That Hoarder: Overcome Compulsive Hoarding

#113 Batching: the pathway to tangible results and motivation for hoarders

Subscribe to the podcastToday's episode is all about batching and hoarding. Have you ever started a task only to get sidetracked and end up feeling disheartened and unproductive? Well, you're not alone. In this episode, I explore the concept of batching tasks together and how it can help you overcome the distractions and actually get things done. Join me as we delve into the world of productivity strategies, context switching, and the positive benefits of batching tasks. Get ready to declutter your mind and your home and find the encouragement you need to keep going. Stay tuned for some practical tips and insights on how to make batching work for you. Let's get started!For people who easily get sidetracked and lose focus quicklyUsing technique to focus on tasks efficientlyMore focus leads to increased productivity and visible resultsBatch tasks for efficiency and effectivenessBatching tasks simplifies decision-making and improves efficiencyBatching tasks helps with transitions and procrastinationCreate a schedule for regular batched tasksBatch based on area, category, or activityFeeling unaccomplished by distractions when trying to complete tasksFocus on one task at a time to accomplish more and see noticeable results, providing motivation and encouragementAllows for a fresh perspective on completed work and saving time and energyBatching tasks simplifies decision-making, reduces analysis paralysis, and allows for forward planning, increasing productivityHelps with transitions and initiating taskBeneficial for dehoarding, depending on progress. Establishing a schedule for regular batched tasks may be helpfuBatch items based on area, category, or activity. Stay focused and redirect distractions by saying "No, I'm working on this for now."Explanation of context switching and its impact on focus and productivityMore noticeable results at the end of a decluttering sessionBoost in motivation and encouragementImportance of visible progress in overcoming feelings of disheartenmentComparison between concentrated progress in one area vs. scattered progress throughout the spaceDifference between visible and hidden progressEncouragement to apply batching techniques to stay focused and improve effectiveness in organising efforts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

#112 Executive function, executive dysfunction and hoarding with Dr Jan Eppingstall

Subscribe to the podcastToday, Dr. Jan Eppingstall is here to shed light on the connection between executive function, executive dysfunction, and hoarding behaviour. We explore how executive function impacts our ability to organise and declutter our living spaces and uncover the challenges individuals face when it comes to decision-making, mental flexibility, and working memory. We'll also discuss strategies for improving executive function and overcoming the obstacles that hoarding behaviour presents. Depression and health conditions can impair focusNervous shutdown and self-compassion during stressTrick yourself into startingNetwork atrophies when not engagedIssue with sticking to tasks due to desire for noveltyReducing food shops, using what's in cupboardsProcrastination hinders progress, but changing behaviours helpsMental flexibility essentialFlexible thinking in shopping, problem solving, creativityExecutive dysfunction hinders organisation; hoarding makes it harderLack of experience in decision-making, cutting cornersPerspective and help are important when organisingLack of space hinders planningExecutive functions affects losing thingsFear of loss worsens clutterSee-through boxes and labelsMindset affects executive function, self-care is crucialMany conditions cause brain fog and difficulty focusingUnderstanding our executive functions helps us manage stress, improve awareness, and leverage strengthsReflection can inform future behaviourNervous system shuts down, could be triggered by dissociationEngaging in tasks helps people focus and enter a flow statePerfectionism = rigid thinking, efforts towards being more flexibleTrying to organise a hoard is destined to failCan we reassure ourselves when we put things away?Minimise visual distractions, motivation to improve surroundingsTake care of your mind, believe in yourself, and prioritie self-care for better executive functionIs difficulty organising due to executive function issues or the sheer quantity of items?Difficulty getting rid of things once they are brought into the home due to the endowment effectSuggestions for improving working memory through mental maths and storytelling memory gamesIdentifying triggers and strategies for preventing or dealing with shutdownsPracticing self-compassion and reducing stress for better action-takingIntroduction of the task positive network (TPN) and flow state during tasksDownsides of hyperfocus and its impact on cognitive attentionWeakening or atrophy of the TPN due to lack of exerciseHow depression, autoimmune diseases, and long COVID can impact executive functioningUnique perception and organization of belongings for individuals on the autism spectrumPlanning skills and lack of space as potential barriers Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

#111 Do you have spares of your spares? Do you have backups of your backups?

