Very nice video. I'm glad you distinguished the difference between collecting and hoarding. I think a lot of people mistake pure collecting with hoarding. My mom told me she was worried that I would one day end up a hoarder because I collect. But, I told her that I doubt that will happen because my collection is organized and every item has a place. It doesn't just sit in boxes or all over the floor, nor will it ever. I want to collect with the intent of displaying it neatly. I have always kept my collection to a single room in the house and try to keep that room clean. I really like this video. It's very informative, very helpful, and very kindly worded. Thanks for posting this video.
I am not a hoarderadvto but a craft creak. I have been a crafter since 8 years old when my grandmother sat me down at her treadmill sewing machine with woodblocks so I could reach the treadle. Sewed my own clothes, work for material.store for their samples, had 3 children, sew , and sewed! Have to learn every craft that came along. I taught ceramics and porcelain doll making (after many seminars, etc.) and taught classes for 43 years, went to computer classes. I went back to school when my last child graduated highschool, worked as sec. for 18 years. I retired at 62. Continued teaching ceramics (in my studio basement, then talked husband into moving to Florida,. Put together, I have 3 knitting machine, sewing machines (make quilts, etc. ) and now have been working on my craft room. I did bring my molds from NJ when we moved, have a complete studio, but no one here wants to do ceramics in my area. I still love doing those things, but I have to keep doing all those things, depends on the weather. I had few health issues, traveling I ended in the hospital with 97 blood clots in my lungs. All clear now, when Dr. told. Me I had 2 days to live I said I don’t have time to die. That was a year ago. I plan to live to be 100! So, hoard is not in my diction. This letter is only for you, thankyou for your totorials, Elsie
I found your videos today, and they have been very helpful. I have found myself becoming a hoarder over the years and you hit the nail on the head. I've gone through depression and grief over some personal loss of loved ones recently. But I'm starting to see the light and spring is finally starting to peek through, which is also inspiring. Sorry for the long message. Thank you so much for your help. I watched about five or six hours of your videos today. I am now a subscriber. Keep up the great work!
My sister was a hoarder, but visitors would not have known because her house was not untidy or messy like these photos. Everything appeared neat and a place for everything. However if you looked in her cupboards that was a very different case - eg., under her sink there were 27empty dish wash soap bottles 36, empty soda water plastic bottles, 42 yellow dusters, 17 partly used plastic wrap tubes, 22 paper wrap tubes etc etc etc LOLOL!!! Each cupboard, each room all had similar - 7 Black jackets (still with labels on) etc etc etc. What a woman!
I took your advice and googled the levels of Hoarding. Most of the people featured on the show are levels 4&5 - I guess because they really need the help the Show provides. I am maybe a 1.5 - not a 2 at all but I do have excessive clutter. It just doesn't block doorways or rooms I don't have paths carved out there is plenty of room to walk and function in a very normal way. My closets and drawers are pretty stuffed. Why I always called myself a hoarder was because of all of the stuff I buy and don't use. Heaven forbid I use up a roll of Washi and only have 299 rolls left. I never want to run out. That's why I think I have a hoarder's brain. I liked this video very much. You aren't at all judgemental. Nobody wants to be judged in a poor way. TFS
I love what you said - you have a hoarders brain! I think that is SOOOO important to know our tendencies, so we can keep them at bay! I know my weaknesses and absolutely need to stay ahead of them. Kudos to you!
@Lisa T - thank you! I am definitely seeing more signs of hoarding a year later. Still not down to pathways only - except in the basement 😧 I have been working down there for 2 days. I can ALMOST see some light at the end of the tunnel. Still love my Washi though ☺
Oh, wow.. You have such a way to explain.. No condemnation..I Appreciate you so much. Since 2007 I found to have a Kidney disease. MSK and Nephrocalsinosis.A Birth defect. A kidney stone blow out and chronic kidney stones, both full of calcification.. I have also chronic ecoli Infections..and Pain , Depression anxiety. When what your LIFE WAS..IS NO MORE.. I Had to quit work raising 4 kids, well I'd be in the hospital all the time over 40 lithos & or extractions and urine pools in my kidneys, so when even a micro stone breaks off ecoli releases into my system. Nausea is terrible now I'm also type 2 diabetes. I USED TO Turn on music dance and clean. My RULE was ..When you leave a room, NEVER Empty handed.. I could do and keep it up.. Now..😓🤔.. I can have a good day, full of energy and be up all night afraid to sleep because chances are I'll be back down.. I'm down more then not.. Kids quit helping, a struggle to keep up. Now all but One moved out, and they leave to a BLANK CANVAS. And I'm left with the stuff. When I can, I do what I can, My biggest issue IS STORGE SPACE.. 2 Rooms I need to do. The larger is for a MOM'S CAVE (My dream).. But hasn't arrived. I have tubs and found out ..I NEED WALL STORAGE, Like book cases or larger to put All my crafting on it.. and what nots.. I'm really liking your book shelves. Also in like the cubicles to put in the collapsible box like things.. I've been binge watching you and others with ideas. I'm NOT A. farm house or country style person.. Many are. Sorry so much I've written, Sometimes I think I need a Life coach.. Honestly, I'd miss visits being sick.. It's like NO ENERGY And the feeling like you have a stomach virus.. but no fever, etc. A Urine CULTURE always done, or it will show negative.. I want a Moms cave so relaxing.. and crochet knit adult coloring and crafting. Just so much..and yes..I'm on a Very Tight budget.. I have to be frugal... inexpensive. And see what I have to use and make it look pretty.. well it's about 2am.. my sleep is a mess.. I dont give my word about future or even tomorrow plans to No One.. So I don't let them dowm.. I APPRECIATE YOU MORE THAN YOU KNOW.. HUGS & THANK YOU..🤟🙏🙏🙏❣
Sending you giant hugs. I know it's hard. I have a wonderful Facebook group where we just support each other in all ways - if you'd like to join. It helps to be in a group of people who support, encourage, and understand 💚: facebook.com/groups/730125317461615/
You are So so kind.. Yes, I will go and check out the site.. It would be Wonderful to know others who Understand.. I Cant THANK You Enough..I Truly Enjoy your RUclips channel.. I Share your Videos ALL The Time.. Others can Benefit too. Hugs back to you.. Plzz know YOU ARE SO APPRECIATED!!💕🤟🙏🙏🙏
I know this is an old video but I have developed a shopping addiction to craft supplies. I fall into category 1. My therapist suggested I join a support group for over shopping. I found your video to be helpful. At least I know the level I am and thank you for that.
I am so glad it was helpful! And, I agree, it helps to be in a few support groups! Knowing you are not alone and can share struggles and accomplishments goes a long way! I'm rooting for you! Consider me your personal cheerleader and giver of suggestions! 💜
I'm a recovering hoarder, I think. 5 years ago I had almost every window blocked. Although we did have a tiny flat which I nicknamed 'the shoebox'. Now I think I'm at different levels in different spaces. I liked the way you broke down the levels, it was really helpful.
According to the pictures I’m a level 5 hoarder. I moved from a 3 bedroom townhouse to a basement room and now to an apartment with other family members. I had a 150 sq foot storage unit after leaving the townhouse and purging so much stuff. Now I’m buried with boxes of memories and things that I haven’t seen in 2 or 3 years. People are telling me to just get rid of all of it, but I’m finding it hard to make that decision and I don’t have time to sort through everything quickly as I work 6 days a week and babysit after work for grandkids. I have widdled it down to several boxes of clothing and other stuff piled floor to ceiling in my bedroom and dining room . I love your tips for purging and decluttering. Thank you so much for the insight and patience when you explain the tips and process. It has really helped me make progress in eliminating more stuff. My bedroom is my bedroom... office... and sewing (I’m a quilter) room. Making lists. Of what I need to tackle next really helps me too. I love your videos, thanks again.
Downsizing that much would leave anyone overwhelmed! Do you have access to vertical space? You will need to use wall storage very wisely to create space for you..... Use storage bags that vacuum down to minimize clothing storage and try to store under the bed/couch. Keep making those hard decisions on what makes you happy RIGHT NOW - now what used to make you happy.... The goal is to create a space you can enjoy and create. 🌺💙🌺
The Crafty Organizer I bought a bed frame that has 16 inches of storage height and the Kalax cubbie storage unit and a cabinet to store my fabric and sewing supplies. I’m taking pictures of things that I don’t have room for and giving them to Goodwill so maybe someone else can love them as much as I did. I only have a few pieces of furniture left and they will probably be sold before we move again, apartment living is never a permanent place. And my plan for retirement is to travel with a small camper (my tiny home for one)!! So I’m doing my best. Thanks for sharing your ideas , the cubbies are going to help a lot for now.
You are my hero. I recently came across your videos and feel I can make some positive changes with the insight I have gained from you. You hit so many areas that I struggle with and provide simple strategiies. I am so thankful that I can access your tips. You are a true blessing❤❤
I didn't relate with the pictures of the Google images of hoarder homes, level 3, yet when I asked my boyfriend to judge for me, he pointed out our home looked worse. So I'd suggest people to ask family or friends to look at those photos and ask "does my home looks just as bad, or even worse?" some of us aren't very good critics to ourselves. To add, my bf's mom is level 5. So it's a bit scary as a son who grew up with a hoarder agreed i have a bit of a problem.
I thought I was lazy because things are so bad in our house. Then, I had a heart attack and realized I was just sick. Now, as I’m feeling better, I’m overwhelmed and don’t know where to start. Thanks to you, I’m going to set the timer and start with a corner of my son’s bedroom. If you lived nearby, I’d surely make you the first person I asked to my embarrassing home. You are a treasure.
I would be there in a heartbeat!!!! Take it slow - take before and after pictures to show your progress - and remind yourself that every 15 minutes you spend is a step forward!! 💙
This really hit home. Thank you so much ❤️ now I just need to make a plan. Find a home for everything as this crafting is really helping me with my mental health xx👍😊
I do sometimes think that I may have this tendency, but I also live in a small flat and it's not always easy to find ways of organizing things. I also have to sort through quite a number of cardboard boxes that we used when we moved in and that is where most of the useless clutter is. I have also stopped buying things which I think I have too much of (like watercolour paints, coloured pencils, nail polish, etc) and will only buy things like that when I need to restock. I did go through an episode of buying make-up because I felt a bit down - the bright colours make me happy, but it can get too much if you aren't careful with it. I think though, that a big thing you need to do is get everything organized so you can find things, get rid of stuff you don't need anymore, be careful about how much stuff you keep if you want to recycle it in a project (like cardboard boxes, etc...) and don't buy too much crafty things - like if you get a large set of gel pens, don't buy another set until you've used them, etc. I did find a problem when I was painting using acrylic paints, though because I'd buy them sets, run out of a colour and need to buy another set to replace the colour that was used - if you can buy the colour you want on it's own, it's better to do it that way than buying another set!
