Pack Rat, Clutter? How do ya throw it away?

Question

I'm going crazy with organizing, moving, shuffeling, due to lack of space in an apartment. For years all I do is clean out this & that but can't throw enough out. How can ya become organized? My cuboards are packed, things fall down on my head, my closets are packed.........please help. The stuff seems to go from one room or closet to another. My mother & Aunt has pack rat syndrome & I don't wanna be labeled although 2 past friends alread told me I am. :( I spend my free time & weekends doing this instead of having a life.

Answer 1

Have a garage sale.
If you have not used your clothes for 2 seasons, toss, if you have not used other items on a routine basis, toss. Remember to ask your self, "do I really need this, will I use this next week? etc.).
Make sure you donate what you get rid of.
Being a pack rat can be a comfort thing for some people.

Answer 2

Do you really want everything you're holding on to? If you do -- whether a real need or a psychological one -- you'll have to be hyper-organized. If that fails, here are a couple of suggestions:

1) Rent a small storage unit and move the stuff you don't use but can't throw out in there. Beware: the tab for this can add up if done long term.

2) Use under-bed and top of closet space well. Pack them to the gills with stuff you don't need to access regularly.

3) Take yourself in hand, and cull stuff you haven't used in a couple of years. Make that 5 years, if you're having trouble letting go. Donate to a good cause. The satisfaction from this will help you overcome the angst of letting go.

If all else fails: MOVE! It's amazing how willingly you end up getting rid of stuff when you have to pay a fortune to move it.

Good Luck.

Answer 3

I'm a pack rat too. People make fun of me, unless or until, they need something which I have stored away, a few years ago. Then they complement me on having the right screw, or tool, or piece of paper, that they need. You should probably look for a bigger dwelling. A nice old fashion house, with a barn is a great start.