I tried to join the online support group but the message window would keep getting frozen so that I was unable to post anything, and the other members posts wouldn't show up for minutes at a time. And then all of a sudden 3 or 4 minutes worth -of posts would show up all at once.

So after an hour and a quarter I gave up.

It could be my tired old laptop. It's a hand-me-down I got from a FreeCycler, and it's way out-of-date.

So, I think that, for now at least, I'll stick to this message board. It's more my speed. ;)

Will in Seattle
a.k.a. "Sleepless"

I just checked the web site for my local library and the book, "Buried in Treasures" is on it's way to my neighborhood branch library.

I've got a tab in my browser opened up to the Online Support Group.

And in the last couple of days I've tossed out a couple of cardboard boxes filled with old newspaper clippings.

I've got stack of old electronics piled up in the front hall by the door ready to take to the recycler.

So I've made a start.

Will in Seattle
a.k.a. "Sleepless"

"The trouble is that every time I try to go through an old box of stuff, I become overwhelmed by nostalgia and I just can't force myself to let go of much of it."

Yep, exactly...that's why these message boards are so very helpful. The people on here have been through and are going through the same things. I get physically ill and exhausted when faced with letting go of things that represent so much of my life. But the truth is, they really are just things that keep me trapped now so that I cannot enjoy the rest of my life.

Taking pictures is a wonderful suggestion, and will be very helpful, I think. If we have the photos, then we can have the memories again.

And also having someone (this group) to hold our hands is a terrific tool as well.

You've come to the right place.

(Buried in Treasures is an EXCELLENT book!)

YW, online support can be signed onto anytime, and if someone is in room, they can help you get going.

Hi, Sleepless!

No, you don't need to register to log in. I'm glad you plan to join us!

Thanks, Diane!

I have trouble remembering things, but I'll put some post-its around to remind me to try to log in to the support group tomorrow (Tuesday) night.

Do you know if I need to register before I will be able to log in?

Will in Seattle
a.k.a. "Sleepless"

Hi Sleepless, many of us have the same problem letting go of things. Have you read Buried in Treasures? You can check it out from library. We have to learn to see possessions differently to let them go, even take pictures of them so you can have the memories without the junk. Most of us support each other in doing the work ourself, since we have to make the decisions of what stays what goes. Would love to hire someone to make decisions for me!!! Truth is have to do it myself. Do you have a friend that could sit with you and keep you focused on getting rid of stuff? You can sign into "online support group" and perhaps get some support

I'm an old guy in my seventies, trying to downsize so I can move to a smaller apartment.

My landlady has been harassing me because of all the stuff I keep in the back bedroom, even though the local housing authority says I have it all stored properly and it doesn't represent a health or safety hazard.

But I'm taking the landlady's harassment as the motivation I need to get going and clear this place out. The trouble is that every time I try to go through an old box of stuff, I become overwhelmed by nostalgia and I just can't force myself to let go of much of it.

So, I'd be grateful for some suggestions on where I can turn for help on this project. I'm a low-income disabled senior, so I don't much to spend for professional help. But I do have a credit card and think I would gladly pay off the monthly credit card bill if I were to find someone who could help me work through this.

Will in Seattle
a.k.a. "Sleepless?