Hello all, great reading your posts, thanks. We are so lucky to have each other.
Today was my first clinic this year, it was great, really enjoyed it and the gals I worked with. took a shower yesterday, 4 loads of laundry, so nice to sleep in clean sheets.
tillie I assume you did get dressed yesterday if you accomplished all of that work.
I noticed I was stressed this morning and tried on so many clothes, wasted over an hour, instead of just wearing what I had out to wear. It was good to pull out all the clothes, now will have to deal with them. My plan is to do what you said tillie, try them on and keep what I really like, will need to be on chat work to be willing to let go of a bunch of clothes.
Thanks tillie for support on big bedroom, I am getting close to being sick and tired of all the clothes, belts, purses etc.----------. Tillie you said to go slow this week so thought of that as the hoard buried me. I say I will do what others suggest, knowing it is a good plan, then start working on something totally different. After work today, I said just do something fun, so I worked in the yard, needed that outside time. Took all the roofing shingles that did not fit in garbage last week and got them in garbage for tomorrow, so happy that will all be gone tomorrow. Still have some of the boards that turned in to sawdust from roof, but that can go next week or burn when burning is allowed.
Garbage cart is full to brim, threw some things away for practice, cups, no chips or cracks, would have to wash to donate, so tossed them. I put a fire wood rack on deck that I used last year but took off deck in spring. Got most of roofing supplies off roof, including the boards I used to walk on. Still a few things to fix up there, almost done.
A filling fell out of a tooth this afternoon so I have to call dentist tomorrow to make an appt. to have it filled before it rots. Sick of dental bills.
Thanks again for all of your posts, so great to feel like I have a group of friends to discuss our progress, ups and downs.

You really are a marvel, Tillie. You embody my favorite saying, which is, the soul's highest calling is to be if good cheer. I'm not sure if that's attributable to Keats or Yeats or another poet I studied in college, but I strive to live by that phrase. And you are living proof it can be done.

Roxie, the walkers with the seats are marvelous. Some of the people I take care of have them and they are terrific. I'm glad you stood your ground and insisted on one. As to packing up and going to your brother's, I can understand. What I suggest is think about it. Take your time and think about it. If I were being pressured, my answer would be an immediate "no!" So take a little time to mull it over. Being pressured makes it so I can't even think. If your answer is still no, then so be it. It'll be your decision and not a reaction to pressure.

To everyone, I enjoy your posts. You are helpful and strong and good friends. Meeting you has made a measurable and positive impact on me.

Thank you Dianne (((HUGS)))

I used to not be able to deal with these attacks but I got help.
Dr. Michael Tompkins, author of "Digging Out".
On the A&E message boards back when "HOARDERS" was still on the air.
The things he wrote to me helped me so much in how I now deal emotionally with this.
Bless him for his truly kind and generous spirit.
(((Dr. Tompkins))) :)

Hello everyone! Good to read your posts! Hooray for all of the good work. Thank you for the "happy dance" Tillie! Yes I did get into that closet. Took the two little bags of coins I found in there to bank--$29.97! That brings my total take (so far) to $33. I keep telling myself there's $100, and I'm a third of the way there!

Roasted a turkey for a person who is a shut-in today. Counter space! Clear sink! Clean fridge! Well I won't go so far as to say cooking a turkey was a joy, but it was great in my nice clean kitchen! And I cleaned it up immediately.

Dianne, the story of the friends tossing their trash into the back of your car resonated with me. Just so upsetting. Just socked me in the gut.

Diane, you are so industrious. I know how discouraging it is to be a hoarder. We all do. I swear sometimes I get tired just from reading all that you've accomplished. Keep your chin up. You're doing great work.

LR, keep up the good boxes work. Funny, I used to stuff papers in boxes and feel like I'd straightened up. And now, I realize that the boxes were just clutter dens. None left in the house, will see what evil lurks in my storage spot.

Hope to hear from all of you soon. Thinking of Roxie and Bitsy and Karl and sending all my best to everyone here.

