Why People Hoard?

Why do people hoard or 'collect' to the extend that they do?

A lot has to do with the person's internal emotional state, they 'collect', sometimes to extremes, generally to mask an underlining problem...not being happy in themselves, a need to have objects showing their wealth, that they are loved by the 'purchase' made, just in case they need it (this is a great one for anyone who remembers living through the war or parents who did!) Hoarding...where actual physical 'stuff' is overflowing, cupboards are crammed, rooms are not actually being used for their purpose...does stop the person interacting with others...their relationship is with their 'stuff', sometimes it feels safer to have the relationship with the 'stuff' than interact with other people! Scary but true. The only person that can help is themselves...like a lot of things, until they or it may even be you! are ready, the teacher will not appear...

Your living space, wherever you spend time, offices, cars, gardens...do represent your internal state of mind...so what does yours say about you?

To help, take a peep...these really do make a lot of sense & more importantly these simple steps work!

Additional Tips to Declutter

Start with one small area. Pick a cupboard, a drawer or a corner of a room or desk, something SMALL and start there. If you think about decluttering the entire house you’re going to feel overwhelmed!!! Do it a little bit at a time.

Do it for 15 minutes at a time. Set a timer for 15 minutes and when the timer goes off, give yourself permission to stop. A pat on the back for completing that small session. Later do another 15 minutes. They will add up before you know it!

Sort into: Keep, recycle/donate & bin it. Sort your items into those three categories as you declutter the area you’re working on. The things you decide to keep will then need to be put away. Have a bag for recycling with a bag for donating to charity & a rubbish bag!

Wander around your house & really look at what you have..do you LOVE IT or HATE IT?..This works with children too!! do they love their toys, things in their rooms? or has it lost its energy for you? Trade it, give it away. If it was a gift, the person gave it to you, so you are free to do what YOU want with it, even if it giving it to a charity shop! If they ask where it is or get upset, then they didn't or haven't truly given it!!

Inherited items...ok, there's usually a lot of emotion connected with these items..how do you really feel about them? If it is truly happy memories & you wish to keep them, use or display them, enjoy them!...if its more you want to keep them for sentimental reasons or you want future generations to enjoy them, buy like a wicker hamper & call it your memory chest (this works for kids too!) & pop your 'treasures' in there. WHEN the chest (& it will!) starts to overflow...guess what...decide whats a MUST to keep & then let anything go.

By allowing the 'flow' of things, more of what you do want has space to come in!

Don’t bring more clutter into your home.

This is actually two steps....step one...if you are heading towards retail therapy as alittle pick me up but feeling emotionally unbalanced, head out without taking any money with you, go & try on lots of different clothes in a shop, wander about, even better, go into a shop you have never been to see if its for you, gently stepping outside your comfort zone...what styles suit you, what colours look good, try a new perfume, aftershave. If you really really like anything, you can always ask the shop to hold for you..if a sales person 'pressures' you to buy, simply walk away. We often see ourselves in a particular way & stay that way for a long time! Take an honest friend with you, or find a honest assistant in the shop..it an interesting experience & a real eye opener.

This works for both step 1 & 2..Still not sure that you are buying what you want...wait 24 hours & see how you feel...still loving it?...it all yours...not fussed? It wasn't really what you wanted!!

Step two....When you’re out shopping, stop to think: “Do I really need this? Will I use it often? Do I really love it?” If you answer “yes”, then fine, bring it on home and make sure you have a spot to put it away in. If it replaces something you already have, be sure to get rid of the old item. Do not pop it all in the garage or shed, it needs to go straight out! Some people have a rule where they must get rid of one or two things for every new thing they bring into the house. Not a bad idea.

Feeling out of control, emotional & you could easily eat the shop out of chocolate....just alittle decluttering like you underwear drawer, will make a huge difference in how you are feeling. Throw out anything that's chewing gum grey, old, worn out, holey, you hate, unwanted gift...literally love the knickers/underpants you are in, the world feels a sunnier place already! Knowing your smalls are in order, actually DOES help you feel in control of your life. No I'm not mad, give it a go!

Okey dokey...have fun...small steps...live your dream!