I hope to travel to the UK sometime - I've been to a few other places and it's really helped me gain an appreciation and different approach to organizing.
Something that helped me get rid of “stuff” is constantly re-evaluating myself. I kept things for Crafts I intended and wanted to do. Or collections I loved. Or keeping things for my children. I discovered my likes have changed. Things I once loved, aren’t important anymore. I’m raising my 2 year old grandson. I know longer have time to do some things that I fully intended to do. Giving/selling these things gave an opportunity for someone else. Throwing some things away felt good. This really made a difference for me. Love your videos
Well said. I have always had issues getting rid of things. I have realized.. While watching Dana K White, that part of my issue is garage sales and discount places are kind of like Christmas to me. All of a sudden I can have all this neat stuff! And I can make it cool by crafting! We downsized our last move. The only house to rent was half the sq footage, but we didn't know that when we rented it and came from NM to MO with 2 full Uhaul. Second one went right into storage..
It's really hard! I realized I shopped as a thing to pass time and entertain myself! Now I still go - but keep it to window shopping and take pictures of the items I want to re-create. :)
My husband's been calling me a hoarder. I find it offences. I do find that keep things I could get rid of. After seeing these pictures I realize I'm not a hoarder. I'm just unorganized. That's why I'm watching your videos. You're great and you are helping me a lot. Thank you.
I hate the way that word gets tossed around. I am so excited that you are watching and getting tips to help you. Consider me your personal cheerleader and giver of suggestions! 💜
I realized that I am both. I have been learning the difference between craft supply and craft supply I will actually use. No more card board boxes! No more plastic jars! No more clear plastic! Phew! Feel so much better. I can see the floor! Thank you for this video.
I am dealing with this... I know it's a problem! Great video... Everything you said was right on target! Some days..I wish I wasn't like this.. other days the "stuff" actually makes me feel safe!🤦♀️🤷♀️
Giant hugs. On the days when your things are helping you feel safe.... see if you can identify HOW... is it the *memory* of when you got the items, the feeling of the space, or the comfort of the specific items? Knowing this will help you make easier decisions on the days when you want to let things go. 🌺🌿
I'm a bit of a hoarder. I say a bit because I live in a mobile home and there is absolutely no storage places. I have 3 small closets, one in each bedroom and that is it! I don't have a place to put my linens, laundry supplies, craft supplies, or any other stuff that is needed but not in use. In my kitchen I have a couple of small cupboards (over the stove and fridge) and cupboard that is 50 inches (outside measurement) by 17 inches. There are 3 doors but no shelving at all. I put a couple wire racks in there but it is hard to see in the back so a lot of my groceries are on the counter. My linens are on two open shelves in the hallway to my bedroom. I do hoard books and I have a lot that I want to get rid of which will allow all of my books to have a home. As far as craft supplies go... well, I knit, crochet, quilt, make porcelain dolls, and do some scrapbooking plus misc other things. I've kept all the supplies except fabric to a reasonable amount but the still leaves me with a spare room that is full. Also my mother passed away a couple of years ago and I inherited some of her stuff. I've donated stuff and have a few bags to go in my living room right now. But unless I give away everything I'm not using, I'll never have a home that looks like the first set of pictures. I know that they aren't real homes but I'm always going to have stuff on my coffee table and kitchen counter (thats where my coffee bar is). So I'm really discouraged because there is no place to put any thing.
Thanks, I do like the idea about taking the picture of your room. I have noticed in just taking photos of family members when looking back on the photo finding that pile of laundry that wasn't put away in the photo. Photos do show things that we normally don't notice that's in a room.
Thank you so much for the differentiations between the levels of collectors/ hoarders. Several people have called me a hoarder, but if they need something, & come here asking if I have that, I happily send them off with it!! I also usually know where it will be.
Very nice video and you were very considerate to us hoarders, it is very hard to let go of things but it is also very hard to live in this situation. Thanks to your videos I am working on clearing some things and working just areas at a time. Some days I only pickup a few things here and there and other days I am able to stay focused and clear little areas. I tell myself that it does not matter how long it takes as long as there is improvement, it did not get like this in a week nor can I expect to clean it in a week.
I just moved (ugh!) and purged prior, just to pare down every room, every closet, etc.. I had never seen the home we were moving to, as it was a gift from relatives. Long story short, the home has good bones, but VERY little storage and a tiny budget. I appreciate your advice!! Thanks!
Hi Norrine, I hope you’re doing better today, you’re in my prayers. I thank you so much for this video. I do have concerns in this area. Me and my husband are retired and we have some disabilities so we have a difficult time keeping up with cleaning up. I do have a few areas that just keep stacking up and for me it’s overwhelming at times and I deal with an anxiety panic disorder. I’m not sure what level I’m at but I can see that my house doesn’t look like the severe hoarder pictures. I’m trying to get a handle on things by working on a small area at a time. Thank you so much for your helpful ideas and advice. Take care and God bless you.
I love using the reuseable grocery tote bags for step 1 in my action plan to declutter each area. When i decide or need to quickly clean up (in advance of visitors or in-laws pulling up the driveway). The grocery bags are a perfect size to stash all the things found squatting on a shelf, table or book shelf. Step 2, once the visitor is gone, or when you are looking for a task to work on to impress an in-law who may have lingered longer than you like, grab a bag and sort through it, enlist that in-law to join in with that 2nd bag. They'll either leave soon, or eoll up their sleeves and start helping you start your spring cleaning....
Hahahaha! I love that! "They'll either leave soon, or eoll up their sleeves and start helping you start your spring cleaning...." Either way, it's a win!
My mom was a hoarder. So much so that there was only a pathway through our home. I was unable to do anything about it because I was her child even though I was an adult. After her death and I moved into my own home, I go to great lengths to avoid the hoarding tendencies of "I might need it some day". 25 years later and although my home isn't perfect, I'm proud to say it isn't what I grew up in. I'm comfortable with friends coming into my house and if it's not good enough for them, it's their problem. At least it's clean and spacious. Thanks for all you do sweetheart! You're awesome!🤗💕
Good for you!!!!! My heart breaks when I work with hoarders. They so often do not realize the level they have reached. I'm SO glad you've been able to avoid that path!!!!
It resonates with me. People give me their leftover crafting items...even of i say no. How do I stop them from dumping items on me? Thank you for having this subject! Well done!
I loved this i was accused of being a horder by a "friend" but now i know im not. Im just a collector with a little to many types of colections! Thanks
My house doesnt even look like your #2 picture level 3 its a lot neater. For laundry i have 4 baskets 1 per person and 1 for household. I sort and fold as i take off the line or out of the dryer. Then hubby and daughter put away their own clothes, mskes life so much easyer.
I just realized, I am a hoarder, and an excessive shopper. Thank you for helping me to admit it. I have a peer support lady whose hopefully starting in the next couple of weeks to come back and visit once a week. I'm just hoping I can make a little progress before she comes, but if not she has seen my messes before and she's also seen my progress before. I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in 1996, and schizoaffective disorder, but last year my therapist changed it to bipolar 1 and PTSD. I'm glad you addressed these in different stages and even tell people they may need help. I just wish I could find help. Especially the kind of person you suggest, that will be patient and understanding. Someone to help with the steps it takes and be there to help move stuff out and haul it without rushing me. Anyway, that's all I'm going to say about it publicly, except thank you very much! Even though the video is 2 years old, it's still relevant today, especially to me. Thank you Norrine! Happy Mother's Day and God bless you and your family 🥰🤗😘💖🙏
What a huge step for you, Kathy! I am so happy you have a peer support person coming to be with you. It will help so much! Be kind to yourself, and take it slow. Keep things positive, and try and set a number of items to let go of each time. That is much easier than trying to 'get through' an area. Consider me your personal cheerleader and giver of suggestions! 💜
@@TheCraftyOrganizer Thank you so much Norrine! It's awesome to have a personal cheer leader!!!😁 I'll try my best to do what needs to be done as I'm able 🥰🙏
Taking a picture is a great idea I’m going to try with my mother. She has hoarding tendencies yet does not see it. She shops excessively and purchases multiples of the same item because it’s “ on sale”.
Be gentle with her.... the shopping is filling an emotional need. She may respond better if you approach with a positive angle - take a picture of the room and show it to her pointing out a piece of furniture that could be moved to a different spot for better room flow.... letting her 'notice' the clutter. This is better then confronting her. And she may be more inclined to 'want' a change. Please don't hesitate to reach out with any questions. Good luck!
so i am not at 5. but i must say at 9:45ish in the video where you talk about the shopping and buying, i felt that. live in a town home and have lived there for 12 yrs. my basement has become hoarder central. everything that did not have a place got thrown down there. I created a sewing/craft area 4 yrs down there. eventually i just pile on top of it awhile back i dscovered dollar tree craft groups. i love crafting and the thought of crafting on a budget well it made want to do more. well problem was i juyst kept buying stuff for crafts and starting things to the point where i have all these supplies and a few project started but nothing finished. .my basement was so bad you could barely get through it. so i am in the process of cleaning and organizing or at least trying my hardest. my hubby and daughjter have offered to help but the hubby is one of those just throw it way guys and growing up in house where could not afford things i never throw things away. but i have recognized and admitted my problem and am working on it. it is not always easy and i wish i was better at organizing(its always been an issue). I am trying and realize it is necessary
I wish I could come help!!!! You said basement - that means you are not in Southern California. I'm saving up for an RV so I can start traveling the states to help people. Hope I get it soon!!! I'd love to come help you!
@@TheCraftyOrganizer I am in ohio. And i wish i had your expertise. lol. I have been watching and getting inspired by you organizing videos. There are so many organization videos out there but for some reason yours really speak to me. maybe it is the way the way word things or that soft caring tone that comes through. Although you may not be able to physically help trust me when i tell you your videos have really helped. They make me feel like i can accomplish this task no matter how huge it may be.
This definitely is a subject so close to my heart. I used to be like this till about a year ago, until I woke up and changed my life. I began decluttering. Yes, there is a shame associated with it. Earlier I wouldn't let people visit me. And in India we socialize a lot, it was difficult avoiding someone from coming home. People called my home a flea market ha ha ha... It hurt then, though I'm laughing now. But I did it and since then I have made decluttering an everyday habit. There is still a lot that needs to go. I now wish to help others with this and change their lives. Your videos talk to me. Thanks for such good content!!! Wish I can meet you some day soon xoxo
Wow! I am so proud of you!!!! It's a big accomplishment to do this! And I love that you want to now share this with others. Let me know how I can help. 💙💙💙
I watch every episode of Hoarders and Hoarding Buried Alive and I have learned a lot. One thing one of the psychologists said was that a Collector can and will proudly show off and share their items with others. They display them with care. That makes sense. I have neat and organized collections. I also have a hard time letting go of things based on sentiment and also fear. I lost my daughter at age 12 and was scared to part with her things. Will I forget certain times we had together was a haunting worry. But I VERY slowly worked on it and kept things with great meaning and parted with quite a bit. And ya know what - 12 years later I haven't forgotten a thing about my Baby Girl. But -- I had to do it at my own pace and make my own decisions. I have zero problem throwing my daily trash away and have nothing broken or unsanitary laying around, yet in my mind I feel like a Hoarder. The show says approximately 19 MILLION people are hoarders - gadzooks !
