ianne I am so grateful that you updated us, I have missed you and knew you were getting help, so great that you have so much done now, amazing actually. So great you are not buried in your treasures now and your daughter must be so proud of her home now. thanks for letting us know
well, made my to do list
Got up on roof and attached the new metal roofing. Last guy here said it was a waste to use metal roofing and I should just coat it with asphalt emulsion, I debated, then thought, I like the metal roofing, it is already in place and it is 1/10 the work of the other stuff, so what if it costs much more, I like it. so I attached it, so nice to look at it and know it is straight and I did it myself. I figured out how to do roof cap, got it in place, then was too hot so came in to see what you are up to today. I looked over the other areas of roof, looking for areas that might leak, plenty of time for that. After chat last night I finished painting one side of 4'x8' osb board and then the thunder started crashing so moved board in walkway, I had a big spot light on it so did edges and today I can paint other side. Bought it to use where big garage roof has a big sag. Now not so sure, think I will just continue patching that piece of junk roof for this year, who cares how it looks, I never look at that side of garage, lucky neighbors do. I feel like roof is manageable now that I talked it over with you tillie. Balance today, so plan to wash a few dishes, clean bathroom, put a little clutter away. My good drill was put away last week and today I couldn't find it, reason for permanent homes. I moved it last week to a home, just forgot forwarding address. It had been on covered deck shelf, thought I should put it inside so does not get lifted, I am too trusting but since my RV rack got stolen, been trying to not leave good tools in plain site. My battery drill doesn't hold a charge for long so really want to find corded drill. I feel so much better after having two different people tell me they would not work on my roof, too difficult. Now I can do the best I can do and feel ok that it is not perfect, good enough to keep things dry, if not will help me toss stuff!!! I feel a little dose of happiness today. Chat really helped me last night, was so great hearing from others and what is going on in their life.
Tat, my friend, you have been such a great support and encourager for me this past week, and I thank you. Your kindness comforted me and made me so aware of the need to be kinder to myself. This morning I looked around at all the repairs, cleaning painting I have done and took it all in. The workers that came and saw the disarray had no idea that I painted the whole entryway, steps, deck, outside of freezer room and garage, so much improvement. I got devastated by their comments about how impossible the situation is, well I am making it useable inspite of crappy construction. Today I am proud of all that I have done, and with that said, please remind me when I am only seeing what I have not done or what I have done incorrectly!!! I love this group so much, thanks to all.

What a lovely post, Dianne, and congratulations on you successes. You need to know that reading through your past posts, I feel close to you. Your words are serving as an inspiration for me. So glad to finally "meet" you. Thank you.

Hello Bitsy,

Bitsy, I am saddened by the news re your son and rd your health. First and foremost, please make sure you are eating well. Protein is very important right now. Also stay hydrated. I don't know your financial or living situation but if you have any opportunity to get help from neighborhood kids (just have them take the trash can out and back for you) you should do so. If that is not an option, I certainly understand.

Please eat right. We all are pulling for you.

I am not able to keep going. .just barely. I have been going to hospital every day. Son still in hospital. It's 11 days since surgery, 18 days since he went in to the hospital. They finally took tube out of nose and he is able to eat, not in as much pain, but not up walking around.
I just feel more exhausted every day. I managed to get garbage out to trash can by putting it on the back of the car and driving it to the trash can but decided tying the can to the back of the car to get it to the street was not a good idea. My daughter blew into town yesterday and stopped by the hospital for an hour then came by the house to get some of her stuff out of the shed. I had her take garbage and recycling cans to the street before she took off even though they won't pick up till Tuesday. I don't know how I will get laundry to laundromat and back. Everything seems so impossible. I doubt my son will still have a job. He probably won't be able to go back to work for 2 to 3 months after he gets out of hospital.

Yesterday I just felt like I should be in a nursing home. Reading your post this a.m. in tears. You all doing so well in spite of everything. and I don't know what to do.

Good morning, everyone! I agree, LR, this community is crucial to my progress and success. Something has snapped for me. I'm not having emotional problems with getting rid of my stuff. I'm also not beating myself up for spending so much money on useless junk. While making a bag for goodwill yesterday, I included my Nancy Drew books (some from the 1930s and some from the 1960s -- as kids my mother wouldn't go to garage sales but occasionally she'd stop to see if they had Nancy Drews for me). I know they are now "worth something" (maybe $5 or $10 each) but my space is worth much more. I kept the two that meant the most to me and am on the lookout for the two others that i'd like to keep.

