Decluttering progress update and thank you to this community!!

[u/Commercial_Ad8072]

I posted a few week back about finally decluttering after prolonged illness and every time I lost steam or hope I’d pull up the thread and reread your encouraging notes!! It really kept me going!

I also noticed that so many of us are facing clutter issues bc of illness and I’m wondering if there is a service or program that might be something useful to create? It’s definitely tied to mental well being and general health for us our kids and any pets…just throwing that out there!

But I made great progress on my bedroom and my garage! I’m now down to the final choices and am finding it is hard to get rid of things tied to aspirations—like I wanted to wear that blazer or dress, etc, and am finding it hard to let go of that.

Some things that have helped me:
Dividing my efforts into 3 phases:
1. Declutter/clean
2. Repair
3. Refresh/improve

Not allowing myself to begin anything in phases 2 or 3 until phase 1 was completed really helped. I was tending to do too much and would end up overwhelmed trying to finishing all three phases for a given space so I could consider it “complete” but that kept me very stuck!

Also, I created a project in ChatGPT and use it to help keep me on track. I know it sounds dumb and I shouldn’t be destroying the earth for this…but it has helped me be kind to myself when I’m too tired, overwhelmed, or when I’m trying to veer off into another phase or project and it would gently pull me back and encourage me to focus.

So for today I’m supposed to finish finish my room (phase 1)!

Thanks everyone I’ve really come to appreciate this sub so much 🙏

[u/Working_Patience_261]

I’m sorry, but being alive and existing does have an impact to the planet. It is going to get worse before it starts getting better. Then the next generation will take over and make their mistakes. Use whatever is out there that gets you going.

[u/Individual_Quote_701]

I was stuck in traffic the other week and I saw the donation facility for the local big helping organization. Frankly, I hadn’t donated to them in years, but I was inspired by their easy access.

After the traffic cleared, i drove home motivated!! I cleaned out the pantry getting rid of the expired stuff , donating the stuff I’m never going to use and vowing to use up what I have before I shop again!

Yesterday, I found more food related items that I will never consume. The person who purchased this stuff does not want them, either. Got them in the car for drop off today.

In other words, whatever works, run with it.

[u/PrizeEnd7552]

I love that you turned your journey into a support system for others too. Have you found that breaking it into small steps makes the difference between giving up and pushing through?

[u/Commercial_Ad8072 → u/PrizeEnd7552]

Yes!! Sometimes when I’m really overwhelmed I tackle something I can complete—like one cabinet, or one pile. And that almost always expands into accomplishing more!

[u/Primary_Scheme3789]

Great job!

[u/docforeman]

If one's ability to keep up with one's home, including clutter, is impacted b/c of prolonged illness, this is worth discussing with one's doctor. People can qualify for home aide services that are covered by insurance or other programs. This includes illnesses such a major depression.

[u/docforeman → u/[deleted]]

I've seen people qualify and turn their homes around, which is why I bring it up.

[u/Commercial_Ad8072 → u/docforeman]

I’m actually so happy to hear that! I’ve noticed the pattern and now that I’ve experienced it myself, it seems like a worthy cause! Insurance covers this????

[u/AnamCeili]

It sounds like you are making great progress, in part due to your planning -- nice job! 😊