Goodbye 2020!

Photo by Sincerely Media on Unsplash

Happy New Year!

For me, 2020 will be remembered not only the pandemic, but as the year my dad passed away just as the pandemic hit.  We did our best to honor him at a time when people were afraid to gather together.  While I’m as happy as everyone else to shove 2020 out the door, I see little changing in the next few months.  Until enough people receive the vaccine, we will be wearing masks and standing 6 feet apart I’m afraid.  Enough dwelling on the pandemic though.

My wife pointed out to me recently that I wrote very few blog posts in 2020 and that I should start writing more often. I told her I feel like a fraud writing about decluttering when I can hardly walk through our house without tripping on toys or something.  The clutter drives me crazy and a lot of it is toys, but not all of it.  I freely admit that I have tendencies to hold on to a lot of things “just in case”.  I have a weakness for things like old furniture and books (especially old ones).  In my head, those things are a connection to the past.  Like a lot of people, I also have trouble resisting a great deal on something that might be nice to have.

As usual, my wife had good advice.  She said it’s a journey and a process that I can share with everyone else.  With that new focus, I’m going to start airing my dirty laundry (so to speak).  Watch for more frequent posts this year and some horrific photos of the mess I have in my house.  I’m also spending time on educating myself and had a great conversation a few months ago with a friend who is a professional organizer.  I’m reading books about organizing and hoarding.  I plan to share what I’ve learned with everyone.

With that, I want to wish everyone a Happy New Year and I hope you’ll stay tuned for some before and after photos.  Feel free to send me yours.  Maybe we can help each other.

I’ll go first.  Below are two photos from a few months ago of a room in my basement that was supposed to be a workshop.  When we first moved in, it was great and I actually did use it as a workshop, but slowly things accumulated.  It became a place to throw just about anything we didn’t know what to do with.  I’ve already made some progress since these photos were taken, but I have a long way to go.  I’m embarrassed by this room and it makes me angry when I can’t find something I need in there, but I’m working on it.  I’ll keep you posted.

Also, here is the book I'm currently reading on compulsive hoarding.  It's enlightening and if you're interested in the psychology behind hoarding, it's excellent.