Friday, August 5, 2011

Scorched Earth Policy on Clutter

I just spent two weeks in an hotel suite with mini kitchen. I have an idea of how little a person really needs to not just get by but thrive. It had me thinking about just getting rid of everything that my family using or didn't need for the next six months.

I have a lot of clutter. My Grandmother was a hoarder (although she would want it said that she wasn't a nasty housekeeper.) My aunts and mom have problems with clutter too. It runs in my DNA. Do you know what I'm starting to realized doesn't make me happy? Clutter. This is doubly hard for me because so many frugal tips are based on buying things cheap to store for when you need them. I'm kinda over it.

One more reason I have a hard time parting with stuff I don't really want is that I think I should try to get some money out of it first. Most of you know what I mean. You buy a new pair of shoes that are really cute and wear them once and they give you blisters. You hate that you only wore them once and know someone would pay for them. Why just donate them when you can try to get a few dollars back? The trouble with selling things is that it takes time, effort, and sometimes it takes money. I've had good luck selling stuff on ebay and craigslist but it has never been without hassle. So, the clutter stays because I don't want the hassle. And the unhappiness continues.

I'm gonna have to go full flylady I think and donate. So, today I scoured my pile of back to school supplies in the basement and bagged up a bunch of stuff to donate that my kids didn't need this year. Brand new stuff. Stuff they will eventually need. Donated. Because it's in my way and somebody this year needs it. Today is tax free shopping day and I have two things left on my list to buy- an eraser and a plastic folder. My collection has been a blessing for us. Now it's time to bless someone else.

I'm off to take a test to see if I'm a hoarder. Then I'm loading the kids up and driving to the donation center.
The survey indicated that I have a mild to moderate hoarding disorder. Ouch. Off to scorch!!!

3 comments:

Heather said...

We are proof that you can lead a mostly clutter-free existence and still live a frugal life. I think what you're doing is great. Go Jenny!

jonceramic said...

Here's mine, baby...

Clutter score: 10

Difficulty Discarding score: 13

Acquiring score: 8

Each of these scores can be interpreted as:

0–2: Minimal This is probably not something you need to worry about.

3–7: Mild Although you may have a bit of clutter, difficulty discarding or acquiring, it is unlikely to be a significant problem for you. You might want to consider working on these issues, perhaps using a self-directed manual such as Buried in Treasures.

8–12: Moderate In all likelihood, you have a significant hoarding-related problem. People who score in this range typically find their lives to be impacted by clutter, difficulty discarding or acquiring. You might benefit from working on the problem on your own with a manual such as Buried in Treasures. However, you could also consider working with a mental health professional who knows about the treatment of hoarding.

13–17: Severe People who score in this range usually find that their quality of life is suffering quite a bit due to hoarding-related concerns. A self-directed manual such as Buried in Treasures might be a good start, but if you score in this range, you will probably find that you need the help of a professional to beat the problem.

18–20: Very Severe If you scored in this range on any of the clutter, difficulty discarding or acquiring scales, it's time to get professional help. People who score in this range are probably going to have a very hard time tackling this problem on their own. Contact a mental health professional who knows about the treatment of hoarding

Dilem*mama said...

Darn you and your hoarding test link! Guess I'm off to chuck stuff out of the basement. ;-)

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