I literally just teared up. I am so sorry for your loss. I can't even imagine. You absolutely did the right thing going at your own pace. I am so proud of you for taking the time to find the special things that can keep her close to you. xoxoxo
@@TheCraftyOrganizer Thank you for your kind words XO. I -at the suggestion of my boyfriend - am doing the 40 item Lent challenge along with giving up junk food. Each day of Lent you find an item you no longer need or want and at the end of the 40 days you donate the items. The Church I play bingo out will take the items. I have no problem donating to someone who can use and hopefully enjoy my items. I have clothes in excellent condition that don't fit me any more - toys - and some books. It's actually been fun so far.
Thank you. This is totally enlightening. I can identify myself with some of your description like the compulsive shopping out of the thrill of the hunt and I swear the feeling dissipates on the way home as I worry where to put them. Good thing, I hate clutter but giving away is a big No for me. I’ve sold many of my old stuff for a small profit.
When I lost my folks 14 months apart in my late 20's... I became a compulsive buyer....it has been 30 plus years and I can still feel that high every so often....but I do now recognize the feelings now....still too much stuff.....🤔
Hi dear... Thank you for the efforts in helping hoarders. I am in a childless marriage which hurts me for not having a child. I feel no purpose in life. My house is filled up with things.And i am hoarder. . can't bring anyone into my home... I and my hubby live a long distance relationship. I avoid my hubby coming to my home because of the house situation. I live with my father., who is a heart patient. Anything may happen at anytime to him.. God forbid in such a case, i am worried how can i perform my father's last rites in such a filthy home.. But have zero motivation to declutter... Can't even sleep properly. I can't bring in help or friends as i very ashamed. . i can only bring help if my home is half decent.. What should i do?? Please please help me... Dunno where and how to start? I live in India where we don't get professional organizers or hoarding help services... Awaiting your reply... My dad's health also pressurises me..
Oshin - I am sending you giant hugs. I know it was hard for you to admit your situation. I am so proud of you for speaking up. I don't know what services you have near you, but a starting point would be speaking with a professional therapist. Your heart is hurting, and that pain has been avoided by obtaining things. It's a very normal human trait - we distract ourselves with habits that make us feel better - even if it's just for a moment... and even if it's bad for us. Getting to work with a therapist will help you work through these painful issues so that you can begin working on the physical areas of your home. I've worked with many clients in similar situations. You CAN reclaim your space - But success begins by healing your heart, so the rest can follow. Please let me know if you are able to find someone to work with. Even if it's online. I'm happy to give suggestions once you are working with someone. xoxoxo
@@TheCraftyOrganizer Thank you for your prompt reply & time. ..As I live in a village in India finding a personal therapist is hard... In what way you can help me if that is not a burden to you?? God bless U for your service & kind words..🤗
Thank you for sharing your expertise... and thanks to all who comment. It's good to know there are others out there trying to get a handle on the "stuff" that happens in life. I will be using your suggestion of the question, "Would I buy this today"?, as I continue to organize and declutter.
I am a level 4 hoarder, I do a lot purchasing of craft items and once I have made my item, I have left over glue or card stock or stickers but I can't seem to let them go I paid good money for it. I tell myself I don't need it now but some time down the line I will, so put it aside and can never find it when I want so I buy it again. Often I will be looking for something else and find that item I need, that I just re-purchased because I couldn't find it. I get mad at myself and yet the cycle continues. Not sure what the underline problems is but I continue to watch your show and find it helpful. Thank you
I love your videos. Between you and Flylady I am finally feeling so much better about myself and my surroundings. Thank you so much for your help and inspiration and encouragement. BTW-I have added a great update to my post in "Organizing with chronic pain and depression". You have helped me so much. 💚💗🌺
I find that I shop due to my depression and am doing a month of no spend.I'm hoping since I'm having issues getting to my clutter that I won't bring more in.wish me luck!!! Lol
You are not alone, Jennifer! Many people shop to feel better. Set that timer - accomplish that first little bit! Hoping that 'win' will help you gain momentum. Keep me posted, I'm happy to help with suggestions. xoxoxo
I am in between level 2 and 3. I need motivation. I write out what I plan to do & then I end up cleaning my Bathroom because it's the easiest & smallest area in my apartment! My issue is mostly the where do I start? I cannot afford a professional nor would I want anybody to see my apartment the way it is! I feel stuck!
Try Flylady! Helps me a lot. Long way to go myself but actually making progress. Sign up for Flylady emails starting slowly and take as long as needed to develop short morning, and evening routines and declutter 15 mins. a day after shining your sink daily. Delete as many other emails as needed for the first several months so you are not overwhelmed. Then slowly add the daily missions but only if your sink, routines and decluttering for 15 mins. won't suffer.
LadyKatAngel - cleaning your bathroom instead is a huge accomplishment! Don't berate yourself. See if Flylady's emails help! (Thanks, Carol!) Clutter is overwhelming - but keep picturing how wonderful it will feel WHEN you get through it. And I know you will. xoxox
I m totally a hoarter! And have shopping problem. I told my therapist but she didn't think I have it. I think I am getting worse. I will spend every past Penny I have to buy thing that will make me happy at that moment. Then I will feel so guilty after. I always tell myself that I will put them in good use. But I end up having boxes and boxes of stuff. I have to rent a bigger storage every year! I really don't know what to do!
Karen - You are so brave for admitting this... Are you being completely honest with your therapist? Does she understand the need to spend and then the guilt afterward? I'd try to tell her again and bring pictures of your living space. If she does not 'hear' you and start to help.... it may be time for a different therapist. The perfect combination would be to find an organizer you could work with for just a few hours each week in tandem with your therapist. I am so proud of you for seeking help - I hope she is able to guide you through this. 💙💙💙
@@TheCraftyOrganizer thanks for your reply. I did tell her about buying non necessary things and spent money which I don't have. But it seems like she didn't take it seriously. I will talk to her again and hopefully she will realize my problem. I wish I can hire a professional organizer but our financial situation is not allow me to do that. And I feel very embarrass to have my family and friends to help. I don't want anyone to go in to my apartment honestly
Take a few pictures of your apartment JUST for your therapist - that way she can really understand and help you. Please keep me posted - maybe I can help you through e-mail with "homework" to do each week to help you stay on track. xoxox
Actually, thank you because I felt bad about the state of my home, and suddenly, after this video, I realize that I am really very well organized. I never let things pile up on the floor, my kitchen and bathroom are very efficient and usable, I take care of my laundry very quickly. My drawers and cabinets are very tidy. My problem is: not enough closets and too much stock for my business in my home. Objects come to me without me buying them, that is another story... Solution: getting rid of, by selling or donating, or even throwing, exactly what I’m doing. My sons like empty spaces so they always are criticizing me. But actually thanks to this video, I’m feeling much better. I don’t even have a shopping disorder, I buy nothing except my food. So thank you, I will continue to declutter without blaming myself too much. As a professional organizer yourself, you probably have seen incredible situations at your clients’ home.
I just recently found you on RUclips because of your paper scrap organizing so now I’m watching all your videos. I’m happy to say I’m at level zero. Yes those can be real homes, my home looks pretty much like those most of the time. Sometimes I think there something wrong with me because I don’t have any emotional attachment or almost anything that I own. I’m not very sentimental and don’t have sentimental items, I mean I have a few, I have some old family photos and a few things like that that are sentimental but other than that no. Rather than people coming into my home and holding their nose and making comments about how much stuff there is I’ve had people come in and look around and say “where’s all your stuff“ or “it looks like no one lives here“. I guess there are a couple of sides to that spectrum. Like the shoppers get a high out of buying stuff I get a high when I throw stuff away or take it to the Goodwill. I am starting to run out of things to get rid of though to get that high.
I know I have a problem I'm trying not to buy anything I don't because I'm retired so on a fixed income my problem is I love fabric i have bins and bins of fabric some i havent seen in ten years.my daughter sews and I need to let her go though some of it but it hard i starting to make quilt out of my stash. I moved to Utah 11 years ago after a divorce and put my stuff in storage because moved into my aunts basement.. I'm getting older I need to get rid of things but it is so hard
It is hard. Those treasures you've collected mean something to you. If you don't have an immediate time-frame for purging... approach it like a shopping trip. Go with a box or bag and 'shop' your storage space for some favorite things to create a new project. Then take it home and enjoy making that project! This will do a few things. 1) It will help you re-assess what you really have and like. 2) It will either spark the love of that hobby again and allow you to USE your supplies. Or 3) it will help you realize you don't enjoy this hobby as much and help make it easier to let go of the fabric for someone else to use and love.
THAT is a hard one to work with.... see if you can get him to agree to an 'expiration date' on the things he wants to keep.... just in case! Maybe a year?? Then if it's STILL not used, it goes.
All my stuff can fit into a five by ten storage unit with some room to spare, not counting my bed, and big utilities so I don't think I'm one, interesting video though.
I grew up very poor. In adulthood it has been difficult to let stuff go. I'm going to have out of town company stay at my house. I feel overwhelmed and very stressed. At the same time, I'm having health issues. I have accomplished some but I have a long way to go. I feel like I'm dog paddling in the middle of the Pacific Ocean and far from any land. I don't know if I will get through this. I just try to take a small area at a time. I will continue to watch your videos. Thank you...
DON'T GIVE UP! Emotional attachment is very difficult... For you a question you can ask yourself is "would I buy this today?" Even though you spent hard earned $ on an item, if you wouldn't buy it now, it may help you to let it go.
Well I said I was going to get up I lied I’m still in bed watching you and I relate to so much of this I don’t have company I’m ashamed when my mom comes to visit I hate when my landlord says your have out grown this place I’m so ashamed
Love this one! Im on the edge of hoarding i also know i go impulse shopping i am in therapie and know that the problem comes from when i was little it comes from wanting to have control and stuff you can control where people you can't. Im doing better already a few years ago i collected and would buy anything to feel better now its only craft supplies when i see gorjus design paper i think i have enough leave it but then i think oooh but i can make this with it and maybe next week its gone its only 2 dollars when i come home i have this huge shopping bag of craft suplies that i love and almost always use but then i think omg where am i gonna put these 😲 then im like ok i did it again. But otherwise now i know im not a hoarder because i can still function in every room of my house i do have a collecting problem i want it all but have limited space for it so i have to watch myself thank you for this defenition 😍
So very well done! Compassion with truth. Thank you. I will be waiting for new videos. Also, do you have a video about how to begin? Like Step 1, 2, 3, or video 1, 2, to use when someone (me) starts trying to get a handle on things. I think I'm about a 2.5 - 3 on the am I a hoarder scale, and would like to get down to a solid 2. (Maybe a 1.5?) Thank you for your time and effort.
