Paralysis of Analysis

by Darlene
(NJ)

Help! I think I may need a psychiatrist in order to clean out my closets. I suffer extreme paralysis of analysis. I have such a difficult time getting rid of things. I am creative and always have ideas about how to use everything. I do not like to throw items with value away.

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Paralysis of Analysis

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Jun 15, 2008
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Overcoming Your Paralysis
by: Tracy

Hi Darlene. You are dealing with a very common problem when it comes to clutter. I call it the "What if" syndrome. What if I need it some day?

In order for you to overcome the what if's you need to really evaluate what you actually use and what is just guilt over feeling as if you are wasting something of value.

A great way to do this is to clean out your closets, keeping only the things that you know for absolutely certain you use on a very regular basis (daily or weekly).

Remove everything else and place it in a box labeled with the date. Store the box in an out-of-sight but fairly easily accessible location. Your closets will be clean and decluttered, but you will still have your items in case you get some creative inspiration.

Mark your calendar for six months from now to check on the status of your box. After six months, anything that you have not had the need to use must go.

As for your clothes closet, another method to use is the hanger test. Arrange all of the hangers in your closet so that the hooks are facing the back.

As you wear clothing, when you return it to the closet turn the hanger around so that the hook is facing front. After six months, any clothing with the hooks still facing rear must go.

If it makes you feel better about not letting the items go to waste, give them to a friend who you know will get use out of them or donate them to charity. You will be able to feel good about helping somebody in need and decluttering all at the same time.

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Jun 15, 2008
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Submitted by: Tracy

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Hi Darlene. You are dealing with a very common problem when it comes to clutter. I call it the "What if" syndrome. What if I need it some day? In order for you to overcome the what if's you need to really evaluate what you actually use and what is just guilt over feeling as if you are wasting something of value. A great way to do this is to clean out your closets, keeping only the things that you know for absolutely certain you use on a very regular basis (daily or weekly). Remove everything else and place it in a box labeled with the date. Store the box in an out-of-sight but fairly easily accessible location. Your closets will be clean and decluttered, but you will still have your items in case you get some creative inspiration. Mark your calendar for six months from now to check on the status of your box. After six months, anything that you have not had the need to use must go. As for your clothes closet, another method to use is the hanger test. Arrange all of the hangers in your closet so that the hooks are facing the back. As you wear clothing, when you return it to the closet turn the hanger around so that the hook is facing front. After six months, any clothing with the hooks still facing rear must go. If it makes you feel better about not letting the items go to waste, give them to a friend who you know will get use out of them or donate them to charity. You will be able to feel good about helping somebody in need and decluttering all at the same time.

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Jul 13, 2008
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Craft Supplies Galore...
by: Wendy

I'm quite the same as Paralysis of Analysis...
I used to think: what if I get laid off? what if I have a disability and can't work? what if I need this some day, when I'm down and out?

Well, that day never happened... all needless worries! I am eligible for retirement -- and NOW I think: what if I need this when I have more spare time in retirement? Grin!

I've saved craft supplies, mostly, over the years, all new and unused.. and keep thinking.. SOME DAY!

Am I an artsy person? Maybe...

Wishful thinking? Maybe...

Logical thinking? Not so much...

Love your website and plan to organize my life..
some day.. maybe in retirement!

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Paralysis of Analysis

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Paralysis of Analysis