I'm just going through and getting this stuff done. Am maintaining kitchen, laundry and living room. Have two gross jobs--one of which I mentioned previously The Dreaded Closet--that I am still trying to face. Will employ the good advice and steps giving by all of you here.

I found you all at the right time.

Good morning. Good to see those who were able to make it to chat last night. As I've read the posts from the past few days, I note how comforting, helpful, and healing it can be to share our struggles here.

Barb had mentioned trying to post earlier in the week but not being able to. I wonder how many of our usual "posters" have been having the same problem; maybe some people whom we haven't "seen" lately have tried posting but couldn't. Just a thought.

One of my goals for today is to spend at least 30 minutes cleaning out my vehicle and organizing things that are in it. I also plan to add to my gratitude list, spend at least twenty minutes on paperwork, and spend at least twenty minutes on cleaning/dejunking/organizing a certain area of my living room.

Have a great day, everyone.

Tat and Whew, I teared up reading your posts this morning. It is so wonderful you truly understand the extent of what we are dealing with and what it takes to keep going, I truly appreciate your thoughtful kind posts, especially today. I do not usually post this early in the day, but needed your support so got online and see your great posts!!!!
I started in the garage and reclaimed some space. First I looked for things I could donate, several glass items, only one was a difficult decision (collector porcelin) but I don't relate so time to give it away. Then looked for bigger items, found 3 big metal rack things that I never used so time to go. Vertical space was used to get more space to move around. Moved one heavy container, and to my surprise found my 2 electric saws I had been looking for weeks. Made me smile at how when I organize and don't label, dont know where I put things I need to use. Lesson, label and make it a permanent home. I think my disgust and frustration allowed me to get rid of more stuff today. Want to keep up the search for give aways and throw aways today. I have to stop myself when I start wasting time with sorting little things, either give it away or put in general area for nails, screws etc. Micro sorting has wasted enough of my time. I have a big hook thing to hang bicycle on. I need to screw it to wall and put bike on it, or get rid of it, same with some shelves I never put up that I like, if I just keep them in a pile, they just are in the way, either install or get rid of them. I saw hoard more clearly after my visitor yesterday pointed out how much disarray I still have which would make it difficult for workers to do anything to correct problems. Before anyone else comes to fix things, I must get crap out of the way, hopefully willing to get rid of most of troubling items. Yesterday man asked if I was getting help for my problem, I said I have tried therapy and have been in this group for a year and a half. Admitted I need to hire someone to keep me focused, I can do the work just get so distracted. The treat of someone else coming over made me stay really focused this morning. I must just keep going. Yes, it is so easy to go to the critical comments at my worthlessness and failures in life, my go to place when criticized. When he said you have to stop buying things, I felt terrible, I was addicted to acquiring possible creative supplies for many years. Truth is, I have mostly stopped that behavior with the help of this group. As you stated, it is a big deal for us to pass up garage sales, any bargain for that matter. Made me feel so good when I read of your success and that you gave yourself cheers for not stopping at sale. It is the only way to stop addictive shopping, not tempt ourselves. My mind lights up with addictive impulses when I see a garage sale sign so lately I have been staying home on weekends. I would give up if I didn't have your friendship to keep me going. Your successes help me know it is possible. So grateful for your posts.

What a beautiful post, Whew. I got a lot out of it; thank you.

Hi Diane (((HUGS))),

I thought a lot about your post...and am amazed at how far you've come. And it gives me hope.

From first seeing the problems to second beginning to sort through what is helpful and what is not to third being able to have workfolk come in to fourth being clear with yourself and with him. You've done great.

The platitude "It didn't happen overnight, so it can't be fixed overnight" is true, however, with one big distinction. It will take much quicker to get through these problems we all have created than it took to get in the messes. It took me a lifetime to get to this place. While it might not be overnight, it won't take a lifetime either to get in a more satisfying space.
So my thought to you is YAY YOU!!! You've accomplished a lot!

My second thought is how quickly we beat ourselves up for not having the resources or the energy or the skills or the knowledge or the (fill in the blank). We are but human and we get to make mistakes and learn from them and try again. So again YAY YOU for staying in the game.

Warm thoughts to you this day.
Warm thoughts to ALL of us who are this journey with you.

Good morning! I slept til 1030 today and then didn't get out of bed til 11. This is rare for me but I have been very very tired these days and question whether my blood levels/medications are where they should be. (I did get up to feed kitty at 6AM; hence my success in sleeping in).

