Clutter in my house... clutter in my mind

GI822 · Post by **GI822** » Wed Sep 10, 2008 11:33 am

Since I was a teenager I always had a messy room. A lot of clothes and shoes everywhere, and cups left on my night stand each night. I would let it get like that for months until I decided to clean it. And once I cleaned it, I would feel good. But then after a few weeks, it would just become messy again.

I've been living with my boyfriend for the last 3 years and while I do clean, I still have clutter. Too many clothes, papers, books etc... I've been having a lot of issues lately with my anxiety and have been home from work last few weeks on short term disability. My mom came over the other day and made me do a complete overhaul of my house. We cleaned my entire downstairs.

I began cleaning my upstairs today, bagging a lot of clothes to give away to the good will, mopping my bathroom and doing laundry. Now that most of my upstairs is done, I feel relieved. I think it takes some of the stess off of me knowning something was accomplished.

I feel like if I can get the clutter out of my mind, starting with the house and moving towards other things in my life, my anxiety will start to lessen.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Wed Sep 10, 2008 11:53 am

I am SOOOOO proud of you! I have difficulty getting rid of the clutter to, so I know how accomplished you must feel!!!!

It is amazing how much ridding the physical clutter does help rid us of the mental clutter.

NinjaFrodo · Post by **NinjaFrodo** » Thu Sep 11, 2008 2:52 am

Its nice to hear that someone else has this same issue. I'm not a lazy person and I depend on organization, but my house always looks like a tornato hit it. I have a 14th month old, so that doesn't help in the clutter department, but every night I get home from work and walk into my house and just sigh... I hate it looking like it does but I just can't seem to do anything about it. Any tips?

JackieBlue · Post by **JackieBlue** » Thu Sep 11, 2008 3:56 am

DanielleFaith you are not alone with keeping up with housework and kids. They can make such a mess. What I like to do is time myself when I pick up. I use a timer and set it for 15 minutes and only stay in that room. I can get distracted when I go around the house putting things away, such as start cleaning another room. If the phone rings or the kids stop me I stop the Timer and restart when I can finish. I Feel better when I am done and it looks good also. The Timer gives me motivation to get it done, or I won't do it. Also get rid of 20 things a week, give away or throw away and you will feel better!

stargazer · Post by **stargazer** » Thu Sep 11, 2008 4:13 am

I soooo agree w/ that last statement!!!! my boys are 2 on sunday, 6 & 8---all sorts of toys in every color,shape and size each one has it's own annoying noise to add to the "fun" and i KNOW FOR A FACT that i step on them, trip over them & clean them up WAY MORE than any of my children play w/ them! get rid of them!!! i was surprised to see when i started getting rid of toys that my kids didn't even care!!! can you believe that! we're finally working our way closer to less toys=more appreciation & the house has an easier time staying "tidy"!

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Thu Sep 11, 2008 4:20 am

I can relate to this one. At times keeping up with my house a swell as dealing with life, kids and husband and anxiety can be overwhelming.

I found a website Flylady.net has helped me tremendously. She's someone who has gone thorugh history of depression. Her website deals with procrastination/ negativity / perfectionism and "stinkin thinkin" as she calls it, when it comes to our homes and clutter. She breaks the home down into zones you work with 15 mintues at a time and it all starts with shining her sink.

Check it out it may help. Take care and God Bless.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Thu Sep 11, 2008 4:50 am

This is SOOO true!! I have been decluttering for the past couple months and it's AMAZING how much calmer I am at home now. I'm not always avoiding geting things done because I do a little every day and now it's not such a big job any more.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Thu Sep 11, 2008 7:25 am

Hi there! I do agree with the clutter issue. I have NEVER liked housework, etc. ever. I was more a career type who liked to be away from the apt./house and in the working environment. Now I am living in a tiny apt, not even a bedroom, am retired and still finding it so difficult to keep it clear of papers, etc. My filing system is non-existent and that worries me because I know I do need to be able to find important papers, like my Will for example! I think I have become even worse with age, dishes mount up in the sink, etc. etc. I have tons of shoes and clothes from my working years and I know I "should" be getting rid of a lot of stuff but am just not doing it. To be totally honest, I have a lady come in now and again to do some cleaning because I hate to live in a dirty place but I am just not doing it. I seem to always have papers I am working on and they are scattered on the floor around my chair, drives me nuts but that is how it is right now. I have no excuses, I just don't do it. Actually, my building is a seniors' building and I know that quite a few ladies living alone have a terrible problem throwing anything away! I visit one lovely lady occasionally who has a severe problem with this and must admit when I return to my apt., it looks like Buckingham Palace in comparison!!! Such is life.
Joy

Melissa W. · Post by **Melissa W.** » Thu Sep 11, 2008 7:56 am

I have been doing the same thing with the clutter and I can't figure out why. I retired early from State service and have been working 1 day a week. You would think my place would be spotless and clutter free because I have a lot of free time- Wrong! When I was rushed for time my place was clutter free- Go figure. I practiced the theory of placement thru Feng Shui. I don't know what you would call what I practice now - "The Art of Clutter" ???? I leave the house with a sink full of dishes, close the door, and off I go without a thought about cleaning.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Thu Sep 11, 2008 7:56 am

I love all my plastic bins from Wal-Mart. At least I get to put like things together and it makes me feel more in control. One for bills, one for medical/insurance, another for sentimental things like cards or special artwork from the kids.