Am I the Only Sucky Purger???

Not too long ago, I watched a documentary called "Help, I'm a Hoarder." And I mean these people had I-S-S-U-E-S! You couldn't so much as walk into these people's houses without having to duck under, leap over, or shimmy past piles and piles of clutter and junk. I know for a fact that I am not that bad. THANK GOODNESS.

HOWEVER...I do have my own hoarding tendencies...which I should probably work to get under control sooner rather than later. I have an addiction to stationary. I love crafty knick knacks. Candles are always a must-buy. Who can have too many pairs of black shoes? Did you know Bath & Body has slashed the prices of their lipgloss??? I know I already have seven boxes full of writing instruments, but THIS ONE HAS SPARKLES AND GEL INK! I mean I have a ton of excuses for buying more and more things.

In addition to buying things, I'm also a pack rat. I HATE getting rid of anything of sentimental value, anything that still kinda works, even if I've bought a newer model to replace the old one. I hate throwing away receipts or old bills because who knows when you might have to refer back to them (which of course NEVER seems to happen). I keep things that don't fit because who knows when I may gain or lose 15 lbs and need a pair of jeans. And I'm a project wanna-be kinda person. I will have all sorts of things around the house and say,"oh, when I have time, I'm gonna make a necklace out of that." or "when I have time, I'm going to renovate my whole bathroom and create a theme where dried hibiscus will actually go with the decor."

Where I am now...(though this isn't my house)...


The problem is that I live in a shoe box. And all of these purchases, which I consider to be perfectly reasonable and good purchases, are taking over my house and ruining my life! So what's a girl to do??? I have organized as much as I possibly can. I have gotten so many storage and organization tips, I've read everything Martha Stewart has to say about the issue, I've visited my local Ikea more times than I care to think of, I've watched Mission Organization for ideas and tips, I've tried every idea out there. I need to simply purge. BUT I CAN'T!!! I buy things because I like them and I'm fond of them. How can I just GIVE these things away that I cherish so dearly? I've tried to be strict with myself and then when it's time to actually put it in the trash or donate it, I just can't bring myself to go through with it.

Does anyone else have this problem?? Please don't tell me I'm all alone. Does anybody else ever go to other people's house and wonder where all their junk is? Well if you want some advice on organizing, here are some tips on the Mission Organization website: http://www.hgtv.com/hgtv/ah_tips_organizing_storage/article/0,1801,HGTV_3211_3534922,00.html.

Where I'd like to be...


GOOD LUCK to you and all your purging and organizing for the new year! I'm pretty sure I'll be crying about this very same issue for the next year or two.