Managing clutter?

[CannonSalt]

Thanks for sharing your journey and the hope of finding a midway point. I've heard of the '2 year' rule before as the 1 year rule.

[Appleblossom]

Nobody heard of my 10 year rule ... Oh dear ...

[PeppiPatty]

Cool @CannonSalt
I have always always loved frottage

[PeppiPatty]

You know @CannonSalt.... Your on my mind with the cleaning dilemma an this smile on my face is what you did
I went to see my support person today ...... A person who experiences times of mental ill health and he's scrubbing down his walls with ...... Dishwashing detergent and a mop. He's throwing the 6 day rule if he hasn't used in last 6 days he's chucking it ..... Lol lol
I say ..... So your a little stressed dear ?
When are you coming over to mine to start cleaning ?

[CannonSalt]

I've found a link that speaks to me here: http://www.unfuckyourhabitat.com/the-depressionmessy-house-cycle/

in particular, about giving into cleaning manias, "your brain, on some level, associates cleaning with being sick".  Or maybe unsafe, or maybe like... I can't set boundaries without a wall of rubbish to keep people away.

[PeppiPatty]

I was writing about you somewhere @CannonSalt
Ille look at that later :0)

[grubbytoes]

@CannonSalt I think you will find one of my favourite blogs helpful.

bemorewithless

Here are two posts from this blog that will give you an idea of her personal, clumsy, honest, soulful approach to simplicity:

7 tiny steps for the beginner minimalist - because she's all about baby steps!

My formula for stumbling through with grace - one of my personal favourites.

- enjoy!

[CannonSalt]

Thanks for the recommendation, I'll have to sit with that for a bit, re-read it and let it sink in.

I also found a review for a popular book here: http://www.slate.com/blogs/the_eye/2014/12/19/the_life_changing_magic_of_tidying_up_by_marie_kondo_i... - the central philosophy is to get rid of anything that doesn't spark joy - and I'm just wondering how that translates with depression. 🙂

[CannonSalt]

Thank you, Reddit - focus on the practicality rather than worrying about if things 'spark joy': https://www.reddit.com/r/declutter/comments/2xvxu4/decluttering_when_depressed/

[CannonSalt]

Interesting... throwing away clothing that is cactus (good for nothing) feels ok, but donating clothing that is still good quality, but I haven't worn in years and may not fit feels nervewracking. Trying to see it as a gift to a stranger helps a bit.