Subscribe to the podcastToday, I'm delving into the world of excess and overstocked items. I have some insights on how to navigate the clutter of spares and backups that can often accumulate in our lives and explore the challenges of hoarding spares, the fear of running out, and the art of letting go. It's time to take action and make space for what truly matters. Let's dive in!Too many backups, no space for essentialsToo many spares hinder finding thingsHoarders stock up, but it's problematicKeeping spares, especially when on saleOverbuying and hoarding wastes time and moneyAllocating space reduces overstocking, prompts evaluationConsider cost, availability, and ease of replacement. Assess necessity based on these factorsEvaluate spare items for necessary maintenanceRisk and fear limit our daily livesConsider reasonable quantity and necessity, not excessWe accumulate unnecessary backups, making it difficult to organize and discard unused itemsKeeping too many unnecessary items makes it hard to find what we really wantLetting go takes faith but leads to easier accessBuying in bulk is cheaperOverbuying and hoarding leads to an unmanageable situation, preventing you from enjoying lifeFear of running out is understandable but excessive stockpiling is not helpful or cost-effectiveDispose of obsolete tech and excess items, donate or discard thoughtfullyAllocating a specific space for overstock might help control itConsider limiting the number of spares and keeping track of inventoryConsider the cost and availability of replacing items. If easy and affordable, no spares may be needed. If costly or hard to find, consider quantity and storageCheck if your spare items need maintenance. Don't keep duplicates if they don't work. Consider safety and cost when replacing itemsBalancing risk and spares in daily life, reassess as neededThe waste feels horrible, but you can learn from it and make more conscious decisions about buyingDon't beat yourself up, instead turn discomfort into determination to avoid future wasteThink before buying unnecessary itemsAssess the importance and potential consequences of running outBalance the need for preparedness with space and costProportionality is keyThe concept of overstocking and hoarding sparesKeeping a record of the quantity of spare items to alleviate anxiety about running outDifficulty of finding desired items among a clutter of unused itemsTaking Action to Get Out of ClutterImportance of taking action to declutter and organiseAcknowledge fear of being without certain items, but encourage letting go of unused items to make space for what truly mattersDonating unwanted items can make it easier to access needed itemsAvailability of replacements locally or onlineConsiderations like expiration dates and proper storageFear of running out and hoarding as a responseBalancing the benefits of buying in bulk with the negative impact on daily life and family dynamicsKeeping old appliances as backups even if they are no longer functionalUsing discomfort as motivation to avoid overstocking and wasteReassessing judgments about spares over time as anxiety levels changeFutility of hoarding obsolete techSpace, cost, and compatibility issuesReflect on own overstocking habits and take steps to overcome compulsive hoarding Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

#110 Do you own your stuff or does it own you? Freeing yourself and your home with Jasmine Sleigh, author of Being Owned

For the transcript for this episode, visit http://www.overcomecompulsivehoarding.co.uk Subscribe to the podcastJasmine Sleigh is a professional declutterer and has spent the past decade helping people to free up space. She focuses not only on physical belongings but also on the emotional and psychological aspects of decluttering. In today's episode, Jasmine likens her role to a dance, where she carefully navigates through uncertainties and potential triggers for her clients and stresses the importance of providing support and encouragement throughout the decluttering process.We also discuss Jasmine's book, Being Owned: A Decade in Professional Decluttering, where she expands on the concepts discussed in this episode. Let's dive into the world of decluttering with Jasmine Sleigh.Facilitating crafts and donating unused items.Professional decluttering: a personal and people-centric approachHandling belongings requires adaptability and improvisationSort out space, prioritise essentials, declutterUnderstanding lives through belongings; an intimate jobStuff has power, can be movedKeep belongings accessible for ease of useHelping people achieve their goals is the keyPositive actions in a cost of living crisisJasmine wanted to write a book about her experiences as a professional declutterer, focusing on the poignant stories of her clients and celebrating her achievementsShe also felt frustrated by people's misconceptions about the jobThe importance of using and sharing possessions, especially in the context of crafting and hobbies.Jasmine can only go as far as clients are willing to let herTraining others has further shaped her understandingEmotional attachments and recent purchases may require more distanceThe power of belongings and the impact they can haveEnsuring easy access and a comfortable living environment for individuals is the main priorityGoal is to make people happier in their homesUsing resources for good and the availability of second-hand items in a crisisSorting through belongings and determining their importance in one's life narrativeThe Unpredictability of the JobNeed for adaptability in dealing with unexpected situationsDescribing the job as a "dance" due to uncertainties and triggersBeing present and flexible in the moment, avoiding over-preparationIneffectiveness of threats and negative consequencesThe Process of DeclutteringRecognising that there is no quick fix or magic solutionExamples of finding forgotten itemsBelongings becoming overwhelming and causing a burdenThe ability to move and rearrange belongings to improve the situationDifferent levels of difficulty in letting go of different types of itemsSorting out keepsakes at different life stagesImportance of having hobbies and engaging in creative activitiesCreating a space to pursue hobbies and finish projectsPassing on unused items for sustainability and resource usagePower dynamics surrounding objectsGiving individuals agency to make choices about possessionsStories of reengagement and finding joy in personal belongingsBeing attuned to people and focused on their well-beingMaturation and increased understanding after 10 years of workingImportance of the home as a sanctuary for wellbeing Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