I just wrote a long note and it disappeared, darn it x 2. Basically worked all day mostly in big bedroom. Has a storage area that is hoard to ceiling. Mice took Mollys food up in purses, she has been gone since November, so old food, I jumped and the hoard fell on me, only a few scratches. really sad how much crap I stuffed in there. at this moment, I never want to go in there again.
Organized some stuff on deck that re cluttered. fleeting thought, I am getting worse at clutter, just dealt with messes today, then read your posts, and feel much better and reminded me I have made lots of progress, thanks so much.

Good morning. Following up on my goals from yesterday: I did eventually get them all done.

I ended up bringing home four boxes from storage to go through, and while I was at that storage place I rearranged some things to make the other boxes more readily accessible. I was able to reduce the four boxes I brought home down to one. I was able to make quick work of it once I got started. Some boxes took as little as five minutes to deal with! Most of the contents of the boxes were old papers that can now be shredded. I feel good about having finally started this project. It's been on my personal "to do" list for months.

Hearing diane talk about her car project reminded me that the inside windows of my vehicle needed attention, especially the windshield. While my supper was cooking in the microwave last night, I grabbed a paper towel and some vinegar and wiped part of my windshield (inside of driver's side). Dirt and dust had been building up there, and it had been getting harder to see out of it at certain times of the day (when the sun would hit it at a certain angle). I need to do more cleaning there later, but at least for now, I can drive a little more safely.

I'll probably post more later, but it's time for breakfast right now. I did make some fresh tea yesterday, Roxie, so . . . iced tea clinks to your coffee cup!

When I get my free things, I never know how much I should keep. Within the last couple of weeks, I got 36 8 oz containers with screw on lids and 36 6 oz containers with screw on lids. How many of each do I keep. I have already used a few. I have lots of spiral notebooks - I do use them at work, but when they were on sale, I was buying 18 at a time. I need someone to tell me a number. My helper had set a limit of 10 paper bags and that is what it is kept at. How do you set limits?

Tillie, you are so dear--growing like weeds! Was happy to hear from you, Roxie. Keep up the good work but don't push too far, too fast. Rebuilding health and strength take time.

Giant thanks to Diane and LR. I joined chat today and got started on the closet. At last. Not nearly that bad. I took out three large trash bags of essentially bags. All sorts of bags-- plastic, paper, reusable grocery bags, flannel bags that came with purses, garment bags from long defunct boutiques, boxes from stores that closed long ago, watch boxes, Christmas boxes. Okay, I've gone too far here--if you're still reading, sorry for that!

Managed two recycle bags of plastic hangers and have one large bag for goodwill. Two pretty black coats are in it--one is cashmere but I have so many coats and I'm letting it go. NO BUGS OR CREATURES ENCOUNTERERD! Yay!

Still have a lot of work to do on closet but I faced my fears and got in there! Thank you everyone! I'm hoping to find a hundred dollars So far found three, only $97 to go! Did find two bags of change, will take to bank tomorrow.

Keep up the good work!

The online chat work sessions are so great. Helps me see things differently.
Got all dishes done and put away. Mowed lawn. This morning, then got on chat and did car.

I am pretty tired now, so may not do any more today.
I only work one day this week so have an outfit for that. Hope to find more outfits in closet tomorrow if not tonight. Going to take a smoothie out on deck and have long break. Thanks

Happy you are getting stronger Roxie. Tat, getting rid of credit cards is a priority, and you are doing it!! LR, very balanced work load today, good for you, and thanks for the support this am. I was making up reasons not to wash car. You talking about cleaning your car and that you do not mind washing yours, really helped. I washed car, then waxed it, looks great, then decided to vacuum inside. Saw the spilled coffee and other junk with new eyes, so took everything out and I mean everything, mats, blankets,pillow, coat, tire pump, spare tire, trunk liner, vacuumed it all inside. still have to wash mats, they are gross. This was not fast, took hours. Opened hood and checked all fluids, hoses etc, all fine. Started washing inside and finally ran out of energy. I bought the car in 2006 new, and have never took everything out before. Cleaned door jams maybe twice. Never washed floor mats. Never checked spare, jack etc before today. You would not believe all the food under the seats, in trunk etc, but not one critter. I have experienced cleaning thoroughly in here, so thought I would try it out on the car. Still need to wash interior windows and some other little areas, need toothbrush to reach. It feels nice to know I will not be embarrassed when I put clinic supplies in or take workers in car. I semi cleaned last year before clinics, but hid stuff under blanket, now so much better. I wanted to do anything other than wash the car this morning, and now so happy I got on chat and talked with LR about cleaning cars. Hope all is well with you today.