I thought about yesterday and how I accomplished nothing toward the hoarding situation. Guess what? It turns out that I DID address the hoarding situation in important ways:
1. Kitchen has been maintained. Counters clear and clean, dishwasher emptied promptly and NO dishes in sink. Sink wiped down.
2. Took a beautiful set of Denby dishes (never used) to my car to give to my brother.
3. On way to garage yesterday, the community center was having a White Elephant sale and there was a gentleman sitting outside beckoning people in. I said (very friendly and cheerful) oh no you don't -- I'm busily working on getting rid of 19 years worth of stuff. On my way home around 4:00 PM it was still going on, and I was really tempted to "just stop in and have a look-see". I DID NOT! Victory is all mine.

Sending everyone warm wishes for a lovely Sunday, with special wishes to all of us who need it most today.

Thank you all for helping me to reclaim my life.

Thankyou Tat. I really feel touched that you took the time to understand my situation and comfort me. I feel better just knowing one person in the world understands how difficult hoarding has made my life, and how I feel tonight. It is clear that I have to get rid of more stuff, just a lot to deal with. Thanks Tat for your kindness.

Sending you big hugs, Diane. I'm glad you stood up for yourself and I am glad he responded with kindness. I wish I had a way to help you. Somebody smart and thoughtful and kind once said "tomorrow is another day"....oh wait, I believe that YOU said that.

I seem to remember you had some possible fun plans for tomorrow. I hope you feel well enough to enjoy yourself. And I hope the weather cooperates. It's been lovely and humidity free here in the East. Much easier to breathe, concentrate and feel alive when not so hot.

Giant love to you and all of our friends here.

Thanks Tillie, you are right about sorting like items together.
A builder came over this morning and looked at all the work I need done. He shook his head alot. Took notes on a clipboard. the area between freezer room and walkway roof is not something he could do because of all the goofy angles, no way to make sure it does not leak. He said, the roof over freezer room was built incorrectly, that is why all the problems. I have heard this several times before. Then he looked at a few other areas that need to be fixed and he said about the same thing. He told me why the stuff I have done incorrectly all needs to come down and start over. I used incorrect braces etc. I was in tears by the time he left. He said I need to stop buying all the wrong stuff and have a professional do the work right the first time. He noted several unfinished things and said I need to have one thing finished before I move on to the next. I said I have adhd and it is difficult to stay focused and I am not happy about my situation and I realize I need help, just difficult to ask for help when I hear over and over how everything is difficult to fix because of the angles and incorrect way everything was built years ago. He was very kind then and wished me well finding someone that would take on all this work. I am a little destroyed over it all, a little hopeless. Think I will do the best I can to clean up areas I have worked on, I saw many odds and ends I had not noticed until his eyes were scanning my entire place. I am ashamed of the way I have lived, and must remind myself that no one could have walked through the areas when the hoard was all over the place. I am not going down town now, too hot and will be over in an hour. Just want to clean up some stuff in walk way, throw away what I can.

Yesterday morning I had an omelet -- usually I mix some milk in with the eggs (more volume and fluffier). The milk was still a day or two from its sell-by date, and it didn't smell bad -- but it seemed kind of borderline, like this might be the last chance. Often in that case I'll go ahead and use it anyway, figuring that it's not actually bad yet. But then I remembered Tillie's stories about Steven. So I poured it out and made the omelet without milk.

If everyone has a purpose in life, maybe Steven's is to serve as a example to others.

Diane

One thing that may be keeping you from being able to accomplish more in the craft room is that the items are all in a jumble.
Very hard to make those keep/toss decisions when only looking at things one at a time.
What I believe would help is to make a sorting station. A place to look at grouped items all at the same time.
This is radical and best done with a helper.
You gather up and sort the crafting supplies into "like" groups. Placing it all into boxes or bins.
Removing everything from the room.
Then in an open space you lay out all the items of one kind, one category at a time.
Look at only all fabric or yarn or paint etc.
Easier to make decisions when you can see all "like" items together.
This helps keep you from churning.
I know that I could never make keep/toss decisions on my crafting items without being able to see all of one kind, all at the same time.
Thing is though that this method clutters up an already cleared space while you sort so you would have to commit to completing the sort out in a limited amount of time.

Good morning 🙂

TTYL 😀

Glad to hear from you, Barb! Very pleased that the job is going well and you'll still have time to work on your place.

I'm sure you will give your friend strength and comfort today. You do that for us here--despite being far away. Take good care of yourself.

