Can We Say Pack Rat!!

Imagine if this is what you had to contend with when it came to storage. Well...welcome to my world.

For the last four years, I've shared a home with my aunt, and for the last four years this has been what I've had to work around. I This is our garage. Supposedly, it's a two car garage, but with this being my aunt's method of storing belongings, two cars have never fit. Additionally, knowing storage in this space is not an option, I've never had any choice but to develop a lean approach to storing and organizing my belongings.

Now that I'm planning to move, it's still a dilemma. Almost the entire width of the garage is photographed with the exception of about 3-4 feet on the left hand side of the photo. You can't see my belongings because they are barricaded behind hers. I have my work cut out next week as I attempt to access my stored items to rid myself of things that I haven't been able to see or touch in four years.

I really thought it would be a temporary thing, but I was wrong. Despite the questions about what all of the stuff is and what she plans to do with it, the collection continues to grow. I can admit, I've given up on the idea that she might see this as a problem and handle it - even with my assistance. I've accepted that she is a pack rat and hoarder who needs an intervention. Check back at a later date for that process.

Remember this photo, because I'm sure once I've removed my belongings she will decide to utilize that space. No, she won't rid herself of the clutter. She will only add to the menagerie of junk that serves no purpose. I'll revisit the garage in a few months to compare before and after photos, and you can tell me what you think.

Please keep this photo in mind when you think about holding onto items for storage. When you think of it it should be a reminder of what you want to avoid.

-Chequetta