good condition.
- If it’s been more than 6 months since you last used that piece of clothing or kitchen utensil, then perhaps it’s time to let go. Honestly, if you haven’t used it till now, you won’t be using it any time soon. If there is a lot of junk, using a junk pickup Dade County service is recommended.
- Make a conscious decision to avoid collecting clutter. Take active steps for it. Involve your friends if needed.
- Take a good look at your folders, assignments, bills, and paperwork, that’s a part of the mess too. Go through them and dispose of the unwanted ones.
- Lastly, it’s important to realize, that people who suffer from the obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) tend to be chronic hoarders too. In that case, the above tips will not work and it’s important to seek professional help. Cognitive behavioral therapy can do wonders for these patients.
- Again, for removing too much junk laying around, get help from a Dade County junk removal service to haul extra stuff safely and responsibly.
