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Grunge Garage

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Riley

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Bill,

Let me say I admire your efforts and selflessness in sharing your situation with us all. It's been advised several times before and you probably don't need to hear it again but here ya go...

Get a 20 yrd dumpster dropped off and fill it up. When that one is done, get another one. Repeat until finished.

You'll be shocked that you can fill it to the top and it won't look like you've made much progress, that's OK. Make it a race to see how fast you can fill it. Some good stuff might get tossed, but does it really matter?

It will still represent not only real progress, but a real acceptance of the depth of your challenge.

http://www.google.com/search?q=detr...al&client=firefox-aurora&source=hp&channel=np

Pick your favorite and go to town.

Good luck and best wishes. Back to lurk mode.
 
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bczygan

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7 trash cans picked up today. Now it's time to fill them again!

Did my good deed for the week.
Lady 4 doors down moved after being broken into 6 times. She left lots of things in the house and garage. Leaves un-raked from the fall. Dozens of newspapers on the porch.
2 guys have been in there in the last few days and took the furnace and water heater. They strew things all over the front yard.
The owners want to protect the house and leave the lights on.
Told them I would help. I cleaned off the porch, trimmed the bushes so you can see inside, picked up leaves from the curb and gutter and raked piles in the driveway, removed the curtains so you can see what's going on and filled 2 trash cans for pick up today.
 
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bczygan

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Sounds like more excuses for not getting your house cleaned out, but that's just me.

Jeff,
I think you are right. It is sure more fun to work on the neighbors rather than my own. But it's not only that. It is also a way to feel good about myself by contributing to the community. A lot of this problem is depression. And depression brought on, and made even worse, by feelings of guilt about not doing what I should have in life, as a husband, and as a man. I need to feel like I am worthwhile as a person. Doing these neighborhood things gives me a quick hit of "I'm OK". But I realize that the only way to get the full and permanent feeling, is to be by fully facing and fully dealing with and overcoming this.
AFTER I got my Courvilles full, by doing a few days work at my house and yard, I did the work there. Now that the Courvilles are empty again, it's back to doing my stuff
Not every minute of my life is spent on this project. I actually do other things. Maybe too many other things and not enough work on the project. It's a balance I have to strike.
I am disappointed in myself for not throwing out the Courville full of disks. I will go out today and go through them and retrieve the ones that have personal data and trash the rest by dumping the trays out into the dumpster and throwing other trash on them.
I know there is enough stuff to fill the Courvilles again in the next few days. That is my next goal.
Gotta go. I want to work as long and as hard on my stuff as I did on the neighbors house, for the rest of the day. Maybe clean an entire room with photos!

Bill
 

Bronson

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Bill, just clean one damn room and post pics......THAT will give You a real boost. Me too, You are wearing Me out, Buddy! Git 'er done!!:3gears:
 

fergus

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So Bill, in total, how many trashcans full of "stuff" (things that you've been hoarding, not just regular trash) have you actually thrown out since this whole thing started?
 
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bczygan

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So Bill, in total, how many trashcans full of "stuff" (things that you've been hoarding, not just regular trash) have you actually thrown out since this whole thing started?

Hard to estimate because much stuff was good until I left it in the yard to get rained on and ruined. Rough estimate is 1/3 normal household trash, 1/3 things that got ruined inside the house and 1/3 things that got ruined outside. Maybe 1/2 of the inside stuff wasn't ruined, but rather stuff I decided wasn't needed. Hardest thing is still to dispose of working items, even if I can't see a place for them. This is especially true when I see the resale shop price still on the item. It hurts enough when the item is ruined and I can remember what it was like when new. But the deciding factor is "CAN I SEE A PARTICULAR PLACE FOR IT AND A PARTICULAR USE FOR IT"! Even then, my space requirements are skewed in my head and I imagine that I can fit more in a space than I can. I have to keep picking away at things and eliminating them until the spaces are empty enough.

I just thought about what I said above and it's wrong. Picking away isn't getting it there. Shifting things around isn't working. Letting things get destroyed is too slow. I need to completely empty a room and only put back the appropriate things and dispose of everything else that was removed. I'm going to start with the dining room first as it's the simplest. Before pics coming tonight.

Sounds like the furnace and hot water heater....

Thanks for the chuckle. I really need to see the humor!

How much stuff did you take from that ladies house and bring home to yours?

