Hoarding

[RileyG]

I saw a webpage last year that showed that 'hoarding' is not always a negative thing, is not always 'hoarding' per se --- but I forget what else it was called, not called hoarding, not the same thoughts or reasons or paradox of collecting stuff, but more practical, realistic, and sometimes needing further rules to avoid being overcome with 'stuff' without it being used.

Interesting

 

[Dewi Sant]

there is a house near me (Calke Abbey) which preserves some of the 'hoarded' rooms in the state in which they were left when it was bestowed to the National Trust (an organisation which cares for landscapes and properties of interest).

Now, I know hoarding in its more mundane sense, books, envelopes, VHS cassettes, packet food, receipts etc. This looks more like a disorganised collection to me.
I struggle daily with hoarding inclinations. It is the effect of deferred decisions which makes it so hard (executive dysfunction).
But also, in a strange way, I become attached not only to the 'potential' value of things, but the things themselves.

Getting rid is hard, but it feels wonderful to have cleared a surface. My fireplace is currently empty and at first I hated it, but now I like how it is so much less visual clutter.
It used to have a whole load of antique brass candlesticks on it, family heirlooms, and though I have not sold them, they are under my bed in a box, together.
I live in a small apartment (very small indeed by American standards), and I simply refuse to buy storage because I know I will fill it. Though here is the chicken and the egg situation.
If I get storage, there would be a period (however brief) where I would have clear surfaces and less visual clutter. but also, do I actually use any of the items in storage? Of course not, or if I do, rarely.
I work in a creative industry, and this combined with my personal interests, means I have a lot of professional art stuff. There is a moratorium on buying pens/pencils/brushes/pigments till the supply has gone down, but this feels like an eternity away, and I am unwilling to let go; meanwhile my wonderfully neurodivergent brain means I hardly ever actually undertake creative activity unless I am forced to by some impending deadline.
So give me deadlines

 

[returntosender]

there is a house near me (Calke Abbey) which preserves some of the 'hoarded' rooms in the state in which they were left when it was bestowed to the National Trust (an organisation which cares for landscapes and properties of interest).
View attachment 333750View attachment 333751
Now, I know hoarding in its more mundane sense, books, envelopes, VHS cassettes, packet food, receipts etc. This looks more like a disorganised collection to me.
I struggle daily with hoarding inclinations. It is the effect of deferred decisions which makes it so hard (executive dysfunction).
But also, in a strange way, I become attached not only to the 'potential' value of things, but the things themselves.

Getting rid is hard, but it feels wonderful to have cleared a surface. My fireplace is currently empty and at first I hated it, but now I like how it is so much less visual clutter.
It used to have a whole load of antique brass candlesticks on it, family heirlooms, and though I have not sold them, they are under my bed in a box, together.
I live in a small apartment (very small indeed by American standards), and I simply refuse to buy storage because I know I will fill it. Though here is the chicken and the egg situation.
If I get storage, there would be a period (however brief) where I would have clear surfaces and less visual clutter. but also, do I actually use any of the items in storage? Of course not, or if I do, rarely.
I work in a creative industry, and this combined with my personal interests, means I have a lot of professional art stuff. There is a moratorium on buying pens/pencils/brushes/pigments till the supply has gone down, but this feels like an eternity away, and I am unwilling to let go; meanwhile my wonderfully neurodivergent brain means I hardly ever actually undertake creative activity unless I am forced to by some impending deadline.
So give me deadlines

I think once you put it in storage it's lost forever. You'll never move it. Howd you get rid of some of it. I sure wish i could

 

[Sabertooth]

I am not a hoarder, but I have a collection of action figures that I am happy with.
Further compatible figures are no longer made, but I feel that it is complete for what it is.

I still buy replacement bodies as needed (and accessories as they are available) but my collection is primarily a collection of heads. And I have every head in a particular series that I was trying to complete (with additional heads that were available at the time).
I use them to help with drawing.

 

[RileyG]

I have a huge collection of a lot of things. My room makes me look like a hoarder.

 

[RileyG]

I have a problem with letting things go. I do not like to get rid of old books or old articles etc

 

[Sabertooth]

I have a problem with letting things go. I do not like to get rid of old books or old articles etc

I have been throwing out old paper (bills, check stubs, notices, etc.) left & right. It is really freeing. IRS only requires five years of records (if they ever do an audit).

And I get paperless records/receipts wherever I can.

 

[returntosender]

I have a problem with letting things go. I do not like to get rid of old books or old articles etc

I wish there was an easier answer. Remind yourself it's not biblical?

 

[RileyG]

I wish there was an easier answer. Remind yourself it's not biblical?

That's true. I think my brain thinks I need everything.

 

[RileyG]

I have been throwing out old paper (bills, check stubs, notices, etc.) left & right. It is really freeing. IRS only requires five years of records (if they ever do an audit).

And I get paperless records/receipts wherever I can.

That's true. I have old papers from college I no longer need. Old receipts. I don't know why I keep them.

 

[NBB]

I don't collect or hoard anything, but it costs me to throw things away sometimes.