I haven't posted much either but have been keeping up with everyone's posts. Good to see you even for a minute last night, LR. I have been maintaining my clean and cleared spaces and have been talking myself down from buying stuff. Today is the perfect day for me to implement the excellent suggestions re dealing with that closet. It's really the last frontier before I deal with storage space. Today no work AND it's trash night. I have all the supplies I need--gloves, mask, bug spray, trash cans and it appears I am out of excuses for ignoring it.

Getting rid of the clutter is helping me deal with my financial problems, which really started piling up in the last five years. Have now paid off two credit cards and have a plan in place for the third and final card. Very excited. I also feel I can start dealing with my weight. (Also packed on in the last 3-5 years). I am so happy to find you all. You are helping me to make positive, measurable changes in my life. You have helped me find the strength to deal with the tough stuff. How lucky am I?

Hope you are all well. I appreciate your friendship and support.

Good morning. As I mentioned at chat last night, although I haven't posted much this past week, I have been reading your posts. Great to hear from you all. Iced water clink to your coffee cup, Roxie! (I need to make some fresh tea.)

One of my goals for today is to get a couple of boxes out of storage, put them on my back patio, and at least begin to sort through them. (I'm hoping that most of what I find inside will be things I can now trash or shred.) I also plan to add to my gratitude list, get some bills paid, and spend at least fifteen minutes organizing some of my financial paperwork.

Have a good day, everyone.

Today was the big day, I attached the roof ridge cap, not great, but ok. Then I patched all the areas I could until I was exhausted and the wind started really blowing. There is one little area that I do need to finish tonight, looks like rain is blowing in, at least it is finally in low 80's and will be in 70's this weekend. Have so much more energy when it is cooler. I was so sad my dog sitting days were over then today I find out Nellie is coming here in a few weeks and Max will be here end of Oct. so happy to have that to look forward to. Short visits but comforts me to have them here.
Just realized did not start washing machine, will soon. I wanted to watch the dr Phil show today on hoarding, but forgot, rerun I have missed 2 times now. There is a big fire 70 miles from here and wind has blown smoke all that way past few days. I keep reminding myself to stick with the task I am doing, get distracted so easily, and what ever pops in my mind seems impt., roof is important, need to finish that today. Dishes are impt. so did wash those. I am so happy it is cooler, this was the hottest summer here since I have lived here and winter was the coldest winter in decades, strange weather. I love having this site to sign into and feel connected, who else could understand how difficult it is for me to stay focused and finish projects. Yesterday I left the water on in the yard for hours, totally forgot I turned water on. Checked fire ants today, still alive, just less of them. I sprayed them with poison, boiling water then some nasty poison pellets for them. They are amazing how they are able to just keep going. Reminds me of us, no matter how bad the clutter is, we keep working on it.

Roxie, I am glad your home and doing a little better.
Meds. I only have six a day now and that seems like a lot to me. And I am hoping I don't have any new major medical for at least a couple more years. Every day my body reminds that I am old but only this last month have I realized that my children are really not young any more. Thanks for your info about professionals. The two professional companies I talked to back in June or July gave me quotes of $15,000.00+ for the NE Atlanta house. Seems a little steep. I need to check with the ones referred on this site. It won't need any deep cleaning because it will be sold as is and probably torn down (the similar brick ranch next door was torn down and a Mc Mansion was built there). or gutted and a second story added like a house across the street. It is in a very desirable location just inside the perimeter, so I hope I can get enough from the property to cover what's left on the equity loan. (It was all paid off until the bottom fell out of the economy).
Today I need to take care of some financial matters and pay some bills.

Tillie, I smiled ear to ear seeing feathers flying and thinking the cats probably thought you had gotten some birds for them to play with. Roxie, happy to know you have friends to get groceries etc. When I had hip surgery, living alone, saw an article in paper that there is an interfaith volunteer group that puts up railings for steps, which I had done. they also offered to do other things for me, but I was ashamed of hoard so said no. Wonder if there is a similar group there. Life is difficult alone when recovering, so I hope you check out sources of assistance. good you hired people to declutter.
Today was hot again so did not get much done, tomorrow hopefully will cool down. I did go visit a couple that have relatives from New Zealand visiting, it was so much fun, nice people.

