#203 How to declutter when you can't reach your shelves

#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/

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