Re: dead flat cats!
I've ruined my budding image as hoarder.
I threw away my dead rabbit.

Just a copy?
Someone we know has copies!

Good Morning Everybody 🙂

Hi CriticalMass 🙂
No, that's not really OCD.
Writing lists and mentally preparing for what you plan to do is a very good way to manage your future plans.
WAY TO GO! on doing all that other small stuff too! 😀
The small stuff really adds up to make a big improvement.

Hi Dave 🙂
WAY TO GO! 😀
For getting rid of the things you no longer want or need.
That is how is goes for everybody.
We declutter and organize an area and later go back and find even more things that we are now ready to let go of.
I am still holding on to my copy of Merriam Webster's dictionary because sometimes I am not online and might want to look up a word. 😉

The temperature here this morning was down in the 40s today, and that was inside the house. :/
Outside, it was 5 degrees.
Not a good week to hang wash out on the clothesline.
I can hang clothes in the house but don't have room for bigger stuff like bed sheets.
This is why I have extra Wintertime bedding.
No place to go and only some usual daily stuff to get done today.

TTYS 🙂

Magazines and newspapers are nice first or early step items. In my experience, (although this violates the OHIO rule you spoke of, after I made a first pass and cleared out a bunch of those, the next time I had to look at things because I really wanted to make some space, I found that some books I couldn't part with before could now be parted with. Just recently I cleared out some more old magazines that "had" to be kept 3 years ago.

I hope this isn't too OCD, but I think it'll be a good thing if I can keep from getting perfectionistic about it. I just like to think and plan, especially with big confusing things, so . . .

Made a file in Word to make a list of the stuff I have and hope to keep. Since the majority of it is in the storage unit at this time, I am relying on my memory at this point. But it's pretty good.

Then I'm making a list of the items I would like to obtain if and when I am able to move to a place of my own. That will be quite awhile, but I'll need things like a bed and a few pieces of furniture. The reason I'm listing these is so that I can think about how much can reasonably fit in a given space. A few years ago I was renting a small apartment and in trouble with the landlady because of having too much stuff. So it's kind of a reality check - X amount of stuff will fit in Y number of square or cubic feet, and don't forget you'll need to allow for Z, and that any excess violates certain laws of physics. 😉

When I get out to the storage when the weather is decent I'll be able to pull out things to get rid of and list more things that will be kept. There will also be a process ongoing of storing these "keepers" neatly instead of in a jumble as they currently are.

So anyway, this feels really promising, like some kind of breakthrough. Lest anyone think I'm only dealing in abstracts, I'm also currently going through magazines and stuff to get rid of here at the house. And other small things as Tillie suggested. 🙂

Hi CriticalMass 🙂

We all know that the decision making of decluttering and organizing causes a lot of anxiety and stress.
This is why we say to start with small easy and quick little projects.
They will still cause anxiety but it will not last long, honest.
As we work through projects we will start to notice that the anxiety and stress levels will become lower and last for shorter amounts of time.
We say to start with the easiest decision making tasks like bagging up anything that you know is obviously garbage like empty food wrappers and used tissues.
As we progress to more difficult areas our tolerance levels for the stress and anxiety are much higher.
It is a lot like planning to run a marathon.
First we start with short walks and gradually work up to longer walks, even going up hills at times.
Then we start jogging a bit and work our way up to actually sprinting.
We need to build up our decluttering, decision making and organizing muscles the same way.
Slowly working through the anxiety and stress and being able to see all our successes along the way.
Just like training for the marathon, there will be bruises, sprains and strains along the way but try to always keep the finish line in sight.
(((hugs)))

(hope this isn't duplicate post - had tech difficulties again...)

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

Good luck with those kitties! At least they are mousers. Some just want to bring the mouse in and let it go.

I found out some information that might help me with some anxiety issues that aren't directly related to hoarding but that would be a relief to be able to know what I'm dealing with and brainstorm better ways of coping. My overall stress level would certainly diminish if I could attack my panic triggers at the roots.