Getting started is the hardest. Not being able to make decisions about where to put what I decide to keep. storage unit? Buy another storage shed? Now since son won't be working for a while we may be trying to just move to North Carolina. just indecision and confusion.

Dianne,
Thanks so much for sharing your journey process.

Good afternoon all. Thanks Karl for suggestion. Just paid bills online and checked to make sure, and it appears bank paid bill on time, so I will call.
I worked all morning in freezer room, organized more stuff and found more to donate and toss. Nailed up a rack with holes for different sized hand tools, keep losing hammers etc. so want to know they are on rack. Amazing how fast the time went. I am happy with what I got done, but it is already 90 degrees. so zaps my energy.
A friend asked me to join her on Saturday morning for a shopping trip, I waited for several hours then said no. Did not want to disappoint her, truth is, crowds bug me and shopping just to shop is not good for me.
Glad to hear you are taking a day off Tillie, you have been through a lot.

So happy to hear your energy is back, Tillie, and that you feel like yourself again! Diane, I'm glad you have your schedule. I find that when I don't know my schedule, I feel like I can't make any plans or accomplish anything til I know what my week wi!l look like. I hate feeling like I'm being held hostage by the unknown and am actively working to break that pattern of mine

Dianne, I understand your fears of backsliding. I have to fight to see my living spaces as they are, so I don't let things creep back in. I really just open my eyes and look. I am amazed that dining room table clutter free, nothing on the floors in any room, things put away....but wait, what's that pile of papers on my end table? I will attend to that now.

Have a wonderful day, all. Keep up the good work!

just got home from going to a friends house that I work with. She graciously printed off my schedule for me, she is very computer literate. I am so relieved to have my schedule and know I will have enough work.
Visited with friend and her husband for over an hour, it was so pleasant in their big bag yard. He picked me some plums and tomatoes to take home, such nice people. His mom is the woman I visited in Nursing home, now in assisted living, she will not leave her room so I plan to go tomorrow and sweet talk her into a little movement and fun. Will make me feel better to make her feel better.
It is going to be hot tomorrow so plan to patch roof first thing tomorrow, too hot today. Wanted to do housework first today so would get it done. Tat, congrats on clean kitchen. Thanks all for sticking with this site.

Just a quick hello to everyone to tell you how much I appreciate your wisdom and candor and friendship. I just got home and upon walking into my clean kitchen, I felt good about myself. I'm not done by any means but I could have just about anyone in my house right now. They'd have to use Diane's or Tillie's bathroom, however.


I vow to work on my dreaded closet. I am almost out of excuses. I can hear Tillie's words echoing in my head, you will be glad once you've reclaimed that space.

Take care, all. Stay strong. Special wishes to Bitsy. Click the link, make the calls, and get some help. We will stand by your side step by step.

Hi Bitsy :)
At the top of this page "click" on "National Resources" and then "click" on your state.
Call the companies listed and interview them.
Ask them all the questions you can think of.
Ask them to explain exactly what they will do for you.
The three companies listed have been found to be reputable and there have so far been no negative reviews of them.
It seems that having a professional company clear out the house would solve quite a few of your problems, like time and money once the place is sold.
(((hugs)))

bitsy, your honesty is inspiring. Did you look at the tabs at the top of this page, has resources for helping clean out houses. Great idea to pay to have cleaning company clean it out, have it done, and sell house.Hard to focus on your needs when you are taking care of so many people! Take good care of yourself.

Hi everybody. My son is out of the hospital on the 21st. Things are not great. We are staying in a $200.00 a week extended stay motel. trying to figure out what to do and how to get it done. He is not in as much pain but is having trouble getting supplies for colostomy and wound care. The bottom part of his surgical wound reopened while he was still in the hospital. it is about the size of a half dollar and is draining. He is also trying to apply for Medicaid and other assistance since he is not insured and will not be able to work till after the reverse surgery in December and it's already been a month since he was able to work. zero income.

