Hi Biggrlovr!
I empathize with you, about moving things from one place to the next, to the next, and having boxes that were stored, but not unpacked. over the many years of moving about. I have several boxes, too that occupy my overhead storage in the house. The things inside I'm passionalte about, however, so I think of this as a true collection--the boxes contain momentos from my Mom's family, and her ancestors. The labels clearly indicate what is inside, and what each item has to do with the other items.
So don't despair if the boxes contain things that bring you joy. If on the other hand, the unpacked boxes hold things of no value to you, such as clothing you no longer wear, take it to the locat charity thrift store.
I have ADD, which adds to my messy-ness. I sometimes find myself starting projects that I don't finish, so my work on uncluttering is "clutter " to the eyes of those around me. I don't think I can make anyone understand me, and I've taken ritalin, adderall, and the other stimulants, to no avail. So yes, things will look out of line, since my brain chemistry misfires from time to time. The struggle I sometimes go through is often uglier than the sight of my clutter, believe me!
Getting beyond the deaths of loved ones, and also one's own disabilities, can lead to depression. Almost every person I know who might be considers a clutter bug, has typically gone through a period of depression. I have been depressed, sometimes severely, but somehow I am now hopeful and even joyful.
My siggestion to you: keep it simple. Live with only things that are useful, things that you must have, and things that bring you joy. Keep it balanced, so that you can live with your own living space. I actually like not having things in neat, predictable order, but I'm observed by others, like a fish in a goldfish bowl, so I must go against my own preferamces from time to time, to get along with those who share this living space.
Blessings to you!
Mohabee
