That Hoarder: Overcome Compulsive Hoarding - #136 The lies, contradictions and justifications we tell ourselves about our stuff - I dissect and debunk 19 of them!

#136 The lies, contradictions and justifications we tell ourselves about our stuff - I dissect and debunk 19 of them!

04/19/24 • 53 min

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That Hoarder: Overcome Compulsive Hoarding

Subscribe to the podcast: https://www.overcomecompulsivehoarding.co.uk/subscribe

Podcast transcript: http://www.overcomecompulsivehoarding.co.uk/

In this episode I talk about 19 lies we tell ourselves about our stuff that help us to remain hoarders rather than break free from drowning in stuff.

Acknowledging the Difficulty in Addressing Hoarding Behaviour
Emphasising the possibility of change and the necessity of taking action.
Challenging Justifications for Hoarding
Negative impact on social interactions, emotional well-being, and emergency situations.
The impact of hoarding on children's well-being and long-term trauma.
The inefficiency and laborious nature of selling items from a hoard.
The impracticality of holding onto items because we believe they could be fixed or upcycled.
Setting deadlines for projects to address items awaiting repair or upcycling.
Recognising Lies and Contradictions in Hoarding Behaviour
Separating self-identity from possessions.
Questioning the necessity of holding rare or one-of-a-kind items.
Challenging the belief that items might be needed in the future.
Holding onto clothing that no longer fits.
Challenging the idea of holding onto items in anticipation of them coming back into fashion.
Taking Immediate Action to Address Hoarding Behaviour
Not postponing decluttering and organising efforts.
Challenging the rationale for holding onto items for sentimental reasons.
Considering hosting a virtual accountability group for dehoarding together via Zoom call.
Identifying and Challenging Lies About Belongings
Encouraging listeners to recognise and challenge lies about their belongings.
Addressing beliefs about the necessity of more storage items and the significance of keeping just one item.
Challenging justifications for keeping items, such as receiving them as gifts or having spent money on them.
Emphasising that love and respect for others are not dependent on holding onto objects.
Encouraging letting go of unused items, despite their perceived value or sentimental attachment.
Torn between hoarding and avoiding waste.
Recognise lies, challenge ourselves, become more accountable.
Dehoarding reveals need for less storage.
Overcoming sense of futility, one small effort at a time.
Love doesn't depend on holding onto belongings.
Letting go of excess stuff is liberating.
Don't keep stuff for future fashion trends.
Clutter affects every aspect of your life.
Recognising lies, challenging beliefs, and being accountable for actions.
Don't know what's needed; buying storage adds clutter.
Letting go of stuff creates space for growth and reduces harm.
Delaying decluttering prolongs discomfort. Let go of attachments to things from the past.
Clutter affects mental health and safety, including for children.

Subscribe to the podcast: https://www.overcomecompulsivehoarding.co.uk/subscribe

Podcast transcript: http://www.overcomecompulsivehoarding.co.uk/

In this episode I talk about 19 lies we tell ourselves about our stuff that help us to remain hoarders rather than break free from drowning in stuff.

Acknowledging the Difficulty in Addressing Hoarding Behaviour
Emphasising the possibility of change and the necessity of taking action.
Challenging Justifications for Hoarding
Negative impact on social interactions, emotional well-being, and emergency situations.
The impact of hoarding on children's well-being and long-term trauma.
The inefficiency and laborious nature of selling items from a hoard.
The impracticality of holding onto items because we believe they could be fixed or upcycled.
Setting deadlines for projects to address items awaiting repair or upcycling.
Recognising Lies and Contradictions in Hoarding Behaviour
Separating self-identity from possessions.
Questioning the necessity of holding rare or one-of-a-kind items.
Challenging the belief that items might be needed in the future.
Holding onto clothing that no longer fits.
Challenging the idea of holding onto items in anticipation of them coming back into fashion.
Taking Immediate Action to Address Hoarding Behaviour
Not postponing decluttering and organising efforts.
Challenging the rationale for holding onto items for sentimental reasons.
Considering hosting a virtual accountability group for dehoarding together via Zoom call.
Identifying and Challenging Lies About Belongings
Encouraging listeners to recognise and challenge lies about their belongings.
Addressing beliefs about the necessity of more storage items and the significance of keeping just one item.
Challenging justifications for keeping items, such as receiving them as gifts or having spent money on them.
Emphasising that love and respect for others are not dependent on holding onto objects.
Encouraging letting go of unused items, despite their perceived value or sentimental attachment.
Torn between hoarding and avoiding waste.
Recognise lies, challenge ourselves, become more accountable.
Dehoarding reveals need for less storage.
Overcoming sense of futility, one small effort at a time.
Love doesn't depend on holding onto belongings.
Letting go of excess stuff is liberating.
Don't keep stuff for future fashion trends.
Clutter affects every aspect of your life.
Recognising lies, challenging beliefs, and being accountable for actions.
Don't know what's needed; buying storage adds clutter.
Letting go of stuff creates space for growth and reduces harm.
Delaying decluttering prolongs discomfort. Let go of attachments to things from the past.
Clutter affects mental health and safety, including for children.

