CallaLily's Profile

I would probably be stuck on the "shoulds". I should get it appraised. I should try to sell it. I should get it reupholstered. And on and on... But the truth is, that depending on what else is going on in my life, it may not be reasonable for me to navigate any of that. We often don't consider our time, energy and effort when determining the cost of something, but they are our most valuable assets. If you know you really can't afford to do that (financially or otherwise) then it is ok to decide not to do any of that. Donate it to the Salvation Army if it makes you feel good to know that it is helping someone else. I would guess that your grandma gave it to you so that you would know she was thinking of you. Mission accomplished. Less about the couch, more about the gesture. It would be great if there is an old family photo with your grandma on the sofa that you could frame. Good memories.

Now, back to the actual topic...
Many people struggle with being able to work effectively in clutter. Great idea to be proactive in thinking through the best way for you to manage in that environment. When I was a consultant I did not always have the best work areas. I would find a space at a table and clear a useable section. I would organize the other "stuff" on the table into groups like a little fortress around my work area. Somehow, having everything pushed together as a group made it more like furniture and less like chaotic miscellaneous items. The same concept works with sleeping spaces (I have slept in boarder-line "hoarder" homes). Group items together to make them more like a single item rather having the visual distraction of multiple separate things to process. Only do this in areas you are in alone and are actively using to avoid seeming rude. You can put the items back each time you finish using a space (out of courtesy). Get creative with the concept. For me it is usually just about calming down the visual stimulation. I also spend a lot of time outside or at the library. :-)

You pose a very interesting question: How do you modify an environment temporarily (for example, a work space you share) to make it work for your needs? I hope others will weigh in on their personal strategies.

P.S. Off topic for a minute but... CONGRATULATIONS... for NOT marrying someone just to make your current living situation seemingly easier... for going back to school to further your education... for being brave enough to change course and chart a new future for yourself. Back to topic now.