Honestly, some rakes and shovels and a shoebox of fasteners and odds and ends including a caulk gun, some cleaning supplies, a saw and a grater.
Tools will be used to clean up that property and others in the neighborhood. I will give them to the neighborhood organization when finished with this house.

I learned 2 things while seeing these abandoned houses. First, it's amazing the trash people accumulate and then abandon (And boy, their junk is way better than mine, which means mine is REALLY junk and needs disposing of). And second, these houses, though small, really feel expansive when cleaned out. I'm going to have 20 times the space when I'm finished.
 
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bczygan

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Here are Dining Room before photos:
 

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bczygan

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And here are some Living Room before photos:
I can't get to and clean out the dining room without first cleaning out the living room. The kitchen will have to be done in conjunction with them as well.
 

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bczygan

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If the mini fridge is on your list, take it off. It doesn't work (Won't cool down). I am in the middle of pulling things out of the living room. Mini fridge is outside. Porch is stacked full and 2 Courvilles are full. I expect to have much of the Living Room empty by this evening (Except refrigerator, file cabinet and tool cabinet). That will give me access to the Dining Room for tomorrow and Kitchen the next day.
Back to it.
 

JimVonBaden

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I have not posted yet. Not because I haven't read it or do not have an opinion, but because everyone else have said all that needed to be said.

However, no offense, but those pictures show nothing but junk. IMHO, unless there are gold ingots in those boxes, I would call in the junk removal guys and have them haul it all out. At this point there is little left to save except maybe a few tools and appliances.

Good luck, this is one hell of a lot of work to fix, and sorting it, IMHO, will never work. Your natural inclination to keep things will disallow you from tossing them out.

Jim :cool:
 

Homerr

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Bill,

I've been pouring over various threads here the last few days looking at great garages. I've spent the afternoon on and off going though this thread waiting for the "payoff" of real progress or even an empty garage. Out of exasperation I have ended up skipping ahead a few times so I have missed some posts.

I see that there has been attempts made, but this thread has me to the point that I feel like drinking beers as Holedgr did after visiting.

This is my first post here on GJ. I'd like to offer that you are putting too much effort in on the wrong front. You've quite wisely acknowledged fear as a huge factor in getting where you are now. I believe the squalor, and it is squalor, that you live in is beyond you fixing yourselves. Yes, you are making attempts - but grabbing items from the lady moving out down the street really shows that you have no power over this.

I'd suggest you and your wife each seeking out a counselor to work on the triggers that have caused this hoarding. Only when you become clear on these triggers and learn mechanisms to cope with them will you be able to really start cleaning.

And we'll know you're making progress when the excuses stop and a half-dozen of these have been filled and taken away:

portland-dumpster-truck.jpg


And if this sounds harsh - I have all my own issues and triggers that I've spent the last 5 years working out and I know that it may take many voices to help get us on our path. Our issues are worlds apart in their nature but I can still see bits and pieces of similarity between us in the way you talk about fear and letting go. It does get better if you work on 'self' and leave the rearranging of the Titanic deck chairs be.

All the best to you.
 
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Kevin54

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Bill....I'm going to cut to the chase. You're bullshitting us and you're doing nothing but bullshitting yourself. For Christ Sake, this has been going on for 7 solid months now and you have barely made any headway at all. And now you want to clean out neighbors homes so you can drag more **** home.

Look at the first picture you posted above of the Living Room. You have goddamn rakes, hoes and shovels in the Living Room Bill. What the hell for???? You've done nothing but put out a few garbage cans a week, drag more **** home, then make up excuses to everyone about how you are going to stop and get back to cleaning, getting this and that done, then toss up a few pics of jammed up rooms. In 7 months time, every room should have been cleaned up and repainted.

You aren't cleaning, you're just rearranging trash. Just like the box of floppies. You sit and ponder over what to do with them for days. Throw the goddamned things away. Those floppies went out years and years ago. I hate to tell you, but the 3 1/2" disk are no longer used either unless you have a really old computer. Get with the program.

I haven't been on this thread in a while, but I see that you are on other threads giving people advice. Stay off the internet for a week. We are supposed to have record high temps for the next few days. Take advantage of it. Drag everything out to the curb then post an ad in Craigslist for free junk.

And one last thing, there are hoarders, and then there are lazy people. You decide which category that you are falling into. When I see empty pop cans sitting around, empty boxes sitting around, items not put where they belong, that starts to fall into the lazy category. It's easier to just lay it down and walk away from it than it is to walk a few more paces and put it where it belongs.