#109 When you feel like giving up: dehoarding when it’s really hard

In today's episode, we're diving into the topic of when you feel like giving up. We'll be exploring the struggles, frustrations, and moments of doubt that can arise during the journey of overcoming compulsive hoarding. We'll uncover strategies to stay motivated and find the strength to keep going. Join me as we navigate the highs and lows of this challenging process and discover the power of perseverance. So, grab a cup of tea and press play!For the transcript for this episode, visit http://www.overcomecompulsivehoarding.co.ukSubscribe to the podcastReminder: Why was change important? Self-examine motivation for new things.Stay present, take care of yourself, embrace failure.Challenges and triumphs in a long journey and a big project.Setting expectations based on order rather than timings is preferable for someone who finds it difficult to predict. Learn from experience and set realistic expectations. Consider the burden of letting others down if you communicate expectations to them.Setting milestones helps celebrate small wins. Clearing the kitchen table can be a goal, leading to a sense of accomplishment and motivation. Having compassion for oneself is crucial.A Facebook comment inspired compassion from children of hoarders, encouraging someone to not give up and be a hero for their kids.Change up your habits, shift timing, remember why you started.Remember why decluttering was important to you. Reflect on your motivation and discover new reasons, like enjoying extra space, treating yourself, or flexibility while working from home.Taking breaks and finding inspiration from others helps prevent burnout during long-term projects. Look to successful people for motivation, even outside of your specific field.Applying mindset to various areas of life, replacing unproductive habits, assessing and making adjustments, and the potential benefits of visualizing success.Acknowledging slow progress is better than no progressFeelings of frustration and impatience with the current situationBe patient and work with circumstancesMindful Approach to Avoid Feeling OverwhelmedBeing present in the moment instead of rushing to the next thingAppreciating and being present in small tasksPracticing mindfulness and avoiding constant engagement with everythingImportance of physical, mental, and emotional self-careMaintaining motivation through scheduled and unscheduled breaksViewing failure as a learning experience, not a reason to give upImportance of setting specific goals and milestones in declutteringCelebrating accomplishments as motivationBreaking tasks into manageable chunks to reduce overwhelmReplacing rigidity with a more gentle and careful approachDoing a bit, assessing, and making adjustmentsChanging Environment and Finding MotivationChanging environment or time of day to make decluttering feel newReflecting on initial motivation to stay motivatedVarious sources of inspiration, including social media, podcasts, and booksUnrelated endeavours like trekking the Appalachian Mountains as a source of inspirationFlexibility and Adaptability in Pursuit of GoalsEmphasizing the importance of flexibility and adaptabilityOvercoming rigidity and perfectionism through adjustment and starting multiple timesTaking breaks and weekends off to prevent burnoutFailure as a Motivator and OpportunityUnderstanding failure as a setback in life plansValidating the feelings of discouragement and wanting to give up Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

#108 From indecisiveness to empowered choices: 27 practical tips for overcoming decision-making challenges in hoarding

