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Re: Story from a daughter with hoarding tendencies too (Score: 1)
by shorty on Tuesday, February 26, 2008 @ 13:29:52 ICT
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Welcome. I am no expert ... but consider that you grew up with no model on how to keep a "normal" home. I would suggest you start, if you haven't already, by making your bedroom your sanctuary. Make it clear to your mother she is not allowed to "Store" or keep things there. This is where making it normal can begin. Start by decluttering your own things ... clothes you don't wear, out of style jewelery, shoes that aren't comfortable. I too grew up with someone who usually cleaned in emergencies (holidays, the heating man has to get in, etc.) ... so I have found help at flylady.net. Donna has a link here and some info on a special flylady link for hoarders. The amount of email will seem overwhelming, but it will help you to build some regular routines.

I would suggest that you follow her 15 min. a day of decluttering rule ... and truly allow yourself to stop and understand it did not build up overnight and won't go away overnight.

I guess my strategy would be to tell my mother that this is MY home ... and as I declutter areas she is to respect that. You can start however makes sense to you ... the linen closet or the living room? As you clear out the pathways, closets, drawers, etc., it will make keeping the things you truly need easier as you will have a place to keep them.

hope that helps ...

Re: Story from a daughter with hoarding tendencies too by angmari on Tuesday, February 26, 2008 @ 21:17:33 ICT