Items remind me of other items and situations

[Guest Tel]

Hi

I cant get rid of my hoard because items remind me of other items and other situations.For example in this situation I have a computer cable.Just a computer cable.But this reminds me of a wall socket.Now because the phone company messed up I had to put the wall socket on the wall.This took my time up and I had to read about it and I was not very happy.Now I have to go through the situation in my mind.

Another example is I have a blue jumper. It will remind me of various jumpers and shirts.Now I have to go through and think did any situations or conversations or anything happen while wearing those jumpers and shirts.Including the original blue jumper.

I also have bags and bags of papers

Yes,I realize it is silly in a way.And my intuition tells me I should rid them.But why should I throw them out without

going through them.

[Guest Tricia]

I think it depends how much it is distressing you and how bad the situation is. Some people who hoard are happy living that way, but it might be the case that a family member is not.

I know some therapists suggest just throwing stuff out without checking. Personally I can't do that with most of my things. My husband has done that when I have let things get really bad and I felt no relief afterwards and to some extent I still worry about what I might have lost (even though this happened many years ago).

If it is getting out of hand, couldn't you ask a close friend or relative to help you sort through things and try to part with those that have no use?

[daisy]

Hi Tel,

I am in a very similar situation in that i can't throw things away but i really have to make a start as my whole house is becoming so cluttered and i have to have a lot of work done. I am hampered though because i have contamination ocd as well and i feel that things are 'dirty'(well to be honest they are now very dusty).

I like Tricia let someone throw things away and then i found out that he had thrown some things out i wanted and that was years ago,and i am still worried about it!

I think that if you can let a close friend or relative help you,i am going to have to do that myself.

Wishing you all the best with this.

[Guest Tel]

I believe I can throw most of or certainly quite a lot of my stuff away. What is preventing me is a good reason ACTUALLY GETTING THROUGH to me.

My argument is why the hell should I not go through my articles.I don't have to.It is not like before where I must.

But why shouldn't I ?

No need to be gentle in your replies