
#203 How to declutter when you can't reach your shelves
From That Hoarder: Overcome Compulsive Hoarding by That Hoarder
November 7, 2025 · 27 min · Episode 203
About this episode
This episode discusses strategies for decluttering when shelves are inaccessible due to excessive clutter.
Come to a Dehoarding Accountability Zoom Session: http://www.overcomecompulsivehoarding.co.uk/ticket Subscribe to the podcast: https://www.overcomecompulsivehoarding.co.uk/subscribe Podcast show notes, links and transcript: http://www.overcomecompulsivehoarding.co.uk/ If you’re facing the frustration of knowing where your things belong but just can’t access your shelves or cupboards because there’s too much in the way, this episode is for you. I break down why piling things up with good intentions doesn’t actually solve anything, why decluttering comes before organising, and share honest strategies for making actual progress when your home feels overwhelming. Barriers to Organising Due to Inaccessible Shelves E.g. wanting to keep clothes but can’t access the wardrobe Emotional impact: frustration and the cycle of blocked organisation Layers and spread of clutter that block storage areas The Vicious Cycle of Clutter and Organisation How inaccessible shelves lead to piles that further compound the problem The emotional fallout: self-blame and shame Reframing the struggle as a symptom of hoarding disorder’s progression, not personal failure Coping Strategies & Common Pitfalls…
People in this episode
Host: That Hoarder
Topics covered
- decluttering
- hoarding disorder
- emotional impact
- organizing strategies
- barriers to organization
- coping strategies
Keywords
- declutter
- hoarding
- organization
- emotional impact
- clutter
- strategies
- accountability
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: http://www.overcomecompulsivehoarding.co.uk/ticket, http://www.overcomecompulsivehoarding.co.uk/subscribe, http://www.overcomecompulsivehoarding.co.uk/
More episodes of That Hoarder: Overcome Compulsive Hoarding
- I'm ok · March 26, 2026 · 1 min
- REMIX: Why we over-shop and compulsively acquire, and how to stop, with Dr Jan Eppingstall · January 9, 2026 · 1h 1m
- REMIX: OCD and hoarding disorder with Jenna Overbaugh · January 2, 2026 · 47 min
- REMIX: Therapy and hoarding disorder - what are the options? With Dr Jan Eppingstall · December 26, 2025 · 1h 18m
- REMIX: ADHD and hoarding disorder with Professor Sharon Morein · December 21, 2025 · 46 min
- #207 13 actionable pieces of mental health advice from six former podcast guests · December 12, 2025 · 53 min
Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the That Hoarder: Overcome Compulsive Hoarding podcast page.