@Escaped_Goat thanks for the encouragement. I find that decluttering only works if I'm in a strong frame of mind...but you've put the idea in my head that the more I do, the easier it will get. It's such a big deal in my head, tackling the clutter. Maybe I could make it a smaller deal, like getting rid of just one item a day. I think I could handle that. 

You deserve to be super proud of yourself. I have heard the saying that for every 100 items you get rid of, if you regret just one then you are still ahead...something like that. And you don't regret any, so you're winning 😄

Not quite sure what you mean about leaving the house and baby steps...