How to Declutter When You Are Afraid to Do So

When clutter becomes such a problem that you are boxed in by the clutter and trying to get rid of things causes you anxiety and feelings of hopelessness, it is time to consider that you may have a problem with compulsive hoarding. Compulsive hoarding is a disorder in which a person acquires an excessive quantity of things that appear to be useless and is psychologically unable to discard them.

Instructions

• 1

  Seek help from a mental health professional who specializes in obsessive-compulsive disorder and compulsive hoarding. If the clutter in your home is so extensive that you cannot cope with it and it causes you anxiety, you may benefit from treatment.

• 2

  Face your fears. Try to understand why you are afraid of decluttering. Make a list of all the reasons that keep you from throwing out excess stuff. Perhaps you are afraid of tossing out important papers accidentally or getting rid of something you might need someday.

• 3

  Find a reason to declutter. It can be as simple as you just don't want to live like this anymore, or as complex as you want to keep from being evicted from your home. A reason to declutter can be motivating.

• 4

  Understand that decluttering is a process that will take time. You won't be able to declutter your home in just one day, one weekend, or even one week.

• 5

  Stop bringing more clutter into your home. New acquisitions will only add to the clutter problem.

• 6

  Start small. Begin with the room, area, or type of clutter that will cause you the least anxiety. Stacks of old clothes or paperwork are good candidates because it may be easier to recognize that these items are outdated and not needed.