You have been offered help which you refused, you have been offered money for a large roll-off which you refused. But then you come back on here and tell people what you are going to do, and all the pics you show other than your bedroom, shows no headway anywhere. I really think you'd get more of the attention that you seek, if you would post up some pics of some work actually done. You are home all day while Julie works. One large roll-off container, and 8 hours while she is at work, and you could make a hell of a dent in things if you would just stop ******* around with stuff. Don't drag anything else home.

Personally.....if it were me, I'd be so damned sick of living like that. I'd throw every single item in a roll-off except for a kitchen table and chairs, a couch, a chair, a bed, and a TV, and keep some clothes. Everything else would go to a dumpster. If you want something new, then go to Goodwill and pick it up. And the last thing I'd be doing is sitting on the Internet everyday while I was living in those conditions.

Sorry if it sounds harsh, but you started the thread. You post pics of what you're going to do, then you play people like a Yo-Yo. Back and forth. I'm going to do this, I didn't get anything done, I'm going to do that tomorrow, I didn't get anything done. Leave the sidewalks alone, quit helping the neighbors clean the neighborhood up, leave the empty houses alone. Stay off the Internet for one week, Monday through Friday, just like a regular work week for most, work your *** off cleaning, THEN AND ONLY THEN, come back on a Saturday and post pics of what you have accomplished.

Other than what I've said, I seriously doubt that I'll comment anymore. I'll keep my mouth shut and sit back and just shake my head.:headshake because all of these replies is nothing more than :deadhorse
 

70Chevy

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I have started typing posts for thread several times only to delete before posting. I've seen Bill's property first hand, and it is very frustrating to read members patting Bill on the back for sort of clearing out a room. While it is progress, you have to understand the big picture and I don't think 99% of GJ members do understand. One man with a few trash cans is not going to cut it here. I know many believe he has to do it himself to make it stick....then I challenge those people to stop by Bill's place and then pat him on the back, tell him nice progress and walk away without wanting to help at all. You can't do it. You'll want to get gloves, masks, goggles and dumpsters...and a crew. Bill will say no that's scary, I need to do it myself and whatever. You will then understand the real frustration of this thread.
I don't mean to bash on Bill....he is a nice and intelligent man that let things get away. I also don't think he is being completely honest about everything. He likes tools and equipment and can't stop collecting stuff...or part with stuff. Maybe he needs professional counseling, I don't know, that's not my area.

Unfortunately, my personal life circumstances have changed recently and it would be difficult for me to re-offer help to him. I do know that I hate knowing someone that does not have to live in these conditions, really is. Find my post and re-read it ofater my viist to Bill's...I was being vague and kind. And he admits to the pubilc that he has a problem and is taking care of it, but has time to sweep the walk and go through abandon houses.

I almost deleted this post again not knowing exactly what good it will do. Maybe I'm just venting, I don't know.
Good luck.
 
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Fueler

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1 room cleared, 1 roll back full. Everything must go.
That's all we demand ..... and a clear stairway.

Have to agree with Kevin.

If you can't do the above then we know you have been jerking our chain for some perverse reason. You will need to start looking for another forum to cry on.
 

Phxphenom

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I would like to know why Bill has not asked that this thread be removed? I mean exactly what is the point of this anyway?
 

reddog289

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Well I guess I should take my new USA made Craftsman shovel to the garage.
It donn't belong in the living room anyway.
 
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bczygan

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I know I said I wouldn't post til Sat., but I worked hard and made great progress on the dining room and want to show you folks that I am serious about this cleanup. I removed 2 sets of dining chairs and an extra dining table and countless boxes of "stuff". Sorted the boxes and filled 2 Courville containers. Put chairs and table in the back yard and will donate soon. Still a few things to remove including trunk, speaker and small table. Hang pictures and remove stained glass windows. Clean floor and spread rug. Install storm windows and chair rail trim. We will be having dinner in the dining room by the weekend. You don't have to believe in me, because I believe in me. Here's photos.
 

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Dickey

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Your pictures seem to be a bit tight in. If you were to take one from a doorway that encompassed 3 walls and the floor, your progress would be presented more realistically. I have no dog in this fight, and only wish the best for you Bill; I've read the entire thread and had the same uplifting/frustrating/hopeful/sad feelings as several others while I progressed through the pages. I think you are deceiving yourself with what constitutes progress and a simple pic as described above would garner legitimate feedback on how you're coming along.

