Speaking of too much stuff

[OakLeaf]

Freecycle, Habitat or Goodwill if they take those kind of donations (some don't), or sell it all to an architectural salvage firm. I think selling it all piece by piece through Craigslist would probably be overwhelming to someone with those kind of issues ... being a little borderline there myself, I know I wouldn't be able to deal with something like that through CL.

Much better IMO to get rid of it all at once if possible - a lot of charities will send a truck and a couple of workers to pick it up, and I would expect the same for architectural salvage places - or give it away on Freecycle.

[indysteel]

Before gettting rid of any of it, especially if you're contemplating doing it against his wishes, I would really want to talk to a professional. Perhaps I'm wrong, but I'm under the impression that the anxiety that may cause to someone who is a hoarder or who has hoarding tendecies may ultimately just lead to even more hoarding. That's obviously not what you want.

I'm not a mental health professional. It does, however, seem to me that you husband is doing one of several things: First, he's seemingly lost sight of just how much you really have and, second, he's not hearing you when you say that the stuff is upsetting and dangerous to you. That sends up a few alarm bell me.

That said, if you really think there's nothing pathological or dysfunctional at play, then sell/get rid of the stuff.

[withm]

First of all, as a short term measure, can you move the freezer to a more accessible location?

For the long term, consider that getting rid of it all at once without the agony of selling one by one, dealing with prospective buyers, all for little gain is the way to go. Donate what you can to a thrift shop and take the tax deduction instead. The lifting of this burden will be immeasurable once it's done.

Much of the construction leftovers will really be of no use to anyone. It is illegal for a licensed contractor to install old toilets if they are not of the low-flush variety. Our local Habitat for Humanity will not take appliances that are more than a couple years old. You may find someone who will come and collect metals to sell for scrap. Or you can take it to a scrap metal dealer yourself.

If he can build a rack to store GOOD useable lumber, plywood, great. If it's stored neatly you'll be able to get to and use the pieces you need. If you have to spend a lot of time removing nails, screws, it may not be worth it to save.

[malkin]

I find it useful to think about the cost of storing things. Consider the value of your home per square foot and calculate how much of it is being used for storage. With that number in mind I usually figure that I can replace those items if I really were to need them,

But still, I have way too much stuff.

[Miranda]

This book is probably one of the best books I've ever read in my life...

http://www.clutterbusting.com/Home.html

The author also has a blog...

http://brooks-palmer.blogspot.com/

OK, you don't have to be a tv show level hoarder to benefit from reading it. He also talks about different types of "life activity clutter". And how our society and marketing in general affect us in this area. Frankly, reading it has been pretty life changing for me on how I view things.

I'm in the process of gutting my house of physical junk. Also general life clutter, just simplifying. The feeling of freedom it brings is amazing.

Your husband probably will not jump on the band wagon to read the book. But, you as his spouse might get some insight. Good Luck.

[goldfinch]

Maybe the first step is organization and offer to help organize the guest house basement area. It looks like it could be packed a lot more effectively. It would look better and likely hold some of the stuff that is outside. Move the freezer for easier access. Organize the chaos and see about going from there once that is done. Small steps. Very small steps.

[grey]

This book is probably one of the best books I've ever read in my life...

http://www.clutterbusting.com/Home.html

The author also has a blog...

http://brooks-palmer.blogspot.com/

OK, you don't have to be a tv show level hoarder to benefit from reading it. He also talks about different types of "life activity clutter". And how our society and marketing in general affect us in this area. Frankly, reading it has been pretty life changing for me on how I view things.

I'm in the process of gutting my house of physical junk. Also general life clutter, just simplifying. The feeling of freedom it brings is amazing.

Your husband probably will not jump on the band wagon to read the book. But, you as his spouse might get some insight. Good Luck.

I will definitely check those out.

I'm going to talk to him about The Stuff tomorrow. I just hope he agrees and can help me figure out how best to remove it, or even remove half of it! Thanks everyone, wish me luck!