I have created a "clutter calendar." It has a to-do list every day, a very short one. "Clean off desk" lasted two days. "Clean behind desk" lasted one day. I don't give myself overwhelming tasks, but I DO get them done.

The clutter calendar is separate from my regular calendar, which lists appointments and everyday chores. Everyday chores don't count in a clutter calendar! It must be something you've ignored for months or years.

Fortunately I'm not a level-5 hoarder. I don't buy new stuff and I don't attach sentimental value to most of my things. So I can throw stuff away and donate it fairly easily. I'm a low-level hoarder, dealing with deep depression more than anything.

If it's a receipt or document I don't need anymore, I shred it. That way I know that nobody will ever see it. When the shredder's full, it all goes in the trash. You can also use it for kindling.

No professionals near my area, according to link.
Don't think I was really looking to hire anyone, anyway. Know it probably is too big a task for me to tackle alone, but...

Ironically, we did a lot of cleaning and purging at work today. :)

.....one of my concerns with a professional person in my area, was that once they are licensed, they are also suppose to report anything that doesnt measure up to code...that was here..it may not apply to your area or that service or your situation, but its just something to consider...

.....one of my concerns with a professional person in my area, was that once they are licensed, they are also suppose to report anything that doesnt measure up to code...that was here..it may not apply to your area or that service or your situation, but its just something to consider...

Hi, MessyMe --

Good that you have the financial resources for potential help. Have you tried contacting Steri-Clean through this website? I haven't used any type of service before, but it seems that as professionals -- they know to approach the situation in as discreet of a manner as possible.

I just attended a conference on hoarding issues and met some professional organizers. If you go to the Resources tab at Institute for Challenging Disorganization and input your zip code, you can search for an organizer who is specialized in helping clients with hoarding issues.

Hopefully you can find someone who is close enough to you to help? Having one professional assist rather than a "cleanup crew" would be more under the radar.

Good luck.

MessyMe, that is the same problem i have! Id have to hire someone way out of my area and if they were even willing to drive that distance, itd cost a lot. If i had decent guest accommodations(ha ha), they could possibly stay a few days at a time. Theres a lady right down my street that ive been tempted to hire, but id never be comfortable having a neighbor see this place! This is a main stuck point for me right now, too...also, sometimes my post doesnt show up on my first try, so i back up and try it again, tho that often causes doubles of the post

MessyMe, that is the same problem i have! Id have to hire someone way out of my area and if they were even willing to drive that distance, itd cost a lot. If i had decent guest accommodations(ha ha), they could possibly stay a few days at a time. Theres a lady right down my street that ive been tempted to hire, but id never be comfortable having a neighbor see this place! This is a main stuck point for me right now, too...

Yes, I do have financial resources to hire help. Not sure who I could hire in this small town without word getting around.

This is the third time I have tried to post this. I tried twice yesterday and nothing appeared. Maybe third time's a charm.

Messy Me, do you have financial resources to hire help?

Unfortunately no access to a truck or van. It's going to take a heck of a long time anyway, as I work 40 hours a week.

But... I need a new roof before Fall, so I'd better get on it, huh? Seems like a huge job to tackle by myself!

I am typing this during a lull at work. Probably not what they are paying me for, huh? ;)

Thank you so much for the advise!


MessyMe

Hey there, MessyMe? I had to check your name twice as i read your post to be sure it wasnt an old post of mine! Seriously! Tillie's suggestion sounds good to me. Do as much as you can without getting overwhelmed in a way that could hinder progress. Give yourself lots of praise along the way and know you are not alone in this situation! All the best in your new adventure?!! ~♡~

Hello MessyMe :)

I suggest you get the majority out of the house as quickly as possible.
Tell anyone who might ask that you are doing a major
"down sizing" Spring cleaning and minor repairs.
Many people are doing big down sizing these days.
If you have access to a truck or van this could really help move the stuff out with very little notice from neighbors.

Trying to sneak it out little by little would take forever.

Good luck and best wishes :)

I understand how I got here, just don't know how to get out.

I had two huge family tragedies within a short period of time and also went through a divorce.

My house is a total wreck and I have been living without water for a year. Also mostly sleeping in the laundry room, due to lack of heat and pest issues. If I hired anyone to address these issues, surely I would be evicted.

I am well respected in the community and have a good job I don't think anybody suspects that my house is a mess and that I shower each day at the YMCA.

I'm feeling much better and really don't feel the need to compulsively shop anymore. My question is, how do I clear this mess out without being seen, so I can either make needed repairs or move?

I think my close friends may suspect something, but not the extent. Nobody has been in the house for the last 10 years or so. The problem started about 18 years-ago. Thank you!