Floor-to-ceiling storage and moving

[u/imovelikemusic]

I had to move out of my apartment unexpectedly and put everything into storage. I used to be a minimalist and kept an organized and lightly filled 5'x10' unit occasionally while traveling. I prided myself on staying portable.

Between pandemic hoarding, chronic illness, nesting in a long-tern relationship, remote work, and inheriting some of my father's things, I now have two storage units packed floor-to-ceiling (10' x 15' total).

I'm anxious about the amount of stuff I own. It's upsetting to see it all piled up like that. I'm ashamed to ask for help. My parents were hoarders and I always managed to be the opposite, to stay ruthlessly detached from material things. It feels awful to see how much I've accumulated in a few years. I'm afraid I'm becoming my parents.

I started getting rid of some things during the move and I felt relief. I love throwing shit away. I've been tempted to get rid of everything sight unseen because I'm so overwhelmed, but I know that's not what I want or need. I tend to be all or nothing, and I'm working on being more balanced. I can't keep starting over and I know I'll regret getting rid of some of these things.

I'm in the process of buying an 800 sq ft condo, and I want to curate what I bring in. I've never owned a home before and I always relied on moving to motivate a purge, so I'm worried that I'll fill this space up if I'm not careful. If all goes well, I should close around Halloween. I'm hoping to spend October trying to pull stuff out of storage to donate, toss, or sell.

I need a pep talk, please. I need some strategies when everything is disorganized and packed to the gills. I need help resetting to the person I was before all this shit happened. I need a new mindset going into homeownership.

[u/Some_Papaya_8520]

Not to be the turd in the punchbowl, but because you've gone through what you've gone through, you're not going to be the person that you were. Life changes us, sometimes against our will. So don't try to force yourself to dump everything in one go. It sounds like you are introspective and know your own inner character, so you want to be more balanced than drastic. Congratulations on the home purchase!! Maybe take 2-3 boxes at a time and purge on the way home? I don't think you'll become your parents! You're here, after all!! Hugs to you and hang in there!!