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In today's episode, Dr Jan Eppingstall and I will be diving into a topic that is rarely discussed - homelessness and hoarding. We will explore the limited research available on the connection between these two issues and the complex factors that contribute to both. We uncover the connections between trauma, loss, and mental health issues that can lead to both homelessness and hoarding behaviours as well as the instincts associated with hoarding and the difficulties in interrupting these instincts.

• Homelessness and hoarding: connections and similarities

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In today's episode, I dive into the topic of using AI to help us dehoard. I have some skepticism about AI and its ability to assist with decluttering. However, after exploring various AI options I share my findings and experiences with these tools. From providing tips and schedules to even taking on personas like Dolly Parton, AI can offer some assistance in the decluttering process. I also discuss the use of AI voice assistants and AI-driven coaching, discussing their potential benefits and my concerns. Join me as I explore the strengths and weaknesses of using AI as a tool in decluttering and dehoarding.

• Mixed results with AI

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The topic for today is perfectionism and its connection to hoarding. I talk with Dr Jan Eppingstall about perfectionism and its impact on hoarding behaviour. We share personal experiences and struggles with perfectionism, discussing the fear of failure and the tendency to give up if something cannot be done perfectly.

We also touch upon the importance of psychological flexibility, being present in the moment, and living by our values. Dr. Eppingstall enlightens us with insights on challenging rigid thought patterns, breaking free from the demands of perfection, and embracing personal growth.

• Perfectionism and fear of failure drive hoarding.

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I've always believed in making positive change through my purchases. Recycling, supporting local businesses, and buying eco-friendly products have been my way of feeling like I'm making a difference, saving the world one shopping trip at a time. But I had a revelation. In today's episode, I'll explore the common belief that shopping can be a form of activism, that it is positive to support or promote whatever values are important to us. The struggles of aligning hoarding tendencies with ethical and environmental values are not lost on me. I'll delve into the difficulties of ethical purchasing and provide some insights to help you navigate through the clutter.

• Expressing beliefs through items can lead to clutter

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In this episode, we're diving into the topic of squalor. Is it the same as hoarding? Can you have a squalid environment without hoarding being present? Compulsive hoarding and living in unsanitary conditions can have a profound impact on us. We'll explore the key factors and distinctions between hoarding and squalor, as well as the underlying causes that contribute to these behaviours. From acquired brain injuries and cognitive impairments to mental health disorders, we'll delve into the intricate web of reasons why people find themselves in these challenging situations. We'll also touch on the impact of substance misuse, the role of physical disabilities, and the link between hoarding and conditions such as dementia, schizophrenia, and OCD.

Join us as we explore the different characteristics, challenges, and possible solutions for hoarding and squalor. Whether you're facing hoarding tendencies yourself or seeking to understand these behaviours better, this episode is for you.

• Differentiating Hoarding, Squalor, Clutter, and Collecting

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Today’s episode is all about the pros and cons of selling your stuff. If you've been following my journey, you know that I have been apprehensive about selling items in the past. But I've taken a tentative step into the world of selling my clutter. Today I'm going to share the lessons I've learned and explore whether selling is truly worth it. So, grab your headphones and get ready for an insightful discussion on the potential benefits and drawbacks of selling your stuff.

Selling stuff slows you down, hampers decluttering

Holding on to things instead of selling

Potential and creativity don't guarantee objective value

Saves money, extends life cycle, reduces waste, helps environment, satisfies hoarder brain

Time, effort, selling, selling process

Selling stuff may hinder hoarder's progress - delay, excuses

No guarantee of sales or payments; uncertain and time-consuming process

Setting parameters saves energy.

Selling slows down decluttering, creates excuses to keep items.

If we don't want to get rid of something, we might pretend we'll sell it without actually doing so

We use excuses to avoid throwing it away because we have a tendency to hoard

We believe someone else will want it.

Realistic value check.

We overestimate the value of our possessions.

Selling stuff can make money during tough times

Varies depending on what you sell.

Someone else can use them

Reusing is better than recycling or throwing away. It's environmentally beneficial

Selling can be both a motivator and an excuse for delaying getting rid of things

There is no guarantee of selling or payment for listed items.

Unpredictable

Listing and selling items require time and energy that could be used more productively.

Charity shops save time and effort compared to eBay

Not advocating selling everything

Previous stance on selling items and recent change in perspective

Importance of finding a balance and considering what is best for oneself and the items being sold

Making money while in debt or struggling with bills

Benefiting from the extra money, especially in a tough economy

Extending the life cycle of items by reusing them

Supporting the idea of reducing consumption

Sense of satisfaction in knowing that items will be put to good use by someone else

Uncertainty involved in the selling process

Difficulty in determining the right price for items

Frustration of receiving offers below desired price or dealing with non-paying buyers

Feeling demoralised if treasured items don't sell

Potential dissatisfaction with the final amount received after all the effort

eBay fees and the impact on the final selling price

Potential Hoarding Related Challenges of Selling

The tendency to use selling as a means to delay getting rid of items

The role of selling as a motivator versus an excuse to hold onto possessions

Assessing individual motivations for selling personal belongings

Considering whether the effort and time invested in selling outweigh other actions

Setting a minimum price threshold for Facebook Marketplace to avoid lowball offers

Taking into account one's overall personality and goals when deciding to sell or keep items

Insights and Lessons Learned from Selling

Realizing that overvaluing possessions is common for hoarders

Recognizing the importance of speed in decluttering and minimizing possessions

Learning about oneself and possessions through the selling process

Reiteration of the importance of finding a balance between selling and letting go

Highlighting the benefits and potential challenges of selling items

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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.

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Today's episode is all about batching and hoarding. Have you ever started a task only to get sidetracked and end up feeling disheartened and unproductive? Well, you're not alone. In this episode, I explore the concept of batching tasks together and how it can help you overcome the distractions and actually get things done. Join me as we delve into the world of productivity strategies, context switching, and the positive benefits of batching tasks. Get ready to declutter your mind and your home and find the encouragement you need to keep going. Stay tuned for some practical tips and insights on how to make batching work for you. Let's get started!

• For people who easily get sidetracked and lose focus quickly

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Today, Dr. Jan Eppingstall is here to shed light on the connection between executive function, executive dysfunction, and hoarding behaviour. We explore how executive function impacts our ability to organise and declutter our living spaces and uncover the challenges individuals face when it comes to decision-making, mental flexibility, and working memory. We'll also discuss strategies for improving executive function and overcoming the obstacles that hoarding behaviour presents.

• Depression and health conditions can impair focus

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Today, I'm delving into the world of excess and overstocked items. I have some insights on how to navigate the clutter of spares and backups that can often accumulate in our lives and explore the challenges of hoarding spares, the fear of running out, and the art of letting go. It's time to take action and make space for what truly matters. Let's dive in!

• Too many backups, no space for essentials

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