Boxes From a Prior Move: Dealing With A Backlog Of Delayed Decisions
Delaying and putting off dealing with decisions can have a crippling effect. As unmade decisions pile up, they start to take over your mind and your space. Typically, the avoidance starts because of a strong emotion - usually sadness about a loss or fear of the unknown. After the avoidance has gone on for a while, guilt and shame get added to the list and dealing with the decisions seems impossible.
In this article series, I'll review the most commonly avoided items and ways to get started when you've been paralyzed by the thought of tackling the project.
Let's tackle those boxes from your most recent move (or moves)!
Moves happen for all sorts of reasons, some good and some bad. Good reasons for a move can include getting married, accepting your dream job in another state, and expanding your family. Not so good reasons can include financial struggles, a job loss, and needing to relocate to be closer to an ailing relative. No matter the reason, though, moving is one of life’s most stressful events and there are all kinds of emotions that come along with it. Happy moves can include both happy and sad emotions, and sad moves can include the expected grief along with excitement about what the future might hold.
Because of strong emotions, in addition to tight and sometimes inflexible timelines, people often aren’t able to prepare adequately prior to a move. Ideally, there would be months of decluttering and systematic packing of only those items you are actively choosing to take with you. Without this kind of advanced preparation, the outcome is frequently a bunch of boxes with random items that no one is sure will ever be needed or wanted in the future. “I’ll deal with this when I unpack” is a common refrain.
Admit and face it now: they haven’t been dealt with and you never unpacked them. It may have been years (or decades!) since your move and those boxes are still languishing in the backs of closets, your basement, or your garage. Occasionally you notice them and shame comes over you in a wave.
Commit now to following the steps outlined below and you’ll be guilt and shame free in no time!
Step 1: Assess the boxes for mold, insects, and rodent activity. If your boxes have been stored for a while, there’s a good chance they are compromised. If you find mold growing on cardboard, if there’s a strong musty odor, or if there are holes in the boxes, I challenge you to consider tossing the whole box without going through it. I accept that most people won’t be able to do that, so if that’s you, keep reading.
Step 2: Open any boxes that are clearly labeled or are unlikely to contain sentimental items (we’ll do those later). Remove all the contents and immediately toss or set aside for donation any items that are clearly not going to remain. If some items are compromised or in poor condition, be truthful with yourself about your ability to salvage them and the risk to your health and other belongings if you keep the items.
Step 3: Throw away the empty boxes.
Step 4: Sort all items to keep or that need further review into categories based on type. Kitchen items go together in a pile. Office supplies go together in a pile. Tools go together in a pile. You get the idea.
Step 5: Make a pass through each category pile and decide what will be kept and weed out anything else that doesn’t make the final cut.
Step 6: One pile at a time, integrate the items into your home.
Step 7: Repeat steps 2-6 for sentimental items.
Step 8: Often sentimental items will need to be stored again but with intention. For items that won’t be integrated into your home and need to be stored, consider what container will be best for the environment they will be stored in and pack them away. For basements, attics, and garage storage, weathertight totes are a must.
That’s it! With a little bit of time, some bravery and persistence, and a list of easy-to-follow steps, you can be free from those boxes once and for all.
Be courageous!
Feel the fear and do it anyway! Don't let guilt and shame cause you to continue on a destructive path of avoidance.
If you need support, contact a friend or professional (organizer and/or therapist) to help you get through the first steps