In this episode, we explore decision making and its connection to hoarding. I dive into neuroscience research, exploring the neural mechanisms of decision making in hoarding disorder, discover how individuals categorise their own possessions versus those of others, and how this impacts their ability to make decisions. I talk ways to improve decision making skills. From flipping a coin to considering our values, setting priorities, and seeking advice, I explore practical techniques that can help anyone struggling with indecisiveness. Along the way, I tackle the fear of uncertainty and how it can hinder decision making. I delve into the different decision making styles that researchers have identified and how understanding these styles can help.For the transcript for this episode, visit http://www.overcomecompulsivehoarding.co.ukSubscribe to the podcastHoarding OCD patients struggle with decision making.Differences in decision making for hoarders.Anticipating regretTest small decisionsGather information, set time limits for decisionsAccepting uncertainty Toss a coin, keep perspective, ask advice.Consider long-term consequences, stick to decisions.Start small; gain confidence in decision-making.Learning from past decisions improves future choices.Hoarders report anxiety and procrastination in decision making.Lack of self-trust skews decision-makingHoarding disorder linked to impulsive decisions and self-reliance.Differences in categorising own items compared to others'Writing down thoughts can clarify complexity and solve problemsFear of mistakes leads to decision avoidance.Hoarders anticipate regretAsk more than "what if"Perspective, flexibility, seek advice.Stick to decisions and avoid second-guessing or agonising over them.Psychology Today: 35,000 choices made dailyDecisions can be overwhelmingThe butterfly effect and the impact of seemingly insignificant decisionsStrategies for Decision Making in HoardingImaginary Person TechniqueAligning decisions with values to prioritise what is truly importantHow values can guide decision-making in hoarding situationsNeural Mechanisms of Decision Making in HoardingStudy involving brain scans and paper itemsTossing a coin to make decisions and considering feelings about the resultSetting priorities, asking "what if" questionsBeing open to different perspectivesTolerating uncertaintyUnderstanding Decision Making StylesNo definitive set of decision making stylesCultivating Compassion and Making Ethical ChoicesCultivating self-compassion Making compassionate choices for a better quality of lifePractical Tips for Decision Making in HoardingStarting with small, easy decisions and gradually progressing to more significant onesChallenging oneself to try different options and gain decision-making skillsLearning from past decisions to inform future ones and identify helpful strategiesConsidering long-term consequences rather than focusing solely on immediate onesStepping out of immediate emotions Sticking to decisions and avoiding overanalysing or second-guessingDifficulty making decisions among patients with hoarding disorder and OCDCharacteristics of hoarding disorder, including excessive indecisiveness and avoidanceHoarding disorder's association with procrastination, indecisiveness, and decision-related fears Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

#107 Things that look like hoarding but aren’t: ADHD, depression, autism, OCD, OCPD and more

In today's episode, we'll be delving into things that look like hoarding but aren't. Joining me is the incredible Dr. Jan Eppingstall, a specialist in hoarding disorder. For the transcript for this episode, visit http://www.overcomecompulsivehoarding.co.ukSubscribe to the podcastWe explore the how to determine if someone has hoarding tendencies, shedding light on hoarding and its connections to other mental health conditions, such as OCD and OCPD. We'll discuss the criteria for these disorders and how they relate to hoarding behaviors. But hoarding is just the tip of the iceberg. We'll also explore the relationship between hoarding, autism, ADHD, and depression, uncovering the common symptoms and challenges in these overlapping conditions. So, join us as we discuss things that may look like hoarding but aren't. Understanding the cause of hoarding behavioursOCD and OCPD are mental disorders characterized by anxiety and rigid personality traits. Hoarding was associated with OCPDOverlap of symptomsDepression makes daily tasks exhausting and meaninglessAutism and ADHD: understanding and terminologyOften mask to fit inRecognise sensory needs, respect neurodivergence, ask questionsRejection sensitive dysphoria, impulsiveness, and addiction in ADHDUnderstanding the causes of hoarding behaviours is importantOCD and OCPD are mental disorders. OCD causes anxiety and impairs functioning. OCPD is a personality disorder with rigid traitsHoarding was considered a subtype of OCPDPeople with OCPD may not see their behaviours as problematic and may exhaust themselves trying to meet unrealistic standardsDo individuals feel responsible for the welfare of objects, are they emotionally attached to them, do they experience distress from clutter or the act of saving?A potential opposite extreme of compulsive minimalismFeeling exhausted and worthless, maintaining a tidy house becomes unimportant. A depression nest formsHoarding often starts at a young age. Time and untreated depression can worsen itBipolar disorder Increased understanding and awareness leading to more assessments.Women are often overlookedUnderstanding and accommodating individuals with neurodivergence is importantSensory needs and routines may varyADHD is highly heritable but can also be influenced by environmental stressors and traumaVariable attention stimulus traitCreating your own options and not being afraid of failure in self-helpADHD, depression, and hoarding often co-occurOther conditions like OCD, anxiety, bipolar disorder, social anxiety, bulimia, binge eating, gambling, and personality disorders can be linked to hoardingTreatment is challenging but not impossibleDefinitions and criteria for hoarding tendenciesCompulsive spartanismDifferences and similarities between OCD and OCPDCriteria for OCPD based on FreudHoarding originally considered a subtype of OCPDLabels and understanding underlying needsFocus on purpose rather than the diagnosisUnrealistic standards and exhaustion from trying to meet themSensitive dysphoria and euphoriaFeeling overwhelmed and exhausted in daily lifeAccepting help without distress or shameDepression nestsRelationship between ADHD, depression, and hoardingOCD, generalized anxiety, bipolar disorder, social anxiety, eating disorders, addiction, and personality disorders Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

