I was raised by hoarders. I was the only one who ever did any cleaning. I was the only one in the house who knew how to operate the washing machines and vacuum cleaner at age 10. I made huge efforts sometimes to keep the place clean and organized, which turned into huge dramas as my parents used the new clean space as a reason to fight and be victims, until they would bring more shit in and leave it piled on top of the old shit.

To this day, if I could live in a blank, white box with nothing else at all, it would be heaven.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 2 months ago* (last edited 2 months ago) (1 children)

I get you. I don't think my parents were hoarders necessary but they had trouble throwing things out that were still good. I guess them growing up in poverty has changed them in a way. Back when I was young my dad used to be looking for jobs a lot and things were tight. I think that may have influenced me as a person.

My mom always used to keep things tidy, even with lots of stuff in the house. Even after my dad passed away. But since her brain infarction she started going downhill.

I try to clean up and at least sort things out and store them together when I get the chance. But due to chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia I am slower with getting things done. But we'll get there. And one difference, we don't save trash and newspapers.

What I'm saying is, it's not as bad as I made it look. And I'm not complaining. I'm glad you are in a different place now. That must've been hard on you as a child. Probably in more ways than one.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 2 months ago (1 children)

we don't save trash and newspapers.

Newspapers are great for cleaning window glass and mirrors without making stripes like cloth often does, though.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 2 months ago

One newspaper might do. But I've seen people keep newspapers from 50 years ago. The newspaper has their own archive for that. No need to keep that stuff around if your life is suffering from that.

[–] [email protected] 6 points 2 months ago

Holy shit REAL

[–] [email protected] 4 points 2 months ago

I like to consider a few questions to help me decide if I should keep, sell, donate, or trash something.

In what scenarios will this be useful to me?
How likely are these scenarios to come up?
If it does come up, will I remember I have this and be able to find it?
What other options will likely be available?
If I did get rid of this but realized I need another one, how difficult or expensive will it be to replace it?
Given how much space it takes and/or how much it will be in the way and the above responses, is it worth keeping? I'll also consider how much space I have, like if it takes up space in a toolbox where I still have space available, the "keep" option is a lot more likely than if I need to move things around each time I open it just to get it closed again.
(Once I've decided to get rid of it) How much value does it have to others?
Could anyone I know use it?
Would anyone I don't know want it?