Hoarding Food
Pantry and fridge clutter is very common among those who have had childhood experiences of hunger or deprivation. Having lots of food in the house provides a feeling of safety and comfort. It's important to acknowledge to yourself that the past is past, and that you have the means to take good care of yourself now.
It's okay to have some extra food on hand, but if your pantry shelves and freezer are stockpiled with more than a month's worth of food for your family, you are clinging to far too much. Really look at what you've got on hand, and estimate how long your family could live on just that, if they had to. Consider boxing up the extra and donating it to the next food drive in your area, to help families who are in greater need than you.
If you are keeping too much food in the house for emotional reasons, experiment with gradually using things up (rather than buying more), and make a conscious effort to bring home a little less. Pay attention to how you feel as the quantity of food in your pantry slowly lessens. At what point do you start to feel anxious in some way? Explore what that's about for you. Acknowledging those feelings will most likely release some of that tension, and you will probably find you can comfortably get by with less.
"Your comments about emotional comfort levels were very helpful to me. As a child I was often sent to bed without supper, so a full food cupboard is a great source of comfort to me. I live alone now, and there was enough food in my pantry to feed a family of 4 for 6 months. ... In the decluttering process I have been able to go through the pantry and throw away stuff that has been in there for over a year. I think I can keep a little less on hand now."
~ Clutter-Free Forever! support group member
It's okay to have some extra food on hand, but if your pantry shelves and freezer are stockpiled with more than a month's worth of food for your family, you are clinging to far too much. Really look at what you've got on hand, and estimate how long your family could live on just that, if they had to. Consider boxing up the extra and donating it to the next food drive in your area, to help families who are in greater need than you.
If you are keeping too much food in the house for emotional reasons, experiment with gradually using things up (rather than buying more), and make a conscious effort to bring home a little less. Pay attention to how you feel as the quantity of food in your pantry slowly lessens. At what point do you start to feel anxious in some way? Explore what that's about for you. Acknowledging those feelings will most likely release some of that tension, and you will probably find you can comfortably get by with less.
"Your comments about emotional comfort levels were very helpful to me. As a child I was often sent to bed without supper, so a full food cupboard is a great source of comfort to me. I live alone now, and there was enough food in my pantry to feed a family of 4 for 6 months. ... In the decluttering process I have been able to go through the pantry and throw away stuff that has been in there for over a year. I think I can keep a little less on hand now."
~ Clutter-Free Forever! support group member
<< Home