Here's a joke: What do you get when you cross a hoarder and a cross country move? Stress! Yeah, okay, it's a terrible joke. It's not even a joke - but the reality of looking at my storage locker has got me overwhelmed with moving. Somewhere subconsciously I was going "Yeah! This is gonna be hella easy. I haven't seen this stuff in 20 months - I'm completely unattached."
Next minute - I'm looking at clothes three sizes too small and still wanting to keep it all.
ARGH.
Count Down: Approximately 12 weeks until the move
I haven't actually managed to make a single dent on what's in there, apart from taking out maybe two boxes of clothing that are needing to be donated in the next day or so. I think more things have actually gone into the storage locker rather than out, so that's not a great step for productivity. This time of year isn't great either to try and sell things; I think I'm going to have to accept a loss on some intended re-sell thoughts.
Hoarding is a mental fixation on objects, and it sucks.
People often get very judgy on people who are hoarders. I absolutely agree in the most sense - I'm acutely aware holding onto notebooks from the third grade are literally of no use, buuuuut they might be. One day. At those magazines I've looked at once could absolutely be used in scrapbooking - so they can't go either.
Being overwhelmed with moving isn't something that is a new thing. I cry, literally every time I have to pack up to go somewhere. At least the last move where everything went into storage was sorta okay, because I thought it was coming back out again. As it is not this time, and I'm realistically being restricted to what I can fit on the plane - I'm gonna be honest, I don't know how I'm going to cope.
I've got a small plan of attack for the next few weeks as follows:
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- Clear out all the clothes that no longer fit - and donate them to charity
- Work on crockery + cutlery - donate these, too
- Find any tradable games and get a little bit of money back from them at EB
So it's not the best plan of attack, but it's SORT of a plan, and a small plan is better than no plan. (I think.) I'm heading away this weekend, so hopefully, that'll give me a bit of time to consider what is actually important, and what's not. I'm also going to start looking at tackling the random shit in my room - because somehow that's expanded astronomically over the past 18 months and I really don't need 99% of it!
I'm going to try and do more daily updates on how things are going over on my Instagram, so if you want to check up on the progress feel free to follow the moving journey over there. I like doing the daily re-cap on a Tuesday though, so these are going to become a regular feature I think.
How's your week going? Hopefully a little less daunting than mine. Let me know in the comments!
PS. Did you know I've created the #ShortPalProject on Facebook as a community for people who are looking for daily positivism and uplifting content. You can also find me over on Twitter for more details ♥
Alyssa
I may not know what it is to move (I was too little when our family moved from once city to another), but I definitely know how it feels to be overwhelmed with so many things and now know where to begin to fix them. Wishing you the best here!
Michelle
Every big journey starts with a single step. Focus on your first 3 items, then choose 3 more. You’ve got this!
Sakshi Raina
I feel you, I’m such a hoarder. I attach sentimental value to things so it just takes a lot for me to detach myself from items when it comes to letting it all go. Good luck on shifting though, these are stressful times but I’m sure things would get better soon xx
Em Wells
I hope you’re doing okay. Good luck with the move, what exciting but stressful times! I have never moved, so could only think about how much junk I’d have to clear out. eBay is a lifesaver at the moment! Hoarding my household do all too well, although I have implemented the rule of “if you haven’t used it for 6 months, I am selling it on eBay!” Good luck!
Em x
http://www.loveemblog.com
Amber Page
I am moving into a new flat in 2 weeks I am so excited! Lovely post I love hearing about other peoples processes!
Amber – The Unpredicted Page
lifestyleseason
Great post! I definitely need to stop hoarding things so I am going to try and have a clear out soon!
Claire
Oh Claire, I feel your pain. I do have a 6 month rule though, if I’ve not needed it for 6 months it’s gone.
But when it comes to sentimental stuff, no way can I get rid of it.
Good luck love x