So that's a hopeful thing going into the new year. As regards the clutter, wanting to see if I can learn to do the "OHIO" (Only Handle It Once) rule more.

HAPPY NEW YEAR! Everybody 😀

Way down at the bottom of the main page in
"Hoarding Safety"
Sue has an announcement that you may be interested in.
😉

Wanted to wish you all a happy new year!

Good to see you, Dave! (WTG, Marty!)

Good Morning Everybody 🙂

Hi CriticalMass 🙂
YEA! that the government form has been turned in! 😀
Good Luck with all your plans this week.

Hi Dave 🙂
Wonderful to "see" you.
Great advice you have to give.
Wishing you all the best this New Year has to offer. (((hugs)))

Sorry I was away for so long.
Somebody gifted me with a nasty virus, head cold type misery.
Feeling a little more human today. 🙂
Yesterday Marty (the cat) caught a small mouse in my garden and after tossing it around for a while, killed it.
Then he waited for me to tell him what a wonderful big brave kitty he is and get some belly scratches.
The other day Twinkles (another cat) was playing with a mouse in the grass.
At night when I turn on an outside light you can see dozens of mice scurrying around.
We are over run with these plague infected rodents because the snakes are hibernating until Spring.
Every day I check to make sure none have made it past my barriers and gotten inside the house.
Unfortunately, Scooter (another cat) keeps trying to remove the steel wool I have packed into the holes where the plumbing enters the house.
He wants the mice to come in so he can play with them.

It's snowing again/still.
I need to get some food, so I will have to brave the snow and go to the grocery store.

Everybody stay safe and stay warm this last day of 2015. 🙂

I was thinking something along those lines too, Dave, thanks. 🙂 Moving in a hurry this year and ending up shoving important papers into bags along with unimportant has been beyond annoying. I need to find the things I need to find in the Ginormous Mountain 'O Papers and yes, file those neatly and where they're easy to find.

Hi all, stopped by briefly, hope you are all well and having a pleasant holiday season.

Critical Mass,
read down a few posts and noticed your comments about papers. You can also sneak up on the "ginormous stack" from behind by preparing a few critical 2016 file folders to catch the new year's papers. Critical depends on individual situations. For me that's files for Health Ins bills, Income tax receipts and a few banking and property insurance records. If there are pre arranged accessible buckets; the papers don't disappear into a pile when they leave my hand. (and I'm down to about a day and a half to get to the file folder box!)

This is a repost, more or less...I think the first version didn't go through.

Well, I missed posting yesterday; I was helping my roommate with a project and had errands to run. This morning I had to go turn in that govt form and they're only open till noon but I made it. Later though I think I'll do laundry, which has been neglected too long, and that'll help me feel better and also clear a bit of space.

Good luck everyone with whatever you are tackling today too.

Good Morning Everybody! 😀

Hi Roxie 🙂
A relaxing rain check dinner sounds very nice.
Make sure to do that! (((HUGS)))

Hi LR2014 🙂

Hi Anonymoniker 🙂
Staying in with the boyfriend is a wonderful way to pass those really cold days. 😀

Hi Tatoulia 🙂
Thank you (((hugs)))
"CLINK!" a Martinelli's toast! 😀
Your desk sounds absolutely beautiful!
WAY TO GO!!!

Hi CriticalMass 🙂
Mentally facing the challenge is and has always been the very first step of decluttering and organizing.
The second step is to then break it down into smaller, more do-able tasks.
We get so overwhelmed when we look at EVERYTHING that needs doing.
Smaller bits are very do-able though.
This is when a timer set for 5, 10 or 15 minutes really helps to get things started.
Another good way to start is to tackle one small area, even a foot square to begin with.
Since you have so many papers to sort out and organize perhaps just doing 5, 10 or 15 pieces in a session would help.
We are all here to cheer you on and celebrate with you all your successes large or small.
(((HUGS)))

Hi to everybody 🙂

I'm back, and this time one way or another I'm going to do more than just breeze through. In fact, I'm going to try to post something each day. As some may know, this has been a rollercoaster year for me and whether up or down, super busy.

