He is NOT a hoarder

Since the beginning of our marriage, Tom and I have been at opposite ends of the spectrum when it comes how much “stuff” we keep.

You see, Tom is a keeper and I am a purger.

If Tom finds a pair of pants he likes, he buys 3.

Drawers full of papers…knick-knacks galore, college notebooks with scribbled Spanish, and a screwdriver in every drawer. (That sounded like a Dr. Seuss rhyme).

This has been a hot topic for us to debate for the past several years of marriage…Until…

The TLC “Hoarders” show came out.

After watching a couple episodes, Tom’s “keeper” pendulum has swung to the opposite side and he has been on a purging rampage. It’s been so fun!!!

It started with his clothing…several large bags of clothing were donated. He cleaned out his nightstand, his dresser drawers, and papers. With each item he got rid of, he would yell out, “I AM NOT A HOARDER!”

He would lay in bed at night – talking about how he can’t wait to de-clutter the garage.

Following are the questions we ask ourselves when de-cluttering (From Organizing Your Way).

1. Is this item something I use regularly?

2. If not, is it something I love?

3. Am I keeping this out of obligation or expectation?

4. Am I holding onto this because I think I should love it?

5. Am I saving this just in case?

6. Do I have multiples of the same thing?

7. Could something else I own do the same job?

8. Am I holding onto a broken item to fix one day?

9. Is this item worth the time I spend cleaning/storing it?

10. Could I use this space for something else?

Well, apparently he has taken this list to heart. He has taken his de-cluttering to an entirely different level.

The other night, Tom and I were walking into the movie theater when he said, “I am going to get my wisdom teeth removed”.

“Why? Are they bugging you?”, I asked.

“No…But I’m not using ‘em. And I am NOT a hoarder.”

Laugh if you will…but he wasn’t kidding, people.

He is NOT a hoarder.

Thank you TLC!!!!