This describes me to a tee. I feel so overwhelmed sometimes and have so little "free" time I put off the things that "need" to be done when I have that "free" time and just take "me time". Sometimes that is okay but it has gotten to the point I am using it as an excuse too often to procrastinate.

I sometimes have emotional problems dealing with my mother's things.I had to do an inventory for the contents of her home damaged in a fire. It took me months because I couldn't deal with the stuff. I finally got it done and felt much better. She rewarded me by invalidating my POA because I wouldn't add stuff that was not fire involved. She's an unethical old fart.

Sherrisouth, I wish I had gotten my only home in feng shui shape 3 yrs. ago in FL and sold-I wanted to but, I procrastinated. I would have made about 50K - now I'm 150K in the hole if I want to sell. That's an inspiration. Too late now.

I wish I could afford help, but even with making lists I stay behind all the time. Getting boxes, files, vacuum bags, etc. does help some by just getting things put in the right place. Also if you are dealing with illness yourself, pushing through is not good because you could overdo it. If only I could get the house in feng shui shape! ;D

Sharing a story: When my Aunt died many yrs. ago, and left me her NYC apt. - it took me 6+ months full time to go through everything with no support from the rest of the family. I had a few keepsakes (pictures), but if I had to do it again I would have hired someone to come in, give me one lump sum and cart most of it away. She was a hoarder. I was in my 20's and very ambitious and had the time to do it-but would/could not do it again. I did not need any tips I was the organization queen and just moved non-stop 8+ hrs. a day. Today, I need tips and encouragement. I never thought this would happen to ME.

"Thank You." It is very helpful to get direction when things may seem to be overwhelming. I know for me there are years of "stuff" that needs to be sorted through. I am also aware of the fact that it is important to go through these items "together" with my mother as items that may appear to me or others as "stuff", are very much a part of her life and the woman that she is. That particular task is a process not to be taken lightly as some people may do just to get something accomplished. That is one reason why it is important for us to go through things together. Yes, it takes longer................but, with some keepsake comes that very special story that I might have missed had I not spent that time with her. Those are "our" moments in time that I will cherish and have in my heart and mind forever. Again, I am thankful for your 10 Tips as they are most helpful to get me started in an organized fashion for the task ahead.

I would like to have read more about what creates procrastination. I guess it's total dread or the feeling of being overwhelmed-(i.e. the house is in total shambles). If it is to that point, I would recommend hiring help if one has the money to afford it. Nothing like team work, inspiration and a little push.

I wrote a prioritize list when I started to take care of my husband of 62 years. I always limit it to three items a day,so that I won't be overwhelmed. I'm able to accomplish these without the stress. Instead of procrastinating,which weighs heavily on the mind,I face up to each one,and do it. Right now,I need less stress,as our daughter is having open heart surgery next Tuesday,and I must be up for it.

I find I procrastinate things that give me a stomach ache thinking about having to do and instead do other things that are equally necessary if not at that very moment.

Indeed for most caregivers I imagine that we mostly put off things that are emotionally (if not sometimes intellectually) difficult or frustrating rather than simply to "take a break."