I'm in stage 4 going on stage 5. 😐 My latest strategy is heavy duty boxes and putting all my stuff in them to them. It's kinda working but not fast enough.
I am so proud of you for trying to get a handle on it!! Put a date of the boxes as you fill them.... if you haven't gone back in to retrieve things it may be easier to let them go if/when you are ready 💙
@@TheCraftyOrganizer Some stuff I should just get rid of and some stuff I should sell so I can enjoy the stuff I want to keep. I have got my home to stage 1 before but I'm in a bedsit and it gets messy quick. 😀
Phew 😅 I was beginning to think I was a hoarder. Ur videos have helped and inspired me! I love ur work and ur attitude!! When my mother then my husband passed away I moved back home to my parents house brining with me 30 years of belongings because I didn’t have time to purge my 1800 sq ft home PLUS husbands large business tools. I packed and moved everything into Dad’s barn, garage and basement and now I’m so overwhelmed can’t seem to manage. Honestly I physically can’t move the rest of this stuff. And there are some very valuable things to go away. I wonder if I can find a resource n my area to help if I donate all this furniture, tools, and clothing. Any ideas on where to look for this resources? Keep this videos coming I desperately NEED them. Thank you!!
Call Clutter Fairy Thank you I just found your reply. I have way too many subscriptions lol. I was just watching t your May 3rd video on chronic pain and depression...wow. I have been hearing so many ppl sharing the same information. It’s shocking just how many of us have gone thru or are continuing to go thru the same struggles. I will keep you in my prayers. Thank you SO MUCH!! Now, back to my original message...Where to turn for help my 30 years of “stuff” I have filled my dad’s property with. I will email you with my location. Thank you thank you thank you!! 🙏☮️. ♥️😊😊
Hi Norrine, Hope all is well, safe, and healthy. The main parts of my home are kept clean and decent, however my craft room looks more like a hoarders nest, lol. On the other hand I do purge but I still have this feeling that I am a craft hoarder even though I purge. Am I just being hard on myself, do you have recommendations, insights, advice, etc...
Hi, I just watched this video and want to thank you for talking about such a difficult topic. My daughter, who lives with me, has such a problem. Her small room is full of clothes and things which are everywhere: on the floor, her bed, furniture. She always keeps her door closed and never lets anyone in. She’s 33. I don’t know what to do for her. Is there anything you can recommend? Thanks again.
I'm borderline hoarder. I currently rent a room so space is extremely limited. I also have my cat living in my room with me so there's 2 litter boxes. I have just enough room to walk around without stepping on anything.
@@TheCraftyOrganizer Actually I am. I'm just overwhelmed with what I have & don't want to start. I have bad allergies and my cat's hair is all over. He's shedding from the summer. My clothes are in laundry bags, I have crats in many different bags.
Start really small. I know it will feel like you are not making progress 0 but it WILL start to make a difference! Even if it's only 5 min! Please keep me posted. 💜
Don't know what to do with step-daughter's case. I believe I sent you photos. She's definitely a hoarder, but there's no TIME for patience. It's been accumluating for 4 years, now, and at this point, it has to just GET GONE, NOW!! Because it's at the point of being a fire hazard...and if there were to be a fire in her area, I have no doubt my insurance would get cancelled. I'm out of time for patience, and I'm about to yes, just start tossing stuff in the trash or donation piles...like when she's away at work, so I don't deal with any whining or arguments about what stays or goes. She's been told more than once that if we have to clean it up, she won't like what we decide is trash.
Thank you for making this video. I did find some of myself belongings in the photos you showed. My upstairs hallway & craft/office room. I ended up doing what you said not to do, buy containers beforehand, and I can't seem to get past the clutter, I've been working on just taking a section of the room at a time, but its very difficult. Its been over a year, what would you suggest to give me the motivation to begin this process again, as I've kind of put myself in delay mode?
Take a picture of the room, then look at the picture. Really SEE the room. Then set a timer, as often as you can, and start chipping away at it. But only do one category each time. Use bins, boxes, or bags to help you sort until the room has a clear spot. You can't make homes for things until you know what you have. But you can do this!!! it's hard, but it can be done. Take a new picture every few days so that you can see the advancements you are making!
I'm working on my garage this weekend, and after pulling all of my things out, I am overwhelmed myself!!! Taking it in small bites is best!!!! I'm going out right now to spend a bit more time. Good luck with yours!!! Email me if you get stuck. 😚 Callclutterfairy@gmail.com
Yay, I am not a hoader, however, I do need to get my clutter under control. Going to try and do what you suggested in another video. Baby steps and just focus on one spot for 10-15 minutes and then walk away. Come back later so I don't get overwhelmed. Thanks.
I have a small kitchen table where I do crafts and it also holds my laptop.I have organized my crafts into bins and most are in a closet but almost daily I do use some of the materials. My Daughter and Granddaughter get frustrated with me at times when there isn't much room at my table.This is frustrating to me because I have no other space to craft in.How do we compromise on this.No one eats meals together at the table,so that isn't their problem with it.They do like to prepare snacks or drinks here,and I usually have something in their way.
is it possible to be both? I have a massive collection of blown glass Christmas ornaments they are all stored very neatly and safely away and cataloged as well so I don't buy duplicates :) AND I hate to admit it, but our living room looks a bit like the second picture you showed at the moment because I was using part of it as a craft space and I/ll be getting a proper craft room fairly soon here so that space will be cleared out then and I do have one room filled to the brim with boxes because my husband's company moved us to India for a year, it ended up being 6 months because I had a stroke 6 months in when the movers brought our belongings back to the US was all packed in identical boxes and none were labeled so everything from our three-bedroom house with a two-car garage and a small garden shed (both full) is packed into one bedroom in our apartment that will be my craft room because of the disability from my stroke I haven't been able to attack the boxes as fast as I'd like, but we have managed to get about 1/48thof the way through it
I just found you today. I am a shop acholic but I have not been able to find help in my area. I would be willing to do something on line but have not been able to find anything, any suggestions.
@@TheCraftyOrganizer I was a shop-a-holic. But every time I'd spend money my husband would throw a fit and yell at me. We now have a rule and have to get 'permission' from the other to spend more than $100. I'm also learning how to save up my weekly allowance ($20) to buy stuff I want. Since it takes SO LONG to save up for stuff, I think really hard about what I buy...amazon prime has fast shipping - but is also 'dangerous'...
I live in upstate NY and would LOVE to find a professional organizer to help me in my craft room that wouldn’t break the bank! I’d love to find someone interested in crafting to help in exchange for a lot of products!,
I’m always been accused as a hoarder I’ve started collecting my little pony’s an carebears my hall way has a unit an shelves they are on there they don’t get in the way I can walk throu with out problems I do sufffer from O.C.D an have to clean for hours my house looks like the first pic 🥺🥺🥺
Being disabled it is very easy to become overwhelmed with stuff. Especially with everyone working all the time and no one pitching in to help out. When they do their solution is throwing everything out. That is not the solution. I wish things in life where way easier.
🌺 I'm here to help and cheer you on.... it's lots of work, but you will start feeling the payoffs. Please let me know if you'd like some suggestions. CallClutterFairy@gmail.com 💙
Grace & Peace! Lovingkindness & gentleness & meekness with all you shared made gathering your suggestions a joy! Confirming my "sacred substance",gathered by faith;collected because of expecting future "witnesses",as an holy apostle-priest-scribe,like a museum curator of spiritual evidences,I have more of a confidence concerning what most have said,"You got slot of stuff"! This stuff has prophetic dates & times that prove I'm walking with & in relationship with The Living WORD of GOD THE LORD,following JESUS! This sort is never really considered,because it's a very few who so live with their own personal "ark of covenantestimonies"! Many thanks,perhaps I will be ready to comfort more of the very few like me!
This is a touchy subject - I tried my best to approach with respect and compassion.... please let me know your thoughts below. Thanks for watching!
I think you handled this, with respect and compassion, awesome video xx💚
Well done!
you have done it nicely.
You did an awesome job!! 💞💞
Very well done. And very eye opening. 😬
Shame and isolation are definitely real in this situation. Thank you for letting me know there are others who suffer, too.
absolutely helpful. empathetic but solution oriented....thank you
I like your calm voice and ideas.
Very nice video. I'm glad you distinguished the difference between collecting and hoarding. I think a lot of people mistake pure collecting with hoarding. My mom told me she was worried that I would one day end up a hoarder because I collect. But, I told her that I doubt that will happen because my collection is organized and every item has a place. It doesn't just sit in boxes or all over the floor, nor will it ever. I want to collect with the intent of displaying it neatly. I have always kept my collection to a single room in the house and try to keep that room clean.
I really like this video. It's very informative, very helpful, and very kindly worded. Thanks for posting this video.
Krys, thank you so much for the kind comment. It is a tough subject, but I am so happy to be helping people through it. ♡
thank you for dealing with this subject in a gentle, compassionate manner. I can't tell you how much this means to me.
I am not a hoarderadvto but a craft creak. I have been a crafter since 8 years old when my grandmother sat me down at her treadmill sewing machine with woodblocks so I could reach the treadle. Sewed my own clothes, work for material.store for their samples, had 3 children, sew , and sewed! Have to learn every craft that came along. I taught ceramics and porcelain doll making (after many seminars, etc.) and taught classes for 43 years, went to computer classes. I went back to school when my last child graduated highschool, worked as sec. for 18 years. I retired at 62. Continued teaching ceramics (in my studio basement, then talked husband into moving to Florida,. Put together, I have 3 knitting machine, sewing machines (make quilts, etc. ) and now have been working on my craft room. I did bring my molds from NJ when we moved, have a complete studio, but no one here wants to do ceramics in my area. I still love doing those things, but I have to keep doing all those things, depends on the weather. I had few health issues, traveling I ended in the hospital with 97 blood clots in my lungs. All clear now, when Dr. told. Me I had 2 days to live I said I don’t have time to die. That was a year ago. I plan to live to be 100! So, hoard is not in my diction. This letter is only for you, thankyou for your totorials, Elsie
I want to celebrate your 100th too!!!! You are a spitfire, Elsie - I love that! Thanks for the great comment!
I found your videos today, and they have been very helpful. I have found myself becoming a hoarder over the years and you hit the nail on the head. I've gone through depression and grief over some personal loss of loved ones recently. But I'm starting to see the light and spring is finally starting to peek through, which is also inspiring. Sorry for the long message. Thank you so much for your help. I watched about five or six hours of your videos today. I am now a subscriber. Keep up the great work!