I posted early Wednesday morning but couldn't get it to stick.
The job is going well. The people I will be working with have been so friendly and welcoming. I have been busy, but not overwhelmed as I was last year. I am working Mon. through Fri. 8:00 to 2:30 with a half hour unpaid lunch. That will get me home in time to do some work on the house every day.
I found a quicker route to work that does not take me through 4 school zones in the morning. It is longer but faster.
Today I am going to another funeral for the husband of a long time girlfriend I grew up with. I know what it is like to be a new widow when you have been married a long time and I hope that I can be of some source of support for her. She has a hard road ahead.
I will be back on Sunday and will check in with the chat group Sunday night.
Have a great weekend everyone!

Congratulations LR. You accomplished a lot yesterday! Very impressed, and inspired. Thank you for the chat room tip! After I give everything a little more thought, I am going to set a start date on the closet. I need only look at my kitchen to see what is possible. I have some disposable masks.

Beautiful cool night on the East Coast. Fantastic sleeping weather last night.

Wishing everyone a wonderful day.

Happy Friday night. I hope there aren't glaring mistakes in this, because I'm getting too tired to proofread. It's been a busy day.

Tatoulia, depending on what time of day you are free to work on that closet task, you might find people in the chat room who are ready/willing to give suggestions and encouragement. Glad to know you are taking time to eat some healthy meals and to have some fun, diane! Tillie, those cool temperatures sound really nice to me right now!

Yesterday, I got a number of cleaning tasks done, and I got rid of yet another box of papers. (Well, I kept some photos that were in there, and a few papers that I want to scan.) Today, I rented an open-bed trailer and used it to do several tasks, including taking a couple of bulkier furniture items to a donation location. There is starting to be more free space (little by little) in my living room. (Yea!) I also loaded onto the trailer some large, dusty, had-been-stored storage tubs and washed them inside and out at a local do-it-yourself car wash. Once the tubs dry, I may use them to help organize some of the things that are in the back of my vehicle.

Hugs to everyone.

Good evening everyone! Diane, what a great, productive day you had! I'm glad you have some fun things planned this weekend, esp after saying goodbye to the dog. Tillie, great idea for closet. I appreciate it. It sounds doable. The idea re tying hair up and having bug spray were thoughtful. The box/bag idea will also be useful. It hadn't occurred to me to set a timer. So far am just trying to visualize myself dealing with it. Hope to start on Sunday. I'm fearful. But I will feel free.

Today I spent solid time with my financial planner and we made a good plan for getting my debt reduced. Debt has accrued in the last five years. I confided to him that I've recently discovered that I'm a hoarder and as I make my living space right, I'm prepared to rectify the damage I've fine to my credit. Apparently his father is a hoarder and so I told him that I'll give his father the entire contents of my storage spot for $350. We had a giant laugh over that.

Tonight I shredded a bunch of papers from my files in my file drawers. Slow going (no sorting required, all papers are organized into labelled folders-- credit card statements, insurance, etc., going back as far as 2003). The shredding takes time! After I felt too weary to go on, I pulled out the vacuum and took care of any little shredded bits that made their way to the floor. Ran dishwasher and will unload in the AM. Need to wash face and get to bed.

Keep up the good work everyone! Thank you for your help and support. Greatly appreciated.

Thanks Tillie and Tat. Tillie I finally spent the morning in craft room, thinking I would be as successful in there as was in big bedroom. Did get some progress then realized I was churning so decided until I am ready to really get rid of stuff I will never have it organized. Cant organize a hoard, I know. Then decided to work on some clutter in living room. Cleaned the end table with modem and phone on it. Then did some dusting. Doing the little table could see that I did a good job, see why you say to do one little area. Then back into craft room, used some vertical space. Probably total of 3 hours in craft room today. Improved slightly.
Then went to yard and pulled weeds and moved some succulents. Really felt like I was finally having fun!! Worked all day doing different things, results are not that obvious, but I know things are improving.
I made 2 important calls that I did not want to deal with. One saved me $65 a year. Felt good I took care of these calls finally. Tomorrow will be a fun day. Plan to go to down town street fair in my little town, and old car rally a street over. Just a day to enjoy my little town.
Next weekend there is the best art show of the year by the river in another town, so am looking forward to that.
I am wondering if hoarders ever have things clean and organized and are free to enjoy life.

Hi 😀

Hi Everybody else 😀
We really are missing your posts (((HUGS)))

Congratulations on your accomplishments, Tillie, Diane and LR and to everyone else! I fell asleep after work today, just so tired. Woke up and took the garbage out. As I was cleaning the litter box and sweeping the floor, I realized something. I haven't touched the hallway closet. Truth be told, I pretend it doesn't exist. It is jammed with stuff and I think some insect creatures are living there so I ignore it. Completely. So while I'm busily doing Second Sweep of linen closet, bookshelves and library closet, I walk by that door everyday and just shudder.