Otherwise, just be content with the way you are and tell the rest of the world to go pound sand. For me, a lot of this is similar to someone being that douche who tells a smoker that what they're doing is bad for them and they should quit. It is as much a personal choice as driving an old car over a new one with all manner of safety/handling gadgets. Do what satisfies you each day because eventually there will not be another.


//fwiw, I am getting a divorce because of my wife's hoarding. I wanted her to change but she refused even after many spirited monologues on how she was definitely going to do better in the future. Three years this has been going on. People do not change; they are just waiting until no one is looking.
 
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bczygan

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More progress..........but still a work in progress. All surfaces need sanding and re-coating including floor. Furniture needs cleaning and polishing. But it's a start. Here's some better and updated pics. What do you guys think?
 

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ckadams00

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Holy **** Bill, that's a room in your house? Good for you.
Hopefully you didn't just move everything into another room!:willy_nil
 
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bczygan

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Holy **** Bill, that's a room in your house? Good for you.
Hopefully you didn't just move everything into another room!:willy_nil

It's the dining room shown a few posts ago. Almost everything was removed and sorted. 1/2 the stuff was thrown in the trash. 1/2 of the remainder is in boxes to be donated. Of the rest, some goes in different rooms like the stool to the garage and boxes of food go in the kitchen cabinets as soon as I get that room finished. Also, I'm on a corner and I've been putting things on the curb and they just disappear. Used some stained glass pieces I had in there. Still needs all surfaces cleaned, polished, sanded, finished and or painted. I'm serious about this. We are going to have Julies birthday dinner in there on the 21st. It will be a very pleasant place to eat compared to balancing paper plates on the bed upstairs. One of the rich pleasures of life is a good meal on china with crystal and linens in a beautiful setting. It's something I've wanted for a LONG time. Now we'll have it. Surprised the hell out of Julie....
 
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bczygan

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So how do ya feel about those pics, Bill?

PROUD, happy, warm and fuzzy, excited about using the space and anxious to keep going and finish the room and do the kitchen and living rooms!:beer:

Hard to believe that a couple days or so could make that much difference. But that is an easy room. On the other hand, they are ALL finite and doable, one by one! Just have to let go of stuff. I've let go of things I never thought I would.

Anyone notice that the one door is an entry door with letter slot?:lol_hitti
 
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takeiteasy

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Wow Bill. Now that looks like a fixer upper (sanding, painting, etc), rather than a trash site! I really like this room! Too bad I don't live closer, I would totally buy some of the stuff in that room. That's awesome that you are able to put stuff on the curb and it disappears...hopefully you're not feeding someone else's hoarding...but I guess we'll work on one person at a time, right? :) :) I'm sure this is a huge relief. After doing one room, you think you're able to make that much progress each week? If you could, you'd be done soon...but you might need dumpsters instead of trash cans if you're going that fast.

"1/2 the stuff was thrown in the trash. 1/2 of the remainder is in boxes to be donated. Of the rest, some goes in different rooms" - 1/2 + 1/2 = 1...where did "the rest" come from? just kidding you :)

Great job, just keep it up!
 

SuperSocket

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It's the dining room shown a few posts ago. Almost everything was removed and sorted. 1/2 the stuff was thrown in the trash. 1/2 of the remainder is in boxes to be donated. Of the rest, some goes in different rooms like the stool to the garage and boxes of food go in the kitchen cabinets as soon as I get that room finished. Also, I'm on a corner and I've been putting things on the curb and they just disappear. Used some stained glass pieces I had in there. Still needs all surfaces cleaned, polished, sanded, finished and or painted. I'm serious about this. We are going to have Julies birthday dinner in there on the 21st. It will be a very pleasant place to eat compared to balancing paper plates on the bed upstairs. One of the rich pleasures of life is a good meal on china with crystal and linens in a beautiful setting. It's something I've wanted for a LONG time. Now we'll have it. Surprised the hell out of Julie....

Keep it up dude!!! :thumbup: :beer:
 

JC23

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Bill, just a constructive note from an outsider - Leave all that inside refinishing and sanding till you have the bigger, more time sensitive projects done, OK? Then you can rework what you have.

And keep that momentum going!
 

vartz04

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nice work keep it up. I really think you need to get a dumpster though cause its going to be easy to slide and let some of that stuff thats in the "donate" bin get back inside. Either that or when you are making the donate pile make it in the van and take the van straight to goodwill when you are done.

you are doing good but having that stuff siting close by has relapse written all over it
 
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