Previous Episode

#135 Don't know where to start? 31 things you can dehoard today

Subscribe to the podcast: https://www.overcomecompulsivehoarding.co.uk/subscribe

Podcast transcript: https://www.overcomecompulsivehoarding.co.uk/podcast-ep-135-dont-know-where-to-start-31-things-you-can-dehoard-today/

Sometimes you want to get something done, but you just need somebody to tell you where to start, right? You need a nudge. Because if we have too much choice in front of us, it can become overwhelming.

Benefits of becoming a Dehoarding Darling supporter for the podcast
New feature on top of monthly update with recommendations, extra podcast episodes, a song, and a top tip
Feedback on the idea of a monthly Zoom call for accountability and task completion
31 tasks to tackle hoarding, including specific items and areas
Clearing out old magazines and newspapers
Sorting and discarding empty boxes
Evaluating and recycling outdated electronic devices
Matching and storing Tupperware without lids or vice versa
Disposing of expired medication
Discarding old cosmetics and sunscreens
Evaluating old greeting cards for sentimental value
Getting rid of out-of-date food in fridges, kitchen cupboards, and freezers
Donating unread books
Testing and discarding non-functional pens
Releasing unused notebooks for others to use
Discarding single socks without a pair, old calendars, dead batteries, and promotional items
Unsubscribing from promotional emails
Discarding duplicate kitchen utensils
Decluttering clothing, jewellery, kitchen appliances, old receipts and bills, excess mugs and glasses, old towels and bedding, holiday decorations, unused hobby-related items, expired coupons and promotional flyers, and shoes
Asking serious questions about the usability of items
Downsizing items related to former hobbies
Expired coupons and promotional flyers
Being ruthless with old towels
Dispassionately evaluating holiday decorations
Decluttering shoes that are no longer worn
Creating space for necessary items
Getting rid of old shopping bags
Donating usable bags to charity shops or food banks
Encouragement to consider the 31 suggested decluttering tasks and taking action
Motivating listeners to initiate decluttering and organizing
Offering practical and achievable starting points for decluttering efforts
Engaging the audience in taking positive steps towards decluttering their spaces
Limiting clutter can lead to clarity.
Declutter chargers, cables, and old devices responsibly.
Keep meaningful greeting cards, discard the rest.
You deserve fresh, safe food
Donate books to libraries and charity organizations.
Unused appliances are space-wasters.
Reevaluate hobbies; downsize belongings for practicality.

Next Episode

#137 How to tackle a laundry backlog - or how to summit Mount Washmore

Subscribe to the podcast: https://www.overcomecompulsivehoarding.co.uk/subscribe

Podcast transcript: https://www.overcomecompulsivehoarding.co.uk/podcast-ep-137-how-to-tackle-a-laundry-backlog-or-how-to-summit-mount-washmore/

Today, the daunting task of tackling a laundry backlog. In this episode, I discuss practical strategies to conquer Mount Washmore and take control of the laundry chaos. From decluttering to creating a laundry system, I look at ways to streamline the process and prevent clothes from piling up. I also touch on the environmental impact of overwashing and share experiences of managing overwhelming laundry situations. So if you're ready to conquer that laundry mountain and reclaim some peace, hit play for some valuable tips and insights.

Addressing the Extreme Laundry Circumstances
Using a laundrette to catch up
Don’t berate yourself for the laundry backlog
Practical Solutions for Managing Laundry Backlog
Declutter to reduce laundry load
Establishing a designated place for dirty clothes and towels
Involving others in the household in the laundry process
Creating a personalised system for ongoing laundry management
Minimizing Overwashing and Unnecessary Clothing Purchases
Advising against overwashing clothes to minimize environmental impact
The environmental impact of overwashing, especially in relation to microplastics and microfibres
Minimising new clothing purchases to reduce laundry load and simplify life
Liberating Feeling of throwing away items in bad condition
Identifying and removing barriers to doing laundry
Streamlining the Washing Process
Sorting laundry into darks, lights, and colours
Containing laundry in bags or containers to streamline the washing process
Disregarding special care instructions and putting items in the washing machine, finding that they come out fine
The gruelling but necessary process of dedicating days to washing laundry, especially without a tumble dryer
Challenge of managing limited drying space
Doing laundry less demanding than cleaning or decluttering
Gratitude for the invention of washing machines
Consideration of organizing a Zoom accountability session for listeners and encouraging them to express interest
Strategies for Tackling Laundry Pile
Prioritising cleaning a few days' worth of clothes before addressing the entire pile
Gathering all dirty laundry in one place and discarding items in bad condition without guilt
Managing laundry by organizing tasks around the workday, not allowing the volume of laundry to overwhelm
Alternative options for managing overwhelming laundry, including using a laundrette or paying for laundry services if necessary to alleviate stress and feeling of being overwhelmed by laundry
Prioritise survival over saving damaged items.
Efficient sorting made laundry process much easier.
Efficient laundry process allows for multitasking.
Outsource your laundry, let someone else handle it.
Delegate laundry tasks, find a system.
Overwashing sheds microplastics, buy less clothing.
Procrastination leads to fear and anxiety. Start by ensuring clean, comfy clothes.
In times of overwhelm, prioritise survival over waste and home livability over personal items.
Without a tumble dryer, drying clothes is limited to 2-3 loads a day, making it difficult to keep things moving without dampness.
It's important to be realistic about what to keep and donate while doing laundry.
Options for laundry: do it yourself, pay for pick-up service, or drop off at a laundromat.
Use a laundrette for extreme laundry situations, without feeling guilty.
Laundry tips for efficiency and delegation.