I had a form to fill out and that made me have to try and find other papers - know the feeling? That caused me to have to confront the Ginormous Mountain of Papers and Stuff. I fear that if I don't get more serious again about decluttering I'm going to backslide. The first step is just facing it mentally. Right now even that is like, ugh.

But. Not facing the problem is not going to make it magically disappear. So here I am! It's good to be among those who understand, and all of us helping one another out.

Happy Birthday, dear Tillie! Oh I love that sparkling cider. I will pick up a bottle before New Years and will toast you!

This way, you have someone to share it with, yet you won't have to share.

My desk looks beautiful with my new lamp on it. Not sure what else I'll put on it. I do work at this desk three days a week so I can have things on the sides. Right now it just looks so pretty. I put my beautiful new lamp on a vintage silver tray and a glass bird on the tray with it. Stunning.

Let's see what I can do with the coffee table. Shall I start by dealing with the papers? Good idea!

Much holiday love to all.

My posts arent making it on the board?!?
Ive been trying to say 'Happy Holidays to all!' and that im glad everyone is enjoying themselves! Its been so bitter cold here that both my boyfriend & i have had to take time off work & that has been really nice cuz weve spent so much time together!
Tillie, i laughed so hard over your friend saying the gifts were from her cats, not her! ha ha That sounds like something id say!
I hope everyone continues to enjoy their progress & keeps making new progress to enjoy!!!~♡~☆~♡~☆~♡~

HI Roxie! 😀

We cross posted.
(((hugs)))

Good Morning everybody 🙂
11:30am here, still morning.

Hi Tatoulia 🙂
Hoping you had a wonderful time! (((hugs)))
Having a photo or mental image of what we want a space to look like is a great way to stay motivated and makes it a fun challenge getting there. 😉

Hi LR2014 🙂
Hope you had a wonderful Holiday (((hugs))) 😀

Decided this year that I would take several days to just kick back and enjoy my birthday.
Been celebrating it since the 23rd and will continue through to Monday.
Good news is...
I do not have to share my Martinelli's sparkling cider with any body.
Bad news is...
there is nobody to share my Martinelli's with.
Plus I get to eat all my homemade chocolate cupcakes all by myself.
Oh Well.........
Anyways, the high for today will be 29 degrees.
Not planning on going anywhere. The stores will all be insane with all the after Christmas shoppers loading up on holiday stuff at half off prices.
Also, I don't need anything right now since I laid in a supply of essentials to get us through to the end of next week.

Wishing you all a peaceful and safe weekend. 🙂

Barb, Tat, Tillie, LR and all others, Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and I hope you are making some fun and/or relaxation for yourself.

I took a rain check on Christmas so I'll take my bro out for dinner sometime, instead. Just too tired, time going by too fast!

Don't worry, be happy.

To those of you who celebrate it: Merry Christmas!

And to those who don't: Have a wonderful day today, whatever you choose to do with it!

Barb: Great to "see" you!

Wishing for Peace on Earth.

Have a picture of how I want my desk to look. That means I will be putting away some treasures to de litter it and make it look the way I want my whole house to look. Will do tomorrow, Christmas Day.

Although past 11 here on the East Coast (and nearly 70 degrees), we have another stop to make so we are heading out for a few more moments of cheer.

