That Hoarder: Overcome Compulsive Hoarding

#114 What if I regret dehoarding? Overcoming the fear of regret and letting go


Listen Later

Subscribe to the podcast


In this episode, I look at the topic of regret when it comes to dehoarding. Drawing from my own experiences, I delve into the fear of regret that often plagues individuals who hoard. She discusses the negative impact this anticipation of regret can have on the state of our homes and our lives, as well as the importance of reframing our mindset. Through personal anecdotes and valuable reflections, That Hoarder shares how considering the potential regrets of not dehoarding and the potential benefits of letting go can help overcome this fear. She provides practical tips and strategies for navigating the journey towards a clutter-free life. Let's confront and conquer our fear of regret in the dehoarding process.


  • Regretting hoarding, but also regretting not changing.
  • Focus on potential regret or potential benefits
  • Regrets and fears may hinder decluttering items.
  • Starting slowly can prevent future regret.
  • Making decisions without regret is nearly impossible
  • Setting time limits and asking for help can be helpful in making difficult decisions.
  • Occasional painful regret can be transformative.
  • Step towards personal growth and home improvement.
  • Importance of considering both regret and lack of regret in decision-making.
  • Focus on potential benefits, not regret or fear
  • Reframe questions to consider gains or missed opportunities
  • Identify core fears to address them.
  • Examining fears of regretting and loss of objects, emphasising a realistic perspective.
  • Weigh the pros and cons and take measured actions
  • Holding onto everything restricts opportunities and can lead to a limited life.
  • Making decisions without regret is difficult, but setting time limits and seeking advice can help
  • Sharing fears with others can quiet them.
  • Making decisions, big or small, can bring about regrets. Others may not have experience with hoarding but can offer perspectives on overcoming regrets.
  • Personal growth and improving coping skills can enhance our lives and homes.
  • Anticipation of regret in hoarding
  • Negative impact on homes and lives
  • Insurance policy approach to dehoarding
  • Battle with fear of regret
  • We forget to anticipate regret of not taking action
  • Potential future regret from not making homes easier to live in
  • Considering what might be missed out on if not taking action
  • Reframing questions to include potential benefits
  • Personal experience of not regretting donating to charity shops
  • Focusing on potential benefits instead of potential regret
  • Identifying the core fear beyond the fear of regret
  • Addressing and assessing the fear
  • Examples of fears related to specific objects or items
  • Starting gradually and assessing each step
  • Testing out fears and evaluating the actual feelings
  • Using previous experiences to build confidence
  • Taking action before reaching a crisis
  • Importance of addressing the fear before drastic consequences
  • Acknowledging the realities of life circumstances
  • Encouraging steady and ongoing progress
  • Weighing pros and cons and considering fears
  • Making more considered and measured decisions to prevent future regret

  • Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    ...more
    View all episodesView all episodes
    Download on the App Store

    That Hoarder: Overcome Compulsive HoardingBy That Hoarder

    • 4.9
    • 4.9
    • 4.9
    • 4.9
    • 4.9

    4.9

    104 ratings


    More shows like That Hoarder: Overcome Compulsive Hoarding

    View all
    A Slob Comes Clean by Dana K. White: A Slob Comes Clean

    A Slob Comes Clean

    2,431 Listeners

    Clutter Free Academy by Kathi Lipp

    Clutter Free Academy

    407 Listeners

    The Minimalists by Joshua Fields Millburn, Ryan Nicodemus, T.K. Coleman

    The Minimalists

    10,131 Listeners

    ClutterBug - Organize, Clean and Transform your Home & Life by Clutterbug

    ClutterBug - Organize, Clean and Transform your Home & Life

    1,960 Listeners

    Sustainable Minimalists by Stephanie Seferian

    Sustainable Minimalists

    848 Listeners

    Millennial Minimalists by Kelly & Lauren

    Millennial Minimalists

    301 Listeners

    The Declutter Hub Podcast by The Declutter Hub

    The Declutter Hub Podcast

    206 Listeners

    Maximized Minimalist Podcast by Katy Wells

    Maximized Minimalist Podcast

    901 Listeners

    Wannabe Clutter Free | Declutter, Organize, Calm the Chaos by Deanna Yates | Professional Organizer, Decluttering Coach, Wannabe Minimalist

    Wannabe Clutter Free | Declutter, Organize, Calm the Chaos

    349 Listeners

    Ask Lisa: The Psychology of Parenting by Dr. Lisa Damour/Good Trouble Productions

    Ask Lisa: The Psychology of Parenting

    815 Listeners

    Declutter Your Chaos - Minimalism, Decluttering, Home Organization by Amber Cammidge, Decluttering Coach, Professional Organizer

    Declutter Your Chaos - Minimalism, Decluttering, Home Organization

    264 Listeners

    Struggle Care by KC Davis

    Struggle Care

    744 Listeners

    At Peace Parents™ Podcast by Casey

    At Peace Parents™ Podcast

    334 Listeners

    The Art of Decluttering by Amy Revell

    The Art of Decluttering

    91 Listeners

    Paring Down: Realistic minimalism, decluttering, & intentional living by Cloud10

    Paring Down: Realistic minimalism, decluttering, & intentional living

    182 Listeners