Hoarder in recovery
By Jaycee
@fivecandles (440)
United States
November 17, 2024 1:17pm CST
I'm a recovering hoarder. I hoard two things, craft supplies and papers. Papers like old medical EOBs, kiddo's report cards, legal documents. I don't hoard newspapers or trash.
The craft supplies are the worst. But the really bad part is when I don't use them bc I don't want to "waste" them on a project. Its like I get a perfect project in mind at the store and buy the stuff but by the time I get home the desire to do that one is gone and I want to do something else, but what if it sucks?
I say I'm in recovery because I am. Its been hard but I've been doing good. I do a bunch and then take a break and go again. So far I've donated about 1/2 of my stash and sadly through away some. About 95% of my stuff is still in great condition. No mice or bugs like trash hoarding. Its all clean and even "put away." Its just too much stuff.
I read this article, I'll link below, about One Decision at a Time method. It sounds like a combination of the "keep, donate, trash" sorting method I've been doing and also finishing a task rather than putting it somewhere it has to be moved again.
I'd love to hear your thoughts, esp from fellow hoarders. What do you hoard? Do you struggle with the clean part or just the stuff part?
Here's the article:
https://www.msn.com/en-us/lifestyle/cleaning-and-organizing/i-tried-the-odt-method-to-declutter-and-it-went-better-than-i-expected/ar-AA1uauFB?ocid=msedgntp&pc=U531&cvid=af27df64f55d4688b403beec61c8ce99&ei=27
9 people like this
10 responses
@rakski (126055)
• Philippines
17 Nov
I don't call myself a hoarder but I used to be 'sentimental'. You know, not letting things go because of memories it holds or because it belongs to a family member. But that was before having a family. Having kids will bring more stuff around the house so I try to declutter twice a year. I still have my kid's report cards, school diaries and stuff like that. As for other stuff, I only keep those with recent dates.
I'm glad you are not in denial. And I'm glad that you are now giving up those things.
2 people like this
@fivecandles (440)
• United States
18 Nov
Not keeping everything sentimental is hard! I can't give up all the random stuff from my kid, especially ones she made.
1 person likes this
@rakski (126055)
• Philippines
18 Nov
@fivecandles true!!
It's a difficult decision.
For my case, I just choose one item to remind my kids for certain time. But I can say photo is the best memory
@kaylachan (71762)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
17 Nov
My husband calls himself a pac rat because we have a lot of old things. Our third bedroom is a dumping ground for a lot of things, and I'm sure I need to clean out the fridge. But all in all I don't think things are that bad.
2 people like this
@fivecandles (440)
• United States
18 Nov
Thats good, pack rat is a better description for people who hoard things rather than trash.
1 person likes this
@kaylachan (71762)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
18 Nov
@fivecandles Well, people who are medically discribed as horders are people who can't let go of anything, including trash. It comes with a person's inability to sort through things and let go of physical objects. In a sense, it's not a bad idea to keep old documents, including pay stubs and recepts for an ammount of time. Just to ensure something isn't going to bite you later. Just like Marie is dealing with the car accident that wasn't her fault. Having hard coppies of the police reports and everything related to it is going to help her win her case.
The reason our third bedroom that we lovingly refer to as the pod, looks like a dumping ground is because it's fiilled with mail I haven't had time to sort, and medical supplies. I'm a month ahead on my husband's tube food. I also have cat litter I no longer need, but can't get rid of because I don't think I can lift it.
I also use a 10 gallon bag for my husband's used disposable underwear that I take out once or twice a week, instead of two to three times a dday.
So it's about prioritizing for me, and decide what's worth it, and what's not.
@snowy22315 (182196)
• United States
17 Nov
I think whatever works for you, you should do. I think I am a hoarder of footwear and cutesy stuff.I haven't got rid of much, but Iam diligently working on one closet.
1 person likes this
@snowy22315 (182196)
• United States
21 Nov
@fivecandles OMG, you are a hoarder. I never counted mine, but am certain it is less than 100.
1 person likes this
@fivecandles (440)
• United States
21 Nov
@snowy22315 I know! :( Its so bad, but I'm getting better!
@fivecandles (440)
• United States
20 Nov
I purged SO many shoes it was ridiculous. I seriously donated about 100. I still have too many left, but I'm trying to actually wear what I have so I know what I won't miss.
1 person likes this
@fivecandles (440)
• United States
20 Nov
It is easier to keep more the more space you have!
1 person likes this
@Deepizzaguy (104150)
• Lake Charles, Louisiana
17 Nov
I used to hoard tee shirts as well as short pants for a period of time until my relatives and myself have to give the used clothes to a local charity.
1 person likes this
@Deepizzaguy (104150)
• Lake Charles, Louisiana
18 Nov
@fivecandles Donations are better since someone else could use them.
@fivecandles (440)
• United States
18 Nov
I do think being able to donate rather than trash makes it easier for me. I actually donate through a local high school's band when they do their donation drive fundraiser. Until then its all stored at my husband's recording studio.
1 person likes this
@aureategloom (11398)
• Bosnia And Herzegovina
18 Nov
i see no problem as long as it's nicely packed in a box or something 
i keep everything written to me - letters, cards and even little messages we used to share at school. it's funny
and i also keep tickets from places i visit and paste them into my journal. i'd say i'm a "collector"
i keep everything written to me - letters, cards and even little messages we used to share at school. it's funny
and i also keep tickets from places i visit and paste them into my journal. i'd say i'm a "collector" 1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (38702)
•
21 Nov
I am not a hoarder, but I do keep some sentimental things. I have given a lot away.
My rule of thumb for trying to keep things on a level of being easily managed is, when something has to be purchased, and it's not food or household things, like clothing, etc. whatever comes in, goes out. In other words, let's say I bought myself 2 clothing items. Then 2 other old clothing items go in the donation box. It's a method that works well for me.