Hi 🙂

Been a busy day here today.
Marty (the cat) went to the veterinarian this morning.
Came home with pain medicine and an appointment for blood work next Monday.
He needs some dental surgery. 🙁
This afternoon my friend came by and we had a nice little visit.
She always disobeys my "no gifts" rule, she tells me the gifts are from her cats and dogs who I always baby sit.
She always knows what I like and gave me lavender potpourri and a lavender scented candle.
Earlier today the snow flakes were tiny and swirling all around in different directions.
Then the snow flakes got very big and fluffy and quickly covered everything.
It was beautiful. 😀

Good Morning Everybody! 🙂

Hi Barb 🙂
Happy you have found a method that is working for you. 😀
Everybody responds differently to different plans/schedules/methods and that's why there are so many different "How To" books/websites/videos available today.

Hi Tatoulia 🙂
WAY TO GO! for taking the time to take care of your self and washing your hair.
For me, getting myself cleaned up always improves my self esteem.
Bet making the ginger bread house was fun. I have never made one.
Wishing you a wonderful time tomorrow evening. (((hugs)))

Slept in today. Felt good sleeping till I was no longer tired.
Not even 10:00am yet and I have all my daily tasks completed.
Cats are fed, litter boxes scooped, bed made, floor swept, etc.
For the Winter Solstice celebration I put out treats around the evergreen tree for all the creatures that visit my garden.
Then the cats and I watched as they all came to eat.

Wishing you all and the whole world
peace. (((hugs))

Hello everyone!

Great to hear from you Tillie and Roxie! Thank you for making me realize what I've been missing. hello Barb!

Well tonight I was at my mother's, who is just out of the hospital. I helped pick up a little and did some laundry for her. I also finished our gingerbread house.

What was bugging me most tonight was how dirty my hair is, so I washed it. i haven't been in the office all week due to situation with mom and I felt filthy and gross. I just got home and showered and washed my hair.

Yes, the house is the problem but that felt good,

Glad to see everyone. I will post again tomorrow. Need a few more groceries for Christmas Eve dinner and I've done no wrapping. I guess that's what tomorrow is for.

I'm cooking dinner Christmas Eve at brother's house. I'll have to clean his house first but there's no clutter and he will help. It's more just about sweeping and mopping. Won't be too tough.

Love to everyone! Let's get back on track! We can do this!

I haven't posted in a long while. Hope everyone is doing well.
I recently joined this Facebook group. It is really helpful after you have done the initial decluttering blitz and want to keep at it. There is a calendar that breaks everything down in daily 15 min. blocks. It helps you get unstuck if you start to get bogged down.https://www.facebook.com/groups/declutter365/
Merry Christmas! Barb

HAPPY 1st. DAY OF WINTER! 🙂

Hi Tatoulia! 😀
Great to "see" you today, we all really missed you!
Remember, start with doing one small quick do-able thing.
Pick the one thing that is bugging you the most.
(((hugs))) 🙂

Hi Roxie 🙂
Thank you (((hugs)))
Green tea with lemon "CLINK!"
So true about this season being more difficult for many.

Well.....
today I got up and cleaned the heck out of this house.
Did stuff like even wiping out under both sinks, bathroom and kitchen.
So glad this house is very small when I have to clean it.
Just made up some creamed chicken and cauliflower and will clean the kitchen after I have taken this little break.
Wind is really blowing hard and another winter storm is on it's way.
Need to do some laundry but will have to wait till I can hang it outside.
OK, break time is over, time to do the kitchen.

TTYS 🙂

(((Tillie))) Good for you on getting some progress from Mr. T. I appreciate so much your faithfulness to posting here.

Coffee :::clink:::

I miss you all and I miss making daily progress on my situation.

I miss your friendship.

I need help getting back on track.

Hi 🙂

Without prompting or bloodshed he filled the truck with garbage and delivered it to the dump place.
His truck is not very big, a Ranger with a low camper shell, but it was stuffed full.
I think he too was tired of trying to walk through all the garbage in the driveway.
There is still a lot of garbage here but it is a little bit better now.
We are over run with mice and will never get rid of them as long as they are happy living here.
Fortunately, I have successfully blocked all their entry points to the inside of the house and keep a close eye out for any intruders. 😉