#106 The Art of Letting Go: Navigating emotional clutter blocks with Tracy McCubbin

I speak to Tracy McCubbin, an expert in decluttering, organising, and overcoming the emotional attachment to our belongings. With years of hands-on experience and a deep understanding of clutter, Tracy helps people reclaim their spaces. Tracy shares invaluable insights into the psychology behind stuff and the challenges that arise when inherited items become emotional burdens. She challenges the notion that objects hold inherent meaning and encourages listeners to question the attachment they have to their possessions. Tracy also provides practical advice on how to approach decluttering and organising. She dispels the myth of overnight transformations often portrayed on social media, reminding us that real progress takes time and effort. She shares anecdotes, including the story of the infamous painting of dogs playing poker and its unexpected journey to a new home. Join us as we explore clutter blocks through six items of mine, For the transcript for this episode, visit http://www.overcomecompulsivehoarding.co.ukSubscribe to the podcastIntroduction to the clutter blocks and their originBirthed from hands-on work with people and their experiences with hoarding disorderThe struggle of inheriting items from deceased family membersDifficulty in letting go of things due to sentimental attachment or financial valueObjects hold no inherent meaning, we assign meaning to themExample of the speaker's wedding dress and societal pressure to hold onto sentimental itemsThe changing importance of objects over timeAcquisition of things becoming easier, questioning the need to hold onto themTackling decluttering and organizing separatelyNot expecting immediate resultsUnrealistic expectations created by social mediaWorking at your own paceTime and energy limitations due to work and familyThe initial chaos before improvement during the decluttering processHiring professionals for cleaning services if deep cleaning is not enjoyableSelling or giving away unwanted items to avoid clutterCelebrating progress by hiring a cleaning company and taking a breakResisting pressure to do things one doesn't enjoyLetting go of items and finding them in the hands of those who need themSeparating decluttering, organizing, and cleaning as separate tasksAvoiding overwhelm and making the process more manageableReplacing reminders of painful memories with positive onesNot feeling obligated to keep crafts made by othersA client with a collection of birdhouses made by their fatherReflecting on the concept of regret and the things that are never thought about againChoosing cash over a sale purseDeclutter, organize, and clean separately for successDecluttering takes time and patience, but it's worth itFeeling obliged to keep handmade crafts made by othersThe meaning we attach to objectsBeautiful gift that's not my styleDogs playing poker painting given new homeFather hoards baby strollers, never gives them awayDisaster relief donations often miss the markHiring help for tasks you dislikeWe make mistakes, let's learn and move onDecluttering takes time and effort; it may get worse before it gets betterPsychological attachment to objects and challenges the belief that everything must be keptFocus on good memoriesPutting a time limit on completing tasksDonate money, not random itemsIt is okay to not enjoy certain tasks and celebrate hiring helpWe all make mistakes, but holding on to them is unnecessary Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

#105 Embracing the path of least resistance: finding ease in the journey when overcoming hoarding