Lisa - thank you so much, and welcome to the family!!! Please let me know how you're doing. I'd be happy to provide help if you get stuck. xoxox
Worry about being long-winded most of us are women and we need the whole story
My sister was a hoarder, but visitors would not have known because her house was not untidy or messy like these photos. Everything appeared neat and a place for everything. However if you looked in her cupboards that was a very different case - eg., under her sink there were 27empty dish wash soap bottles 36, empty soda water plastic bottles, 42 yellow dusters, 17 partly used plastic wrap tubes, 22 paper wrap tubes etc etc etc LOLOL!!!
Each cupboard, each room all had similar - 7 Black jackets (still with labels on) etc etc etc.
What a woman!
Amazing. Glad it never went to the 'piles' part of the disease.
I took your advice and googled the levels of Hoarding. Most of the people featured on the show are levels 4&5 - I guess because they really need the help the Show provides. I am maybe a 1.5 - not a 2 at all but I do have excessive clutter. It just doesn't block doorways or rooms I don't have paths carved out there is plenty of room to walk and function in a very normal way. My closets and drawers are pretty stuffed. Why I always called myself a hoarder was because of all of the stuff I buy and don't use. Heaven forbid I use up a roll of Washi and only have 299 rolls left. I never want to run out. That's why I think I have a hoarder's brain. I liked this video very much. You aren't at all judgemental. Nobody wants to be judged in a poor way. TFS
I love what you said - you have a hoarders brain! I think that is SOOOO important to know our tendencies, so we can keep them at bay! I know my weaknesses and absolutely need to stay ahead of them. Kudos to you!
you don't sound like a hoarder to me, and I hear you on the washi! it's a good thing it's cheap!
@Lisa T - thank you! I am definitely seeing more signs of hoarding a year later. Still not down to pathways only - except in the basement 😧 I have been working down there for 2 days. I can ALMOST see some light at the end of the tunnel. Still love my Washi though ☺
Yikes.... I see myself in a few of those photos - not gonna say which ones!
Oh, wow.. You have such a way to explain.. No condemnation..I Appreciate you so much. Since 2007 I found to have a Kidney disease. MSK and Nephrocalsinosis.A Birth defect. A kidney stone blow out and chronic kidney stones, both full of calcification.. I have also chronic ecoli Infections..and Pain , Depression anxiety. When what your LIFE WAS..IS NO MORE.. I Had to quit work raising 4 kids, well I'd be in the hospital all the time over 40 lithos & or extractions and urine pools in my kidneys, so when even a micro stone breaks off ecoli releases into my system. Nausea is terrible now I'm also type 2 diabetes. I USED TO Turn on music dance and clean. My RULE was ..When you leave a room, NEVER Empty handed.. I could do and keep it up.. Now..😓🤔.. I can have a good day, full of energy and be up all night afraid to sleep because chances are I'll be back down.. I'm down more then not.. Kids quit helping, a struggle to keep up. Now all but One moved out, and they leave to a BLANK CANVAS. And I'm left with the stuff. When I can, I do what I can,
My biggest issue IS STORGE SPACE.. 2 Rooms I need to do. The larger is for a MOM'S CAVE (My dream).. But hasn't arrived. I have tubs and found out ..I NEED WALL STORAGE, Like book cases or larger to put All my crafting on it.. and what nots.. I'm really liking your book shelves. Also in like the cubicles to put in the collapsible box like things..
I've been binge watching you and others with ideas. I'm NOT A. farm house or country style person.. Many are.
Sorry so much I've written, Sometimes I think I need a Life coach.. Honestly, I'd miss visits being sick..
It's like NO ENERGY And the feeling like you have a stomach virus.. but no fever, etc. A Urine CULTURE always done, or it will show negative.. I want a Moms cave so relaxing.. and crochet knit adult coloring and crafting. Just so much..and yes..I'm on a Very Tight budget.. I have to be frugal... inexpensive. And see what I have to use and make it look pretty.. well it's about 2am.. my sleep is a mess.. I dont give my word about future or even tomorrow plans to No One.. So I don't let them dowm.. I APPRECIATE YOU MORE THAN YOU KNOW.. HUGS & THANK YOU..🤟🙏🙏🙏❣
Sending you giant hugs. I know it's hard. I have a wonderful Facebook group where we just support each other in all ways - if you'd like to join. It helps to be in a group of people who support, encourage, and understand 💚: facebook.com/groups/730125317461615/
You are So so kind.. Yes, I will go and check out the site.. It would be Wonderful to know others who Understand.. I Cant THANK You Enough..I Truly Enjoy your RUclips channel.. I Share your Videos ALL The Time.. Others can Benefit too. Hugs back to you.. Plzz know YOU ARE SO APPRECIATED!!💕🤟🙏🙏🙏
I know this is an old video but I have developed a shopping addiction to craft supplies. I fall into category 1. My therapist suggested I join a support group for over shopping. I found your video to be helpful. At least I know the level I am and thank you for that.
I am so glad it was helpful! And, I agree, it helps to be in a few support groups! Knowing you are not alone and can share struggles and accomplishments goes a long way! I'm rooting for you! Consider me your personal cheerleader and giver of suggestions! 💜
I'm a recovering hoarder, I think. 5 years ago I had almost every window blocked. Although we did have a tiny flat which I nicknamed 'the shoebox'. Now I think I'm at different levels in different spaces. I liked the way you broke down the levels, it was really helpful.
Informative. what I try to do is work on one room at a time so I do not get to overwhelmed. I do get distracted.
According to the pictures I’m a level 5 hoarder. I moved from a 3 bedroom townhouse to a basement room and now to an apartment with other family members. I had a 150 sq foot storage unit after leaving the townhouse and purging so much stuff. Now I’m buried with boxes of memories and things that I haven’t seen in 2 or 3 years. People are telling me to just get rid of all of it, but I’m finding it hard to make that decision and I don’t have time to sort through everything quickly as I work 6 days a week and babysit after work for grandkids. I have widdled it down to several boxes of clothing and other stuff piled floor to ceiling in my bedroom and dining room . I love your tips for purging and decluttering. Thank you so much for the insight and patience when you explain the tips and process. It has really helped me make progress in eliminating more stuff. My bedroom is my bedroom... office... and sewing (I’m a quilter) room. Making lists. Of what I need to tackle next really helps me too. I love your videos, thanks again.
Downsizing that much would leave anyone overwhelmed! Do you have access to vertical space? You will need to use wall storage very wisely to create space for you..... Use storage bags that vacuum down to minimize clothing storage and try to store under the bed/couch. Keep making those hard decisions on what makes you happy RIGHT NOW - now what used to make you happy.... The goal is to create a space you can enjoy and create. 🌺💙🌺
The Crafty Organizer I bought a bed frame that has 16 inches of storage height and the Kalax cubbie storage unit and a cabinet to store my fabric and sewing supplies. I’m taking pictures of things that I don’t have room for and giving them to Goodwill so maybe someone else can love them as much as I did. I only have a few pieces of furniture left and they will probably be sold before we move again, apartment living is never a permanent place. And my plan for retirement is to travel with a small camper (my tiny home for one)!! So I’m doing my best. Thanks for sharing your ideas , the cubbies are going to help a lot for now.
I have made a lot of progress recently as I finally made it a priority to finally resolve my storage problems.
You are my hero. I recently came across your videos and feel I can make some positive changes with the insight I have gained from you. You hit so many areas that I struggle with and provide simple strategiies. I am so thankful that I can access your tips. You are a true blessing❤❤
Consider me your personal cheerleader and giver of suggestions! 💜
I didn't relate with the pictures of the Google images of hoarder homes, level 3, yet when I asked my boyfriend to judge for me, he pointed out our home looked worse. So I'd suggest people to ask family or friends to look at those photos and ask "does my home looks just as bad, or even worse?" some of us aren't very good critics to ourselves.
To add, my bf's mom is level 5. So it's a bit scary as a son who grew up with a hoarder agreed i have a bit of a problem.
I thought I was lazy because things are so bad in our house. Then, I had a heart attack and realized I was just sick. Now, as I’m feeling better, I’m overwhelmed and don’t know where to start. Thanks to you, I’m going to set the timer and start with a corner of my son’s bedroom. If you lived nearby, I’d surely make you the first person I asked to my embarrassing home. You are a treasure.
I would be there in a heartbeat!!!! Take it slow - take before and after pictures to show your progress - and remind yourself that every 15 minutes you spend is a step forward!! 💙
This really hit home. Thank you so much ❤️ now I just need to make a plan. Find a home for everything as this crafting is really helping me with my mental health xx👍😊
I do sometimes think that I may have this tendency, but I also live in a small flat and it's not always easy to find ways of organizing things. I also have to sort through quite a number of cardboard boxes that we used when we moved in and that is where most of the useless clutter is. I have also stopped buying things which I think I have too much of (like watercolour paints, coloured pencils, nail polish, etc) and will only buy things like that when I need to restock. I did go through an episode of buying make-up because I felt a bit down - the bright colours make me happy, but it can get too much if you aren't careful with it. I think though, that a big thing you need to do is get everything organized so you can find things, get rid of stuff you don't need anymore, be careful about how much stuff you keep if you want to recycle it in a project (like cardboard boxes, etc...) and don't buy too much crafty things - like if you get a large set of gel pens, don't buy another set until you've used them, etc. I did find a problem when I was painting using acrylic paints, though because I'd buy them sets, run out of a colour and need to buy another set to replace the colour that was used - if you can buy the colour you want on it's own, it's better to do it that way than buying another set!
I hope to travel to the UK sometime - I've been to a few other places and it's really helped me gain an appreciation and different approach to organizing.
Something that helped me get rid of “stuff” is constantly re-evaluating myself. I kept things for Crafts I intended and wanted to do. Or collections I loved. Or keeping things for my children. I discovered my likes have changed. Things I once loved, aren’t important anymore. I’m raising my 2 year old grandson. I know longer have time to do some things that I fully intended to do. Giving/selling these things gave an opportunity for someone else. Throwing some things away felt good. This really made a difference for me. Love your videos
Well said. I have always had issues getting rid of things. I have realized.. While watching Dana K White, that part of my issue is garage sales and discount places are kind of like Christmas to me. All of a sudden I can have all this neat stuff! And I can make it cool by crafting! We downsized our last move. The only house to rent was half the sq footage, but we didn't know that when we rented it and came from NM to MO with 2 full Uhaul. Second one went right into storage..
It's really hard! I realized I shopped as a thing to pass time and entertain myself! Now I still go - but keep it to window shopping and take pictures of the items I want to re-create. :)
My husband's been calling me a hoarder. I find it offences. I do find that keep things I could get rid of. After seeing these pictures I realize I'm not a hoarder. I'm just unorganized. That's why I'm watching your videos. You're great and you are helping me a lot. Thank you.
