Survey #219 Response from Rachel

Setting a realistic schedule and planning accordingly. For example, I know the universal advice of "start small" or "start somewhere" is valuable, but for me, my ocd and overwhelm kick in and I tend to shut down:
Not according to a date or time, maybe having a list of attainable, small decluttering tasks could be beneficial. (Choosing from this list in no particular order.) This way my overthinking tendencies are managed because the task at has already been chosen. No need to think. (Giving a custom time limit for each may be beneficial, even if it's not "finished." In that case, revisit next time. Each listed "to-do" is likely not just a one and done; repeat tasks as needed. Tasks such as cleaning out closet for ex is a one-time thing, to crossed off when completed. (In following the suggested time-limit, likely won't finish in one go. May take a few "sessions" to complete. See how timing works for me (stressful? Feel rushed? Relief? More productive? Etc.)
Examples of tasks may be:
1)clear bedroom and bedside table of dishes and trash (20 mins)
2)bathroom accessories and beauty products (purge unused & duplicates). Put "keep" in hanging door organizer (1 hour)
3)one load of laundry (10 mins prep. Fold or hang up when dry)
4)ONE goodwill drop-off run (start items closest to front door (1 hour)
5)hall linen/catch-all closet: take out giveaways & add practical (45 mins)
6)kitchen junk drawer (30 mins)
7)mail. Create subcategories break up task - open all, throw out trash, sort. Organize system, see pinterest (30 mins each subcategory)
8)list ONE item for sale, FB (35 mins). Repeat, if finish early
9)bedroom. Sub-sub-categories (use Goblin app) (1 hour, each round). Ex create 3 preliminary piles - "keep", "don't want", and "storage". When done, create sub-sategories within each pile: from "keep", dirty clothes pile (wash and fold?), items that are "keeps" but belong elsewhere in house, like the BP machine. "Don't want" sort incl donate goodwill, to sell ($50+ only), for family member. And "storage" sub categories incl items I am keeping but do not need easy access to (like Bella ashes). b.not useful now (like winter coats, American pickers room, etc.) Also "Hawaii / travel pile.
10)sort thru bins of tools, hardware, painting, home improvement supplies (1 hour)
11)bankruptcy bin & addtl bills in kitchen. First separate R from C. Put my papers in own file folder/box for records. By date?
12)organize and file all medical records- etc "cancer".

Etc... Although the above suggestions are mostly personalized, the main tasks are fairly universal.

Opting for a task that is pre-planned (and broken down into small steps) helps eliminate the potential for shutting down: following through seems MUCH more likely and much less daunting. Following directions is the easy part!