| Pixgrls | Posted: 29 June 2013 - 09:46 AM |
As I was catching up with recent posts (and some older ones), I noticed that a lot of the posts asking for help (due to either physical limitations or financial limitations). A few posts had members that said they would offer help if they lived near the original poster. I don't know if this subject has been brought up before, and apologize if I have, but I thought maybe some kind of barter system of helping others clean or de-clutter their house, and then in return they would help the other person clean their home could be extremely helpful for many. Obviously, the two (or more) people that are willing to work at another's house and receive help at their house would need to live in a fairly close proximity or agreed upon distance limitation. Something like this could remove the fear of being judged by someone unfamiliar with the difficulties in trying to get their house clean as well as having emotional support from a "cleaning buddy". Each participant could then get a major jump on reaching their goal of getting to the "maintenance" stage. It just seemed that many of us really could use, and need help, but may not have any friends or relatives that can help or we would rather they didn't help, and it doesn't appear that many have the financial resources to hire a cleaning company come in to help us out. Along with this forum, the idea could also be presented to other hoarding forums such as SOS to have a larger base of those willing to give reciprocal cleaning, de-cluttering, etc. help to those that have provided the same assistance to them. Since the forum members already come to the table without judgment, as well as understanding the fears or roadblocks many have when having to throw out things and make decisions, the cleaning day progress can be posted giving others more motivation and inspiration. Especially reading the posts from Green (Formerly Me) and all of the anxiety, difficulty, and ultimately disappointment she had to go through trying to get her move done, how nice it would have been if she was able to work a something with another member and help them later. Or even if someone felt that they would just volunteer to help someone if they live close by just to lend a helping hand. I would have been in the same boat trying to move things and only move what I could, and also would never have been able to afford the $3-$3.5k quoted, but realize why these services are so expensive. What do other members think of this idea, or something along the lines of trying to "physically" help each other? Pix | |
Replies (5)
| Dianne | Posted: 07 July 2013 - 08:10 AM |
Don't apologize, Isabella. You had an explosion of brilliant creativity and all the details are what makes an idea an exciting reality. It would take a lot of work that some of us couldn't contribute to very much but it's worth pursuing. Maybe contact Cory and see if it's something that he could incorporate into his business. I could see MayMay running the Ohio part of it. | |
| Isabella_Ringen | Posted: 06 July 2013 - 08:52 PM |
Sorry I got carried away with too many ideas and weensy possible details! I also wrote waaaaay too much, but I was expecting others would post their own ideas too. Completely different ones, maybe better ones - there are all kinds of people here with all kinds of needs and talents. I'm an idea person, for example, not a great follow-through person. Each is needed. And as someone impeded by serious health issues, I can't really participate in helping - can't keep up with my own cleaning, much less help someone else's! Maybe having a couple of volunteers per event in addition is more practical. Nor are any of us trained in sanitary protection, blood and airborne pathogens, using hazmat suits, etc. That's a concern. If we could work these concerns out, however, nearly a million of us really need the help and don't have family or funds with which to do the work. It's urgent nonetheless! | |
| Pixgrls | Posted: 03 July 2013 - 01:17 PM |
Those are some really well thought out ideas Isabella! Maybe some other people have some good input as well. It would be nice to have something where we could physically help each other, but the support that is given on this board is absolutely amazing! 🙂 | |
| Dianne | Posted: 01 July 2013 - 09:57 AM |
Isabella, those are very impressive, solid ideas! I'm not the one to run with them but with that kind of vision and enthusiasm I can see it becoming a reality to help thousands. 🙂 | |
| Isabella_Ringen | Posted: 01 July 2013 - 02:38 AM |
I have been saying the same thing for over a year now but didn't know how to go about it (don't have a web page, etc). A lot of us freeze like deer in headlights when alone with all the piles, the clutter seems to short out something in ADHD brains particularly. HSP's (highly sensitive persons) are very energy sensitive and it overloads their systems too, particularly the smells. Maybe an online bulletin national board to connect people. We'd need a sponsor to pay for the hosting and web master to manage it. A required criminal background check on each person seems in order (before letting them into your house). Usually costs about $20. As a teacher, I noticed students and faculty too always got a lot more done, got along much better, and were all happier and sillier if we approached the 'whatever-it-was' in a fun way. So why not create a nationwide movement of gusto called "Chrysalis Kickers" ? List the guidelines, have a board to connect Kickers. Sell "I'm a Kicker!" aprons and buttons, etc. Maybe we could get the maker of Power Pak electrolyte and trace minerals packets to sponsor the Chrysalis Kickers web site - great advertising for them, great help for us. "Chrysalis Kickers, sponsored by Power Pak with Vitamin C, Electrolytes, and Trace Minerals - for when you're really ready to kick it!" If they aren't interested, approach the maker of 5 Hour Energy - their little energy drinks really don't cause you to crash later, I tried them. The maker of Zing Bars would be another great fit for a sponsor. "Zing bars, with almond butter protein; when you need more than just a sugar fix." "It don't mean a thing, if you ain't got that Zing!" Hold each meeting/event/(work party) as a celebration. Tweeters and snacks, music during breaks, under a shady tree with lemonade. Lots more ideas like that. Make it fun and make it as affirming and cheerful as possible. A list of rules discussed beforehand seems advisable. Rules like the owner makes all the decisions. Celebrate a maximum of 2 hours at a stretch, given the emotional stress, and physical challenges for the disabled. Rotate houses, so we each can see some progress (and be sure we really will be helped in return!). Having nutritional support and enough fluids is important, and so is the yum factor. If it's midday, for example, order a pizza delivered. Maybe have a Celebration Ritual: Start each celebration by toasting each other with copious electrolyte drink, congratulating each other on your mutual decision to break out of the chrysalis and spread new wings. Munch the protein bars. More toasts are in order like, "It has been my chrysalis but it won't be my coffin!" Commence working together, following the guidelines previously agreed upon. After an hour, sit outside for chocolate cupcakes, 5 Hour Energy drinks and more electrolyte drink. Fluids are critical. Talk only about the positives already accomplished, pride, success, and appreciation. After hour 2, wind up the celebration with the final cupcakes and more electrolyte drink. Set a date for the next celebration, to be held at helper's house within 7 days. | |