I hate the way that word gets tossed around. I am so excited that you are watching and getting tips to help you. Consider me your personal cheerleader and giver of suggestions! 💜
I realized that I am both. I have been learning the difference between craft supply and craft supply I will actually use. No more card board boxes! No more plastic jars! No more clear plastic! Phew! Feel so much better. I can see the floor! Thank you for this video.
That's so exciting!!! Great job! xoxox
I am dealing with this... I know it's a problem! Great video... Everything you said was right on target! Some days..I wish I wasn't like this.. other days the "stuff" actually makes me feel safe!🤦♀️🤷♀️
Giant hugs. On the days when your things are helping you feel safe.... see if you can identify HOW... is it the *memory* of when you got the items, the feeling of the space, or the comfort of the specific items? Knowing this will help you make easier decisions on the days when you want to let things go. 🌺🌿
Thank you for your gentle candor! I love your insightful videos! Keep 'em comin'!
I'm a bit of a hoarder. I say a bit because I live in a mobile home and there is absolutely no storage places. I have 3 small closets, one in each bedroom and that is it! I don't have a place to put my linens, laundry supplies, craft supplies, or any other stuff that is needed but not in use. In my kitchen I have a couple of small cupboards (over the stove and fridge) and cupboard that is 50 inches (outside measurement) by 17 inches. There are 3 doors but no shelving at all. I put a couple wire racks in there but it is hard to see in the back so a lot of my groceries are on the counter. My linens are on two open shelves in the hallway to my bedroom. I do hoard books and I have a lot that I want to get rid of which will allow all of my books to have a home. As far as craft supplies go... well, I knit, crochet, quilt, make porcelain dolls, and do some scrapbooking plus misc other things. I've kept all the supplies except fabric to a reasonable amount but the still leaves me with a spare room that is full. Also my mother passed away a couple of years ago and I inherited some of her stuff. I've donated stuff and have a few bags to go in my living room right now. But unless I give away everything I'm not using, I'll never have a home that looks like the first set of pictures. I know that they aren't real homes but I'm always going to have stuff on my coffee table and kitchen counter (thats where my coffee bar is). So I'm really discouraged because there is no place to put any thing.
Julie... can you email me some pictures?? I'll see if I have any suggestions to help you. CallClutterFairy@gmail.com
Thanks, I do like the idea about taking the picture of your room. I have noticed in just taking photos of family members when looking back on the photo finding that pile of laundry that wasn't put away in the photo. Photos do show things that we normally don't notice that's in a room.
Thank you so much for the differentiations between the levels of collectors/ hoarders. Several people have called me a hoarder, but if they need something, & come here asking if I have that, I happily send them off with it!! I also usually know where it will be.
Where have you been all my life? I'm not a hoarder but trying to manage this clutter is disrupting my life. Thank you.
Consider me your personal cheerleader and giver of suggestions! 💜
Another great video
Thanks lady
You are so welcome
Very nice video and you were very considerate to us hoarders, it is very hard to let go of things but it is also very hard to live in this situation. Thanks to your videos I am working on clearing some things and working just areas at a time. Some days I only pickup a few things here and there and other days I am able to stay focused and clear little areas. I tell myself that it does not matter how long it takes as long as there is improvement, it did not get like this in a week nor can I expect to clean it in a week.
Yes!!! Carmen - it does not matter how long at all!!!!! Every step, is a step forward! 💜
I just moved (ugh!) and purged prior, just to pare down every room, every closet, etc.. I had never seen the home we were moving to, as it was a gift from relatives. Long story short, the home has good bones, but VERY little storage and a tiny budget. I appreciate your advice!! Thanks!
Once again, a very thoughtful video on a very real issue! Thank you!
Hi Norrine, I hope you’re doing better today, you’re in my prayers. I thank you so much for this video. I do have concerns in this area. Me and my husband are retired and we have some disabilities so we have a difficult time keeping up with cleaning up. I do have a few areas that just keep stacking up and for me it’s overwhelming at times and I deal with an anxiety panic disorder. I’m not sure what level I’m at but I can see that my house doesn’t look like the severe hoarder pictures. I’m trying to get a handle on things by working on a small area at a time. Thank you so much for your helpful ideas and advice. Take care and God bless you.
Thank you, DeDeMarie xoxoxo
awww bless your heart. the emotion you have at the end of this video bought tears to my eyes. im so glad you are happy now xxx
I love using the reuseable grocery tote bags for step 1 in my action plan to declutter each area. When i decide or need to quickly clean up (in advance of visitors or in-laws pulling up the driveway). The grocery bags are a perfect size to stash all the things found squatting on a shelf, table or book shelf. Step 2, once the visitor is gone, or when you are looking for a task to work on to impress an in-law who may have lingered longer than you like, grab a bag and sort through it, enlist that in-law to join in with that 2nd bag. They'll either leave soon, or eoll up their sleeves and start helping you start your spring cleaning....
Hahahaha! I love that! "They'll either leave soon, or eoll up their sleeves and start helping you start your spring cleaning...." Either way, it's a win!
My mom was a hoarder. So much so that there was only a pathway through our home. I was unable to do anything about it because I was her child even though I was an adult. After her death and I moved into my own home, I go to great lengths to avoid the hoarding tendencies of "I might need it some day". 25 years later and although my home isn't perfect, I'm proud to say it isn't what I grew up in. I'm comfortable with friends coming into my house and if it's not good enough for them, it's their problem. At least it's clean and spacious.
Thanks for all you do sweetheart! You're awesome!🤗💕
Good for you!!!!! My heart breaks when I work with hoarders. They so often do not realize the level they have reached. I'm SO glad you've been able to avoid that path!!!!
I watch the Hoarders shows occasionally just to remind me not to over shop. Good advice.
It resonates with me. People give me their leftover crafting items...even of i say no. How do I stop them from dumping items on me? Thank you for having this subject! Well done!
Thank you for the video. I always wondered if I was a hoarder. Apparently, I need to get organized. Thank you!!♥️♥️
I loved this i was accused of being a horder by a "friend" but now i know im not. Im just a collector with a little to many types of colections! Thanks
My house doesnt even look like your #2 picture level 3 its a lot neater. For laundry i have 4 baskets 1 per person and 1 for household. I sort and fold as i take off the line or out of the dryer. Then hubby and daughter put away their own clothes, mskes life so much easyer.
Way to delegate!!! :)
Fantastic video 👍🏻🇿🇦
I just realized, I am a hoarder, and an excessive shopper. Thank you for helping me to admit it.
I have a peer support lady whose hopefully starting in the next couple of weeks to come back and visit once a week.
I'm just hoping I can make a little progress before she comes, but if not she has seen my messes before and she's also seen my progress before.
I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in 1996, and schizoaffective disorder, but last year my therapist changed it to bipolar 1 and PTSD.
I'm glad you addressed these in different stages and even tell people they may need help. I just wish I could find help. Especially the kind of person you suggest, that will be patient and understanding. Someone to help with the steps it takes and be there to help move stuff out and haul it without rushing me.
Anyway, that's all I'm going to say about it publicly, except thank you very much! Even though the video is 2 years old, it's still relevant today, especially to me.
Thank you Norrine! Happy Mother's Day and God bless you and your family 🥰🤗😘💖🙏
What a huge step for you, Kathy! I am so happy you have a peer support person coming to be with you. It will help so much! Be kind to yourself, and take it slow. Keep things positive, and try and set a number of items to let go of each time. That is much easier than trying to 'get through' an area. Consider me your personal cheerleader and giver of suggestions! 💜
@@TheCraftyOrganizer Thank you so much Norrine! It's awesome to have a personal cheer leader!!!😁 I'll try my best to do what needs to be done as I'm able 🥰🙏
Taking a picture is a great idea I’m going to try with my mother. She has hoarding tendencies yet does not see it. She shops excessively and purchases multiples of the same item because it’s “ on sale”.
Be gentle with her.... the shopping is filling an emotional need. She may respond better if you approach with a positive angle - take a picture of the room and show it to her pointing out a piece of furniture that could be moved to a different spot for better room flow.... letting her 'notice' the clutter. This is better then confronting her. And she may be more inclined to 'want' a change. Please don't hesitate to reach out with any questions. Good luck!
so i am not at 5. but i must say at 9:45ish in the video where you talk about the shopping and buying, i felt that. live in a town home and have lived there for 12 yrs. my basement has become hoarder central. everything that did not have a place got thrown down there. I created a sewing/craft area 4 yrs down there. eventually i just pile on top of it awhile back i dscovered dollar tree craft groups. i love crafting and the thought of crafting on a budget well it made want to do more. well problem was i juyst kept buying stuff for crafts and starting things to the point where i have all these supplies and a few project started but nothing finished. .my basement was so bad you could barely get through it. so i am in the process of cleaning and organizing or at least trying my hardest. my hubby and daughjter have offered to help but the hubby is one of those just throw it way guys and growing up in house where could not afford things i never throw things away. but i have recognized and admitted my problem and am working on it. it is not always easy and i wish i was better at organizing(its always been an issue). I am trying and realize it is necessary
I wish I could come help!!!! You said basement - that means you are not in Southern California. I'm saving up for an RV so I can start traveling the states to help people. Hope I get it soon!!! I'd love to come help you!
@@TheCraftyOrganizer I am in ohio. And i wish i had your expertise. lol. I have been watching and getting inspired by you organizing videos. There are so many organization videos out there but for some reason yours really speak to me. maybe it is the way the way word things or that soft caring tone that comes through. Although you may not be able to physically help trust me when i tell you your videos have really helped. They make me feel like i can accomplish this task no matter how huge it may be.
This definitely is a subject so close to my heart. I used to be like this till about a year ago, until I woke up and changed my life. I began decluttering.
Yes, there is a shame associated with it. Earlier I wouldn't let people visit me. And in India we socialize a lot, it was difficult avoiding someone from coming home. People called my home a flea market ha ha ha... It hurt then, though I'm laughing now. But I did it and since then I have made decluttering an everyday habit. There is still a lot that needs to go.
I now wish to help others with this and change their lives.
Your videos talk to me. Thanks for such good content!!! Wish I can meet you some day soon xoxo
Wow! I am so proud of you!!!! It's a big accomplishment to do this! And I love that you want to now share this with others. Let me know how I can help. 💙💙💙
I watch every episode of Hoarders and Hoarding Buried Alive and I have learned a lot. One thing one of the psychologists said was that a Collector can and will proudly show off and share their items with others. They display them with care. That makes sense. I have neat and organized collections. I also have a hard time letting go of things based on sentiment and also fear. I lost my daughter at age 12 and was scared to part with her things. Will I forget certain times we had together was a haunting worry. But I VERY slowly worked on it and kept things with great meaning and parted with quite a bit. And ya know what - 12 years later I haven't forgotten a thing about my Baby Girl. But -- I had to do it at my own pace and make my own decisions. I have zero problem throwing my daily trash away and have nothing broken or unsanitary laying around, yet in my mind I feel like a Hoarder. The show says approximately 19 MILLION people are hoarders - gadzooks !
