GON Reader Question
Thank you, Maria, for all you do for us clutter bugs. However, I find that my problem is paper, not clothes or household stuff. I have four storage units full of boxes of paper from the last 40 years...newspapers, magazines, letters, and work-related items. Now that I’ve lost my part-time job, I really need to stop paying for those storage units.
It takes me a couple of hours to go through one box, which I have to carry up to my second-floor apartment. I also still have boxes from my move seven years ago.
Tomorrow I have a medical house call and I’ll need to clear
my small table and an armchair so there’s room for the laptop and for me to sit. Everything else is covered in boxes and paper, even my sofa, so I’ll probably pile things on my bed for now.
Most days I’m busy with errands, gardening, lunches, and volunteering. By the time I get home in the evening, I’m too tired to organize. I’ve never
invited friends over because of the clutter.
I miss working. I enjoyed the schedule and interaction. I’m wondering if I should “work for myself” now and dedicate Tuesdays and Thursdays to decluttering, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Thank you again for everything you do.
Love,
-- Linda W.
Maria Responds
Dear Linda,
First, thank you
for your kindness. It means more than you know.
And let me say this right away: you are thoughtful, self-aware, and honest about your situation. That’s a wonderful place to begin.
You’re right. This isn’t a “stuff” problem. It’s a paper problem mixed with life changes, retirement, and losing a job you enjoyed. That’s a lot to carry, emotionally and physically.
Your idea of “working for yourself” is excellent. You thrived with structure before and you’ll thrive with it
again.
But, I don’t want you organizing from 10 to 4. That’s too much. You’ll burn out.
Instead, here’s what I recommend:
Tuesdays and Thursdays
10:00 to 12:00 only
Two focused morning hours.
Then you’re done.
No guilt. No afternoon session.
During that time, work on one box
at a time.
Use four simple piles:
Keep: truly important papers
Scan: special letters or
memories
Recycle/Shred – most old papers
Memory Box – a small keepsake box
Most of what you’re storing can go. I promise.
It made me sad to read that you don’t invite friends over. You deserve a home that feels welcoming to you and to others. And you are absolutely capable of creating that, one morning at a time.
Here’s your starter
plan:
After tomorrow’s visit, choose one surface to keep clear.
Put “Linda’s Workday” on your calendar for Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10:00 a.m.
Do one box. Then make tea and rest.
You are not lazy. You are not failing. You are simply ready for your next chapter.
And I’m cheering you on.
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