My mom has a HUGE problem with clutter! She's a hoarder! Help!?!
Question: Hey, I'm having some major problems. My mom collects all this stuff that we don't really need- and its driving everyone up the wall! We have three bedroom and two rooms in our house, and all of them are at least 1/4 occupied by crap we don't need. We also have a basement, and 80% of the stuff down there is rarely even used. We have some cool stuff that I never knew about- but its never used because we have no place to display it and know that it exists. We have minimal shelving in our home, and most of the shevling we have is ugly. We can't afford to buy more- we'd have to make it.
My mom saves boxes to put stuff in- but a lot of our basement is filled with plastic containers and boxes that she thinks we're going to 'use one day'.
I understand that this might have to do with the way she was raised. Filipinos back in the Philippines have a tendancy to take advantage of the little they have- they're creative in making things out of their belongings.
Answers: Hey, I'm having some major problems. My mom collects all this stuff that we don't really need- and its driving everyone up the wall! We have three bedroom and two rooms in our house, and all of them are at least 1/4 occupied by crap we don't need. We also have a basement, and 80% of the stuff down there is rarely even used. We have some cool stuff that I never knew about- but its never used because we have no place to display it and know that it exists. We have minimal shelving in our home, and most of the shevling we have is ugly. We can't afford to buy more- we'd have to make it.
My mom saves boxes to put stuff in- but a lot of our basement is filled with plastic containers and boxes that she thinks we're going to 'use one day'.
I understand that this might have to do with the way she was raised. Filipinos back in the Philippines have a tendancy to take advantage of the little they have- they're creative in making things out of their belongings.
Maybe she doesn't have time to go through the clutter because of all her other chores and raising you. She could be fatigued with a thyroid problem. Tell her to go to the doctor for a check up.
Could you do the dishes and laundry for a week, make her coffee in the morning to get her going. Ask your father to clean the bathrooms. Put some music on and tell the family it's spring cleaning time, because you want to invite some new friends over.
I don't think she can change this on her own. I have enough trouble getting rid of a lot of things I don't need "right now"..in closets..and I'm in a camper. At least that limits me. lol There's been a lot about this on tv. Hopefully you'll run across one of those shows and let her watch it to see what can happen. It probably won't stop till you MAKE her and make her get rid of things she doesn't REALLY need. The "THINGS" are hard to part with ..they almost become like "pets". Try to get her to find "good homes" for it. It's almost impossible to throw it in the trash. She probably needs a counselor or therapist. It's a 'head' thing. Maybe you could give her ONE room for ALL her things.Then she'd realize how much she REALLY has stored away. Give some to children's hospitals and Nursing Homes..also Care Centers for the handicapped/mentally retarded. They're always needing things..because their things get stolen. If she won't get therapy or counseling..get some for yourself to get ideas about how to deal with it. Ask her if you can have a yard sale and that you'll handle everything yourself. Tell her she could probably buy a new car with the money she'd make if she sold it. lol (or at least new furniture) Give it to Church Bazaars...the creative things.
You have to get her get her to see a specialist, it's really hard for people who have that type of problem.
For now be there for her ubtil she can get help.
the problems are real deep in root
Your mom is suffering from what is called "Pack-Rat Syndrome" . It is a real mental illness. Google it and see if theres anything that you can do. Good luck. I wish you the best.