I literally just teared up. I am so sorry for your loss. I can't even imagine. You absolutely did the right thing going at your own pace. I am so proud of you for taking the time to find the special things that can keep her close to you. xoxoxo
@@TheCraftyOrganizer Thank you for your kind words XO. I -at the suggestion of my boyfriend - am doing the 40 item Lent challenge along with giving up junk food. Each day of Lent you find an item you no longer need or want and at the end of the 40 days you donate the items. The Church I play bingo out will take the items. I have no problem donating to someone who can use and hopefully enjoy my items. I have clothes in excellent condition that don't fit me any more - toys - and some books. It's actually been fun so far.
That's amazing!!!!!
Very touching video
Bless you......
Thank you. This is totally enlightening. I can identify myself with some of your description like the compulsive shopping out of the thrill of the hunt and I swear the feeling dissipates on the way home as I worry where to put them. Good thing, I hate clutter but giving away is a big No for me. I’ve sold many of my old stuff for a small profit.
SO glad you are able to sell!!!! Thanks for watching and hope to see you in the New year!
When I lost my folks 14 months apart in my late 20's... I became a compulsive buyer....it has been 30 plus years and I can still feel that high every so often....but I do now recognize the feelings now....still too much stuff.....🤔
So sorry you lost them so young. 💜🌿
Hi dear... Thank you for the efforts in helping hoarders.
I am in a childless marriage which hurts me for not having a child. I feel no purpose in life.
My house is filled up with things.And i am hoarder. . can't bring anyone into my home... I and my hubby live a long distance relationship. I avoid my hubby coming to my home because of the house situation. I live with my father., who is a heart patient. Anything may happen at anytime to him.. God forbid in such a case, i am worried how can i perform my father's last rites in such a filthy home.. But have zero motivation to declutter... Can't even sleep properly. I can't bring in help or friends as i very ashamed. . i can only bring help if my home is half decent.. What should i do?? Please please help me... Dunno where and how to start? I live in India where we don't get professional organizers or hoarding help services... Awaiting your reply... My dad's health also pressurises me..
Oshin - I am sending you giant hugs. I know it was hard for you to admit your situation. I am so proud of you for speaking up. I don't know what services you have near you, but a starting point would be speaking with a professional therapist. Your heart is hurting, and that pain has been avoided by obtaining things. It's a very normal human trait - we distract ourselves with habits that make us feel better - even if it's just for a moment... and even if it's bad for us.
Getting to work with a therapist will help you work through these painful issues so that you can begin working on the physical areas of your home. I've worked with many clients in similar situations. You CAN reclaim your space - But success begins by healing your heart, so the rest can follow. Please let me know if you are able to find someone to work with. Even if it's online. I'm happy to give suggestions once you are working with someone. xoxoxo
@@TheCraftyOrganizer Thank you for your prompt reply & time. ..As I live in a village in India finding a personal therapist is hard... In what way you can help me if that is not a burden to you??
God bless U for your service & kind words..🤗
Thank you for sharing your expertise... and thanks to all who comment. It's good to know there are others out there trying to get a handle on the "stuff" that happens in life. I will be using your suggestion of the question, "Would I buy this today"?, as I continue to organize and declutter.
Yay! Let me know how it goes!!! :)
Girl, you are right on point! Thanks a million for your channel.
I am a level 4 hoarder, I do a lot purchasing of craft items and once I have made my item, I have left over glue or card stock or stickers but I can't seem to let them go I paid good money for it. I tell myself I don't need it now but some time down the line I will, so put it aside and can never find it when I want so I buy it again. Often I will be looking for something else and find that item I need, that I just re-purchased because I couldn't find it. I get mad at myself and yet the cycle continues. Not sure what the underline problems is but I continue to watch your show and find it helpful. Thank you
Hoping I get that RV and can come help you soon. xoxox
I love your videos. Between you and Flylady I am finally feeling so much better about myself and my surroundings. Thank you so much for your help and inspiration and encouragement. BTW-I have added a great update to my post in "Organizing with chronic pain and depression". You have helped me so much. 💚💗🌺
I am so happy for you!!! I will go check out the other comment. Please keep me updated 💛
I find that I shop due to my depression and am doing a month of no spend.I'm hoping since I'm having issues getting to my clutter that I won't bring more in.wish me luck!!! Lol
You are not alone, Jennifer! Many people shop to feel better. Set that timer - accomplish that first little bit! Hoping that 'win' will help you gain momentum. Keep me posted, I'm happy to help with suggestions. xoxoxo
I am in between level 2 and 3. I need motivation. I write out what I plan to do & then I end up cleaning my Bathroom because it's the easiest & smallest area in my apartment! My issue is mostly the where do I start? I cannot afford a professional nor would I want anybody to see my apartment the way it is! I feel stuck!
Try Flylady! Helps me a lot. Long way to go myself but actually making progress. Sign up for Flylady emails starting slowly and take as long as needed to develop short morning, and evening routines and declutter 15 mins. a day after shining your sink daily. Delete as many other emails as needed for the first several months so you are not overwhelmed. Then slowly add the daily missions but only if your sink, routines and decluttering for 15 mins. won't suffer.
LadyKatAngel - cleaning your bathroom instead is a huge accomplishment! Don't berate yourself. See if Flylady's emails help! (Thanks, Carol!) Clutter is overwhelming - but keep picturing how wonderful it will feel WHEN you get through it. And I know you will. xoxox
I really loved this video. You helped me with some issues that I had no clue about. Thank you for taking time to do this. =)
I m totally a hoarter! And have shopping problem. I told my therapist but she didn't think I have it. I think I am getting worse. I will spend every past Penny I have to buy thing that will make me happy at that moment. Then I will feel so guilty after. I always tell myself that I will put them in good use. But I end up having boxes and boxes of stuff. I have to rent a bigger storage every year! I really don't know what to do!
Karen - You are so brave for admitting this... Are you being completely honest with your therapist? Does she understand the need to spend and then the guilt afterward? I'd try to tell her again and bring pictures of your living space. If she does not 'hear' you and start to help.... it may be time for a different therapist. The perfect combination would be to find an organizer you could work with for just a few hours each week in tandem with your therapist. I am so proud of you for seeking help - I hope she is able to guide you through this. 💙💙💙
@@TheCraftyOrganizer thanks for your reply. I did tell her about buying non necessary things and spent money which I don't have. But it seems like she didn't take it seriously. I will talk to her again and hopefully she will realize my problem. I wish I can hire a professional organizer but our financial situation is not allow me to do that. And I feel very embarrass to have my family and friends to help. I don't want anyone to go in to my apartment honestly
Take a few pictures of your apartment JUST for your therapist - that way she can really understand and help you. Please keep me posted - maybe I can help you through e-mail with "homework" to do each week to help you stay on track. xoxox
@@TheCraftyOrganizer I will try. Thanks!
thank you giving us ideas the difference between hoarder or a collectioning
Actually, thank you because I felt bad about the state of my home, and suddenly, after this video, I realize that I am really very well organized. I never let things pile up on the floor, my kitchen and bathroom are very efficient and usable, I take care of my laundry very quickly. My drawers and cabinets are very tidy. My problem is: not enough closets and too much stock for my business in my home. Objects come to me without me buying them, that is another story... Solution: getting rid of, by selling or donating, or even throwing, exactly what I’m doing. My sons like empty spaces so they always are criticizing me. But actually thanks to this video, I’m feeling much better. I don’t even have a shopping disorder, I buy nothing except my food. So thank you, I will continue to declutter without blaming myself too much.
As a professional organizer yourself, you probably have seen incredible situations at your clients’ home.
Oh, I am so glad. So happy this video made you feel better.
I just recently found you on RUclips because of your paper scrap organizing so now I’m watching all your videos. I’m happy to say I’m at level zero. Yes those can be real homes, my home looks pretty much like those most of the time. Sometimes I think there something wrong with me because I don’t have any emotional attachment or almost anything that I own. I’m not very sentimental and don’t have sentimental items, I mean I have a few, I have some old family photos and a few things like that that are sentimental but other than that no. Rather than people coming into my home and holding their nose and making comments about how much stuff there is I’ve had people come in and look around and say “where’s all your stuff“ or “it looks like no one lives here“. I guess there are a couple of sides to that spectrum. Like the shoppers get a high out of buying stuff I get a high when I throw stuff away or take it to the Goodwill. I am starting to run out of things to get rid of though to get that high.
I envy people with minimal homes - I struggle. Thanks for watching!
I know I have a problem I'm trying not to buy anything I don't because I'm retired so on a fixed income my problem is I love fabric i have bins and bins of fabric some i havent seen in ten years.my daughter sews and I need to let her go though some of it but it hard i starting to make quilt out of my stash. I moved to Utah 11 years ago after a divorce and put my stuff in storage because moved into my aunts basement.. I'm getting older I need to get rid of things but it is so hard
It is hard. Those treasures you've collected mean something to you. If you don't have an immediate time-frame for purging... approach it like a shopping trip. Go with a box or bag and 'shop' your storage space for some favorite things to create a new project. Then take it home and enjoy making that project! This will do a few things. 1) It will help you re-assess what you really have and like. 2) It will either spark the love of that hobby again and allow you to USE your supplies. Or 3) it will help you realize you don't enjoy this hobby as much and help make it easier to let go of the fabric for someone else to use and love.
Made me wonder what 6+ look like!! I know there are only a couple of my rooms that are in the 3 range. I guess it doesn't have to be a whole house.
That does help I like to throw most stuff away but the other half he likes to keep them just in case. Then it stresses me out.
THAT is a hard one to work with.... see if you can get him to agree to an 'expiration date' on the things he wants to keep.... just in case! Maybe a year?? Then if it's STILL not used, it goes.
All my stuff can fit into a five by ten storage unit with some room to spare, not counting my bed, and big utilities so I don't think I'm one, interesting video though.
I grew up very poor. In adulthood it has been difficult to let stuff go. I'm going to have out of town company stay at my house. I feel overwhelmed and very stressed. At the same time, I'm having health issues. I have accomplished some but I have a long way to go. I feel like I'm dog paddling in the middle of the Pacific Ocean and far from any land. I don't know if I will get through this. I just try to take a small area at a time. I will continue to watch your videos. Thank you...
DON'T GIVE UP! Emotional attachment is very difficult... For you a question you can ask yourself is "would I buy this today?" Even though you spent hard earned $ on an item, if you wouldn't buy it now, it may help you to let it go.
