Helpful Podcast for a Summer Jumpstart--ADD or Not.

I like to mention useful books, sites, podcasts, etc., and I've found another nice resource: The Taking Control podcast, designed for folks with ADD. I personally don't have an ADD diagnosis, but I often wonder how to order my tasks and can forget to do mundane things, like declutter the entryway. Because I've benefited from other ADD tips, I decided to give this podcast a listen. And most of the advice sounds helpful for my own housekeeping. I also wonder if people with hoarding or OCD tendencies will benefit from much of the same advice. I think there's some overlap.

I'm also willing to bet that if you're decluttering your kinda messy relatives' stuff, you might not be incredibly organized yourself. (Or you rebelled and are extremely tidy and Type A!) So here's a new resource to try out and enjoy. The shows aren't that long, so it's the perfect amount of time to fold some laundry and listen in.

Surfing YouTube and Finding Insight--Why People Can't Let Go of Stuff

If you don't remember, I originally started this blog as a way to discuss how to dispose of items from an inherited estate. More specifically, I was the last relative standing dealing with my grandparents' belongings, and as cool as my relatives were, it's important to say they were on the hoarding spectrum. I always say they didn't have dead rats buried under paperwork or anything like that--more just keeping and retaining regular life items without culling through them--bills, glasses, dishware, travel souvenirs, etc. They did organize stuff by category, at least--they just didn't let go of it. And I would guess this clutter tendency got worse as they aged, though growing up during the Great Depression probably caused them to hold onto everything as they went through life.

As I've gone through layers of their home (literally and metaphorically), I've sought information and watched a fair number of TV shows about hoarding. Today I found some short and helpful online videos from the International OCD Foundation featuring Randy Frost, PhD, giving insight into how hoarders process information differently. According to Frost, they see more special details about objects and then have a harder time letting go of them. If you see extra knowledge as empowering, these videos could be for you. And while hoarding causes stress for family members, one positive note is that hoarders can be creative people who notice what others miss. If you're intrigued, see his helpful videos--"Causes of Hoarding" is below:

Summer Giveaways and Your Brain

A couple nights ago a friend said to me, "I got your email about giving away some fishing poles and thought, 'Yup, it's summer again! Hilary's getting rid of things!'" And it's true--it's a seasonal ritual where I send out lists of random things to sell or give away. Favorites include the vintage meat cleaver and an old hatchet--and yes, there were takers.

This summer I'm proud to say my load is lighter, but I'm left to ponder about some stuff--like what do I do with a electric-start gas mower that appears to be broken? Sell it for parts? And now that I don't have a truck, how do I transport it to a shop? Maybe craigslist is the way--or the super easy but no-cash-flow trick of putting it on the curb.

I will say it takes time and having more urgent things taken care of to even have the energy and, dare I use the term, "bandwith" to ponder such things. Disposing of this stuff can get so particular and detailed, and I don't think my brain is really suited to deal with stuff stuff stuff all the time.

Speaking of the brain and having time, I discovered open (i.e. free) university courses online...so if you want to check out free lectures, I find the MIT Intro to Psychology course pretty fascinating--especially the part about how the left hemisphere of the brain deals with details and the right side deals with things holistically. And the prof is delightfully nerdy and knowledgeable.

Tying back to my blog topic, I think decluttering is more of a left-brain activity and bet it's easier for folks who tend to be left-hemisphere dominant. And that would not be me! That's why some are suited to be professional organizers and some... are not!

City of Austin Free Shred Day Sat. 5/17, Road Show, and the Pickup Left

It's back at the Austin High School parking lot this year--the FREE City of Austin shred day, where they'll take a whopping five boxes off your hands! I have about five boxes still in my trunk from when I missed the UFCU shred day in March...just as I was pulling up, the big truck was driving off. So get there early enough--I heard the lines at the March one were long!  Time to get the dusty boxes out of the car. 

Time: 8-1:30.

More info: "The Austin chapter of ARMA International is sponsoring their 11th annual free SPRING Shred Day.  With the increased awareness of identity theft, it's important to carefully dispose of personal records.  Households can bring up to five boxes of paper records per household.  All of the shredded material is recycled.  Please make sure your records are paper only (no hard plastics, no plastic bags, electronic media or three-ring binders) and are not wet or moldy.  Mobile shredding trucks will be provided by Balcones Resources, Cintas, and Iron Mountain.

ARMA International is a not-for-profit professional association and the authority on governing information as a strategic asset. Monetary donations will be accepted with a  portion of the proceeds going to ARMA Austin and the Capital Area Food Bank."

In other news, I was NOT selected in the drawing to receive Antiques Road Show tickets. Kinda bummed b/c how often will that show be here?

Happier news:  This week I sold the 23 year-old gold Dodge pickup truck that had been passed down from my great-uncle all the way down to me. I hardly ever drove it, but man, I miss seeing a truck in the driveway because I associate "truck" with family. I've often had a diesel pickup in my life somehow--funny how I'm not a country girl but find trucks comforting because my dad usually owned one. But now, when would I get one for myself? And why? I'm considering a Honda or Toyota to replace my current main car...compact = less gas. But car shopping is another story. 

I still feel good that I decluttered my driveway if someone else will get more use and pleasure from that truck. It's had little use in the last decade in my family. So farewell, loud truck. I'll miss your dusty smell and cozy fabric seats. May your huge engine and non-computerized parts make others happy. Vroom vroom.

Decisions must be made...

Last night I read about a decision-making system designed to help children with ADHD. I think adults who need help with decision-making while cleaning and decluttering might like trying it out as well. I know sometimes I get overwhelmed with all the possible tasks and options before me, which can slow me down quite a bit.

The decision-making process is called KITE.

K--Know your situation. Take in the specifics and details.

I--Identify your choices and options. List out each plan and the good and bad points of each.

T--Try the best plan.

E--Evaluate how it worked or didn't.

Taken from The Survival Guide for Kids with ADD or ADHD by John F. Taylor, Ph.D.

I'll let you know if I find it useful this week as I do some spring cleaning!