Ugh. I do not want to deal with it. I'm full of good excuses on it. I don't want to wake what's in there, I only want to do if it is garbage night (which tonight is so luckily I can extend the excuse to I want to wait til garbage night, just not THIS garbage night). Ugh. I'm grossed out at the thought.

I need a plan. I have to come up with a plan. I've been maintaining my spaces by vacuuming, sweeping, laundry folded and put away, wiping kitchen counters and sink, but there it is: the awful hallway closet. I just feel that my progress is very fragile. I need to find a way to take care of this. I think everything in it has to be thrown out (which is good--no real decisions to make). I just have to do it. Find four hours and do it. Maybe I'll try to visualize having that space back. Any suggestions/advice welcome and appreciated.

Meeting with my financial planner tomorrow. I've let my finances go to heck during the last five years. Getting the hoarding and clutter under control somehow has freed me to tackle other unpleasant tasks.

Thank you all for being here.

Yes Tillie, these are the big red biting ants, I have proof of bites!! I was surprised how big they are. Tillie, I appreciate all the advice and support. You were with me this morning when I realized part of my depression was weather and part due to not eating enough healthy food during the weeks of temps in the 90's. So as you say, eat healthy, prepare in advance. This morning I washed dishes, made a big pot of soup, washed dishes, cleaned up. I put soup in 2 smaller pans for next two days. Ate soup for breakfast and lunch today. Will freeze the rest of the soup after it cools more in frig. I vacuumed the entire place, except where floor is buried. 1 load of laundry. Cleaned out a kitchen cabinet, had to throw away several bottles of vitamins that had expired. Filled med minders with calcium and vitamins to help me remember to take, since need to take daily for osteoporosis, and usually forget. Organized garden shed a little more, put some things away in there including pressure washer. Nellie left this morning, I miss her but used that to really get a lot done. Much nicer having a clean floor, dishes done, good food. Still have some clutter to put away out here. Nice to have lots of rain so I do not have to water, gives me more time to get inside things done. I have to go pick up Rx today, last day my doctor is working here, then Rx will be invalid, she is moving to Washington. I really need to take a shower and wash hair, but should just go now between rain showers. Thanks for posting all that you got done, helps me keep going and know there is hope.

Good morning everybody 🙂

TTYL 😀

Good morning. Wow, great work, diane and Tatoulia! Karl, I hope your Thursday event goes well.

Following up on my goals from yesterday: I only got a little stuff unloaded from my vehicle (in part because of the heat) yesterday, but I did get the other listed goals done. (Yet another box bites the dust! Yea!) As is often the case lately, I got a lot of this work done with the help and encouragement of those who were on the chat. (Thanks.)

I spent much more time yesterday on my financial paperwork than planned. Once I got started on it, I wanted to keep going. This morning, I got outside while it was still cool and worked on getting more things cleared out of my vehicle. Feel good about both of those things.

Hugs to everybody.

Today is another day! You did a lot of work today, Diane. For me it was the first day back to work after having friend visit. Luckily I was able to work from home so the transition wasn't too difficult.

I found time to do some more cleaning out of my library closet. Years ago I had California Closets come in and so it has beautiful shelves and filing cabinets for books, paper and china. At some point I can go thru filing drawers and probably reduce papers by 70%. Maybe I will do this weekend.

Meanwhile I am maintaining. Wiping, vacuuming, etc. I am using the tips my friend gave me. I am finally at a point where someone off the street come in for a cup of tea. It's a fragile state. Could be gone, no exaggeration, in a week. I will maintain and continue to purge.

Thanks for everyone's help. Have been reading other and older posts and am gaining strength. I'm creating a daily and weekly to do list.

Wishing everyone a goodnight

Thanks everyone, today is a new day. Got up and worked in big bedroom for 2 hours, goat trail is now 2 feet wider. Had to see some progress today. Did all dishes. Threw away steamed spinach and a whole cooked chicken that were too old, wiped inside of fridge. Washed those pans. Gathered enough stuff to fill the garbage cart. Put donations in car. Cleaned up all the clutter in entrance from roofing. hung up all wet towels and rugs in walkway. Cleaned up some stuff on deck.
27,000 lightning strikes in past 24 hours in NW, 127 in last 1/2 hour here. Rain will start again soon so will go get towels in.
Found a huge ant mound i n back yard when cleaning up that area, sprayed and sprayed, we are talking a village of ants in just plain dirt. Empty can in garbage. Will spray more tomorrow after rain. Wind is really picking up, guess I will sign off and go get towels etc. Thanks again for all the support.