Well I said I was going to get up I lied I’m still in bed watching you and I relate to so much of this I don’t have company I’m ashamed when my mom comes to visit I hate when my landlord says your have out grown this place I’m so ashamed
Hope you take me up on my offer. xoxoxox
Love this one! Im on the edge of hoarding i also know i go impulse shopping i am in therapie and know that the problem comes from when i was little it comes from wanting to have control and stuff you can control where people you can't. Im doing better already a few years ago i collected and would buy anything to feel better now its only craft supplies when i see gorjus design paper i think i have enough leave it but then i think oooh but i can make this with it and maybe next week its gone its only 2 dollars when i come home i have this huge shopping bag of craft suplies that i love and almost always use but then i think omg where am i gonna put these 😲 then im like ok i did it again. But otherwise now i know im not a hoarder because i can still function in every room of my house i do have a collecting problem i want it all but have limited space for it so i have to watch myself thank you for this defenition 😍
So very well done! Compassion with truth. Thank you. I will be waiting for new videos. Also, do you have a video about how to begin? Like Step 1, 2, 3, or video 1, 2, to use when someone (me) starts trying to get a handle on things. I think I'm about a 2.5 - 3 on the am I a hoarder scale, and would like to get down to a solid 2. (Maybe a 1.5?) Thank you for your time and effort.
I do! If this doesn't click with you, let me know..... xoxox
ruclips.net/video/jmZ93jiz5tU/видео.html
I'm in stage 4 going on stage 5. 😐 My latest strategy is heavy duty boxes and putting all my stuff in them to them. It's kinda working but not fast enough.
I am so proud of you for trying to get a handle on it!! Put a date of the boxes as you fill them.... if you haven't gone back in to retrieve things it may be easier to let them go if/when you are ready 💙
@@TheCraftyOrganizer Some stuff I should just get rid of and some stuff I should sell so I can enjoy the stuff I want to keep. I have got my home to stage 1 before but I'm in a bedsit and it gets messy quick. 😀
Thank u so much for your reply’s! I will defiantly do a google surch. Wish we were closer to each other so you could help!, your videos r sooo awsome
Thank you...... If I was closer, I would come and help.
Phew 😅 I was beginning to think I was a hoarder. Ur videos have helped and inspired me! I love ur work and ur attitude!! When my mother then my husband passed away I moved back home to my parents house brining with me 30 years of belongings because I didn’t have time to purge my 1800 sq ft home PLUS husbands large business tools. I packed and moved everything into Dad’s barn, garage and basement and now I’m so overwhelmed can’t seem to manage. Honestly I physically can’t move the rest of this stuff. And there are some very valuable things to go away. I wonder if I can find a resource n my area to help if I donate all this furniture, tools, and clothing. Any ideas on where to look for this resources? Keep this videos coming I desperately NEED them. Thank you!!
Email me where you are.... I can try and research for you. :)
Call Clutter Fairy Thank you I just found your reply. I have way too many subscriptions lol. I was just watching t your May 3rd video on chronic pain and depression...wow. I have been hearing so many ppl sharing the same information. It’s shocking just how many of us have gone thru or are continuing to go thru the same struggles. I will keep you in my prayers. Thank you SO MUCH!! Now, back to my original message...Where to turn for help my 30 years of “stuff” I have filled my dad’s property with. I will email you with my location. Thank you thank you thank you!! 🙏☮️. ♥️😊😊
Hi Norrine, Hope all is well, safe, and healthy. The main parts of my home are kept clean and decent, however my craft room looks more like a hoarders nest, lol. On the other hand I do purge but I still have this feeling that I am a craft hoarder even though I purge. Am I just being hard on myself, do you have recommendations, insights, advice, etc...
If you want, you can email me some pictures and I will see what I can recommend. CallClutterFairy@gmail.com
Great video thanks !
You are welcome!
SEE You from norway
Wow! Hi, Ida from Norway!
Hi, I just watched this video and want to thank you for talking about such a difficult topic. My daughter, who lives with me, has such a problem. Her small room is full of clothes and things which are everywhere: on the floor, her bed, furniture. She always keeps her door closed and never lets anyone in. She’s 33. I don’t know what to do for her. Is there anything you can recommend? Thanks again.
I'm borderline hoarder. I currently rent a room so space is extremely limited. I also have my cat living in my room with me so there's 2 litter boxes. I have just enough room to walk around without stepping on anything.
Are you at a point where you are ready to let go of some things? I know it's hard....
@@TheCraftyOrganizer Actually I am. I'm just overwhelmed with what I have & don't want to start. I have bad allergies and my cat's hair is all over. He's shedding from the summer. My clothes are in laundry bags, I have crats in many different bags.
Start really small. I know it will feel like you are not making progress 0 but it WILL start to make a difference! Even if it's only 5 min! Please keep me posted. 💜
I want tobe a clutter fairy!
:) It's a pretty awesome job.
Love You tips
Thanks!
Don't know what to do with step-daughter's case. I believe I sent you photos. She's definitely a hoarder, but there's no TIME for patience. It's been accumluating for 4 years, now, and at this point, it has to just GET GONE, NOW!! Because it's at the point of being a fire hazard...and if there were to be a fire in her area, I have no doubt my insurance would get cancelled. I'm out of time for patience, and I'm about to yes, just start tossing stuff in the trash or donation piles...like when she's away at work, so I don't deal with any whining or arguments about what stays or goes. She's been told more than once that if we have to clean it up, she won't like what we decide is trash.
Thank you for making this video. I did find some of myself belongings in the photos you showed. My upstairs hallway & craft/office room. I ended up doing what you said not to do, buy containers beforehand, and I can't seem to get past the clutter, I've been working on just taking a section of the room at a time, but its very difficult. Its been over a year, what would you suggest to give me the motivation to begin this process again, as I've kind of put myself in delay mode?
Take a picture of the room, then look at the picture. Really SEE the room. Then set a timer, as often as you can, and start chipping away at it. But only do one category each time. Use bins, boxes, or bags to help you sort until the room has a clear spot. You can't make homes for things until you know what you have. But you can do this!!! it's hard, but it can be done. Take a new picture every few days so that you can see the advancements you are making!
I'm working on my garage this weekend, and after pulling all of my things out, I am overwhelmed myself!!! Taking it in small bites is best!!!! I'm going out right now to spend a bit more time. Good luck with yours!!! Email me if you get stuck. 😚 Callclutterfairy@gmail.com
Yay, I am not a hoader, however, I do need to get my clutter under control. Going to try and do what you suggested in another video. Baby steps and just focus on one spot for 10-15 minutes and then walk away. Come back later so I don't get overwhelmed. Thanks.
I have a small kitchen table where I do crafts and it also holds my laptop.I have organized my crafts into bins and most are in a closet but almost daily I do use some of the materials. My Daughter and Granddaughter get frustrated with me at times when there isn't much room at my table.This is frustrating to me because I have no other space to craft in.How do we compromise on this.No one eats meals together at the table,so that isn't their problem with it.They do like to prepare snacks or drinks here,and I usually have something in their way.
Can you get a plank of wood (or large cutting board) that could rest over the sink to provide more surface space for them to prepare a snack?
is it possible to be both? I have a massive collection of blown glass Christmas ornaments they are all stored very neatly and safely away and cataloged as well so I don't buy duplicates :) AND I hate to admit it, but our living room looks a bit like the second picture you showed at the moment because I was using part of it as a craft space and I/ll be getting a proper craft room fairly soon here so that space will be cleared out then and I do have one room filled to the brim with boxes because my husband's company moved us to India for a year, it ended up being 6 months because I had a stroke 6 months in when the movers brought our belongings back to the US was all packed in identical boxes and none were labeled so everything from our three-bedroom house with a two-car garage and a small garden shed (both full) is packed into one bedroom in our apartment that will be my craft room because of the disability from my stroke I haven't been able to attack the boxes as fast as I'd like, but we have managed to get about 1/48thof the way through it
What is just 1 room looks like #3, Is that something to worry about?
Not worry.... just a reminder to get things under control while it's easier to manage. :)
I just found you today. I am a shop acholic but I have not been able to find help in my area. I would be willing to do something on line but have not been able to find anything, any suggestions.
I've had a few people ask.... am trying to figure out if it's possible.
@@TheCraftyOrganizer I was a shop-a-holic. But every time I'd spend money my husband would throw a fit and yell at me. We now have a rule and have to get 'permission' from the other to spend more than $100. I'm also learning how to save up my weekly allowance ($20) to buy stuff I want. Since it takes SO LONG to save up for stuff, I think really hard about what I buy...amazon prime has fast shipping - but is also 'dangerous'...
Are their support groups for shopaholics?
I think the right question is are you a crafter or a collector/procrastinator?!
Good question!!!! I am a crafter... with collector tendencies! LOL
I live in upstate NY and would LOVE to find a professional organizer to help me in my craft room that wouldn’t break the bank! I’d love to find someone interested in crafting to help in exchange for a lot of products!,
Do a google search in your area!!! There are many professional organizers out there. Just check their references though....
I’m always been accused as a hoarder I’ve started collecting my little pony’s an carebears my hall way has a unit an shelves they are on there they don’t get in the way I can walk throu with out problems I do sufffer from O.C.D an have to clean for hours my house looks like the first pic 🥺🥺🥺
Mine does to on some days. xoxox
I love my little ponies and Care Bears too!!
I am a hoarder! There are "low-level" to high-level" hoarders.
Being disabled it is very easy to become overwhelmed with stuff. Especially with everyone working all the time and no one pitching in to help out. When they do their solution is throwing everything out. That is not the solution. I wish things in life where way easier.
🌺 I'm here to help and cheer you on.... it's lots of work, but you will start feeling the payoffs. Please let me know if you'd like some suggestions. CallClutterFairy@gmail.com 💙
Grace & Peace! Lovingkindness & gentleness & meekness with all you shared made gathering your suggestions a joy! Confirming my "sacred substance",gathered by faith;collected because of expecting future "witnesses",as an holy apostle-priest-scribe,like a museum curator of spiritual evidences,I have more of a confidence concerning what most have said,"You got slot of stuff"! This stuff has prophetic dates & times that prove I'm walking with & in relationship with The Living WORD of GOD THE LORD,following JESUS! This sort is never really considered,because it's a very few who so live with their own personal "ark of covenantestimonies"! Many thanks,perhaps I will be ready to comfort more of the very few like me!
💕
If your dog can walk backwards through piles of stuff....you may be a hoarder.
Tee hee
Hugs :)
🌺🌿
That is not why I clicked on the video. I’m just procrastinating going to the grocery store.
Great video, can you help me?
Bruh, I collect pop bobble heads
Nice Which one are you most proud of?
The Crafty Organizer, I’m gonna say my Aaron Rodgers pop. Thanks for asking.