So we have not been over to the SE metro Atlanta house to make "goat paths" from front door to "his" two rooms and bathroom. We have gone over long enough for me to take care of the 2 cats. Hopefully, when I get time I can pay neighbor guy to help with that. soon.
Meanwhile, I am paying all the bills for both houses. the other one in NE metro Atlanta about 45 minutes away. and food, gas for car etc. etc.

Just so the new people know my situation. I am 70 yrs old. have trouble walking more than about twenty feet at a time do to circulation problems. and other medical problems. The last 5 to 7 yrs I have spent time and money helping 6 unemployed adult close relatives and 2 infant, now preschool great grand-kids, through the bad economic times. ("good excuses" for being distracted from my own issues).

So now I have two 7 room houses, one with basement and one with large storage shed, both full of stuff and trash. I have been overwhelmed and depressed forever. Something is always happening. When I first found this sight (maybe in June) I was trying to decide what professional company I thought I could trust to help me de-hoard the NE Metro house so I could try to sell it. Property tax statement just came in the mail. $2000.00+. $1000.00+ due by end of September other half due in November.


Anyway this is getting too long and we have to get going. But It seems like maybe Dianne and Roxie and maybe some others know something about choosing and working with professionals. and not stressing out because I can't do baby steps or go slowly. I don't know anywhere else to turn for support and advice.

Dianne I am so grateful to read your post and how beautiful your house is again and the happiness you and daughter can have in your clean house. I have had a difficult time with maintenance, which is why I fear the hoard will return in living area, so I can relate. Would hiring a cleaning woman 2 times a month solve that for you?
Tillie soooooo happy your self esteem returned, funny how we feel bad and don't know why, then when feel better it is an ah-ha moment. You deserve to have a clean no clutter house and plenty of time to be creative and have fun.
Ok, for me, difficult time sleeping last night so finally got up at 5am. Decided to first do the dishes that have piled up past few days, 2 drainers full, all done. Since I had rubber gloves on, why not clean bathroom. Thoroughly cleaned floor, toilet, sink counters, mirrors, felt good to keep going even when I wanted to stop several times. I know I often quit after the difficult stuff is done, but I talked myself into finishing, reminded myself over and over, I am changing that habit.
Got through one pile of papers, got bills ready to pay. Last month phone bill, which I pay online was one day late and I was charged $6.00 late fee. Bank must have sent it late, who knows, it really upset me knowing I had paid it on time. I just got this months in mail yesterday and I usually pay as soon as I get the bill. Last night friend I work with said she is giving more clinics to to women that are having financial difficulties. Both of those women have other jobs, they just complain about bills more than I do. My SS is under $600 a month after insurance is taken off, so I know I need work more than others do. I was sad and hurt because I usually get first choice because I have worked with her the longest of any of the other nurses. I did say, I usually get first choice of clinics, she said she just feels so sorry for them. She sent me schedule after we spoke. I can not open the attachment so do not know how many clinics I have, just the anxiety of not knowing makes my stomach hurt. Last night I asked her to send it, not as an attachment, just checked, no response. I count on that work every fall, so am scared.
I have to let go and focus on finishing projects today. After I feel calm I can phone her and ask her to read me my schedule. Ok, off to work for me

Good Morning Everybody! :D

Had some unexpected but very welcome rain last evening.
It was opening day for BURNING MAN festival and they received a lot of rain out in the Black Rock desert, but the festivities will still go on.

burning man

The people travel right through my area to get there and again to leave.
I enjoy talking to them and they come from all over the world.
This is the "last stop" on the way there to buy food and water and gasoline.

Yesterday I watered everything outside then came in and cleaned the house properly.
Not just kinda/sorta dabbed at it.
Half way through cleaning I started to feel real good emotionally.
Stopped & thought about it and discovered that my self esteem had returned.
Didn't even realize that I had lost it. Just knew I was very depressed.
But now I'm back to more normal, well, normal for me anyway. :)

So GREAT to read the posts this morning! :D

Time for me to get moving, the washing machine is done, need to hang wash & start on some more wash loads.
The cats are fed their breakfast.
The usual daily tidy ups need doing and I have work/play projects I am looking forward to getting to.

TTYL :D