For the transcript for this episode, visit http://www.overcomecompulsivehoarding.co.ukSubscribe to the podcastToday, I dive into the importance of setting up systems to make dehoarding easier and less resistant. We'll discuss how examining the structure of our lives can help us determine what can be done to make the decluttering process more manageable. Plus, we'll explore the concept of choosing realistic timings that fit with our individual lifestyles for successful decluttering. We'll also explore the idea that the path of least resistance is often seen as negative, implying that someone isn't trying hard enough. In the realm of dealing with hoarding, however, the path of least resistance can be a gift. I'll explain how taking this approach doesn't mean avoiding challenges altogether, but rather making the overwhelming task of decluttering more manageable. Join me as I navigate the intricate world of compulsive hoarding, exploring the strategies and mindsets that can help us overcome this challenge. Get ready to uncover the path of least resistance.Choosing the simplest option to overcome challengesUncertainty, struggle, progress in dealing with tasksCreate a system to enable donating itemsOvercome barriers and get things outSimplify decisions, prioritise, and start somewhereGuidelines and formulasConfidence and small stepsChoose the easiest option to start moving. Dealing with difficult challenges can be overwhelming. No shame in taking the simplest pathUncertainty improved by experience and researchNeed to be intentional to prevent worseningThink about what stops you and create a system to enable changeHave a bag ready for charity donationsStart somewhere, any room or item, and adjust approach as needed.Examining the structure of your life to facilitate declutteringThe negative perception of the path of least resistanceAcknowledgment of the importance of embracing challenges, but hoarding is already a significant oneImportance of making progress and having mental energyBeing more selective in future donation choicesPrioritising getting rid of items over ensuring they leave the house perfectlyPractical examples of following the path of least resistance in donating itemsThe challenge of determining where to start declutteringImportance of thinking about structures that hinder declutteringThe value of creating systems or structures for ease of declutteringThe importance of following the path of least resistance to overcome difficult challengesBarriers to getting rid of items, such as the need for perfectionConsidering the easiest path to get items out of the house without throwing them awayEncouragement to pay attention to personal objections to getting rid of itemsResearch and intentionality as key factors in being neat and tidyHow being intentional prevents worsening and improves the situationThe benefits of considering the path of least resistance in making deliberate choicesChoosing what feels good to enhance productivityThe burden of donating items from a hoarded home due to the scale of possessionsThe struggle of perfectionism in choosing where to donateConsiderations when deciding where to donate itemsSuggestions for starting decluttering in specific areas of the homeThe possibility of becoming overwhelmed and unable to make progressComparison of the structure of a river to the structure of one's life Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

#104 From sticky substances to mouldy messes: tackling the really gross bits when dehoarding

In this episode, we will be tackling the really gross and icky bits of dehoarding. It's not the most glamorous topic, but it's an essential part of the journey to a clutter-free life. We'll be discussing everything from dealing with unpleasant smells to handling sticky or disgusting substances that can accumulate over time. I've got some practical tips and strategies to help you navigate these challenges. Dealing with gross things is important, but don't beat yourself up about itTake responsibility, not blame, use it to motivate improvementPresence of mould or goo in home is harmful physically, mentally, emotionally. Use gloves and a face mask to protect against anything gross or moldy. Use a grabber if neededAdding essential oil drops to a face mask or using Vick's VapoRub improves smell.Learn from experience, tackle issues one by one, prevent future problems: avoid bulk buying, store properlyThe importance of addressing the "gross and icky" bits of dehoardingLearning from unpleasant experiences and taking pride in overcoming themTackling issues or challenges one by one in a methodical mannerTaking proactive measures to prevent similar situations from arising againPractical tips for dealing with sticky or gross substancesAddressing them individually until the whole house is cleanBeing cautious with bulk food purchases and storing perishable items properlyUsing bags for cleaning purposes is a logical use, not a wasteSpraying antibacterial spray after cleaning to ensure cleanlinessThe importance of not avoiding unpleasant tasksFacing the situation head-on because it won't go away on its ownBeing realistic about what needs to be addressedQuick resolution of tasks that have been avoided for a long timeThe importance of ventilation to prevent mould and fungus spores from spreadingThe need for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) when dealing with harmful substancesTaking responsibility without blaming oneselfUsing experiences as motivation to improve hoarding habitsPromoting a proactive attitude towards personal growth and improvementOvercoming the fear and worries associated with gross or unpleasant tasksUsing gloves, face masks, and grabber tools to avoid touching or inhaling harmful substancesPrioritising health and wellbeing when removing gross or unidentifiable itemsThe consequences of failure to clean up grossness, including contamination and more wasteAccepting that some things may not be savable and may need to be discarded Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.