Survey #240—Full Response from Anonymous user
| Complete the following statement: “What I wish people could understand about my struggle with clutter and disorganization is _____.” | I don't like to talk about it, but my uncluttered, organized life was permanently changed by a series of terrible events which also ruined my health. Later, when my spouse died, buried panic and insecurity surfaced, triggering the survival mindset and practices that had saved my life before. It is those coping mechanisms and instincts that ended up packing my home with clutter. I believe that the many clutterers have endured traumas that triggered their cluttering. Telling such people that they have too much stuff, deeming as hoarders, or saying they are being selfish is counterproductive. Shaming or belittling dismisses the fact that these people actually managed to survive terrible situations, some so intolerable that others have been driven to suicide. Critical comments deepen the wounds and disregard the work we are doing to heal. In my case, such comments make me want to retreat to and protect my safe space of clutter. |
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| Describe an area or aspect of your life or home in which you are already sufficiently organized. | My first aid and emergency health kits are well organized along with the reference books needed to use them. The kits are easily accessible, one even being with my tornado emergency supplies and another ready for travel. The kits are catalogued in my computer and kept updated, along with back up hard copies for quick reference. Because of this I am able to share information and supplies with people who need help. |
| Describe something that you’re happy to leave behind in 2024 and something you’re looking forward to making a part of your life in 2025. | I am leaving behind the idea that I have made a huge mess that I must now cleaned up. In 2025, I am instead holding on to the image of my real self and working to create wonderful spaces for that person to thrive. Rather than allowing the clutter to punish me, I actually feel happy and eager to tackle decluttering when I can hold onto this new mindset. |
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