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Podcast show notes, links and transcript: http://www.overcomecompulsivehoarding.co.uk/ 

If you’re facing the frustration of knowing where your things belong but just can’t access your shelves or cupboards because there’s too much in the way, this episode is for you. I break down why piling things up with good intentions doesn’t actually solve anything, why decluttering comes before organising, and share honest strategies for making actual progress when your home feels overwhelming.

Barriers to Organising Due to Inaccessible Shelves
E.g. wanting to keep clothes but can’t access the wardrobe
Emotional impact: frustration and the cycle of blocked organisation
Layers and spread of clutter that block storage areas
The Vicious Cycle of Clutter and Organisation
How inaccessible shelves lead to piles that further compound the problem
The emotional fallout: self-blame and shame
Reframing the struggle as a symptom of hoarding disorder’s progression, not personal failure
Coping Strategies & Common Pitfalls
Temporary solutions (bags/boxes for items meant for inaccessible areas) and associated risks (forgetting what’s inside)
The “out of sight, out of mind” issue
Overestimating the capacity of designated spaces for stored items
Imperfect Progress and Starting Where You Are
Importance of starting without perfect access or planning
Emotional and practical aspects of starting with what’s immediately available
The danger of over-planning and the value of taking imperfect action
Building Momentum: Small Steps and Accessibility
Clearing even small spaces leads to broader clearing efforts
How minor improvements enable further progress
Core Issue: Volume Over Organisation
Identifying excessive possessions as the root problem, not lack of organisation
Emphasis that organising without decluttering only rearranges clutter
Professional advice: dehoarding and decluttering must come before organising
The Trap of Reorganisation Without Decluttering
The concept of “churn”—moving items around versus actual removal
How adding more storage increases clutter, not solves it
Real progress comes from discarding items and opening spaces
Regaining Access and Realistic Organisation
Regaining access to storage areas requires reducing overall volume
Setting realistic expectations for what storage spaces can hold
Organising solutions are secondary to decluttering
Practical Strategies for Decluttering
Picking a strategic spot or simply starting wherever you are
Focusing efforts (entrances, exits, specific goals, categories)
Opening neglected bags/boxes and revealing new priorities
Breaking down overwhelming tasks and celebrating small wins
Safety Considerations
Avoiding dangerous physical manoeuvres to reach blocked areas
Importance of asking for help and maintaining physical safety
Mindset and Momentum
Recognising and celebrating progress, no matter the size
Positive reinforcement to build motivation for ongoing decluttering
The Hard Truth: Volume Reduction is Essential
Acknowledging that reaching shelves requires lowering the overall volume
Practical details (where to put items temporarily) less important than reducing quantity

Links

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Website: Overcome Compulsive Hoarding
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