A compulsive hoarding condition occurs when a person accumulates an excessive quantity of goods and stores them in an unorganized manner, resulting in unmanageable amounts of clutter. Here is everything you need to know about compulsive hoarding disorder.

Hoarding disorder is characterized by an inability to throw away or part with possessions because you believe you must save them. You may be distressed at the prospect of getting rid of the items. You steadily accumulate a large number of objects, regardless of their monetary value.

A hoarding disorder can be problematic for a variety of reasons. It can potentially take over a person’s life, making it difficult for them to get around their home. It can have a negative impact on their professional performance, personal cleanliness, and relationships.

Hoarding frequently results in severely claustrophobic living circumstances, with only small routes meandering among mounds of debris. Countertops, sinks, stoves, desks, stairwells, and other surfaces are frequently piled high with clutter. Certain regions may not be usable for their intended function. You might not be able to cook in the kitchen, for example. 

As you run out of space within your home, the clutter may move to the garage, vehicles, yard, and other storage locations. The hoarder is frequently unwilling or unable to have visitors or even allow professionals in to perform necessary repairs, which can lead to isolation and loneliness.

Hoarding is considered a serious issue if:

• The quantity of clutter interferes with daily life; for example, the person is unable to use their kitchen or bathroom and is unable to enter areas.
• The clutter is creating substantial distress or severely affects the person’s or their family’s quality of life – for example, they become agitated if someone tries to eliminate the clutter, and their relationship suffers as a result.

Hoarding disorders are difficult to cure because many people who hoard do not recognize it as a problem or are unaware of how it affects their lives or the lives of others. Here are the details you need to know.

What exactly is the difference between hoarding and collecting?

Many people collect things like books or stamps, and this is not regarded as a problem. The way these goods are organized distinguishes a “hoard” from a “collection.” A collection is usually well-organized, with objects that are easily accessible. A hoard is typically disorganized, takes up a lot of space, and the objects are mostly unreachable. Someone who collects newspaper reviews, for example, may take out the reviews they desire and organize them in a catalog or scrapbook. A hoarder may store big stacks of newspapers that clutter their entire house and make it impossible to read any of the reviews they want to keep.

What are the symptoms of compulsive hoarding?

Individuals with the condition continue to amass objects even after they run out of space or no longer require them. Because people with hoarding problems frequently keep goods in their homes, it may take some time for others to notice that they are hoarding. Many persons suffering from hoarding disorder may resist allowing others into their houses. This can lead to isolation, which exacerbates many mental health problems.

A person with a hoarding issue may typically:

• Keep objects of little or no monetary worth, such as junk mail and carrier bags, or items they want to reuse or repair.
• Find it difficult to categorize or organize goods.
• Buy and store too much stuff that you may not need right now and might not have room for.
• Have trouble getting rid of or parting with your possessions, regardless of their monetary value.
• Feel compelled to save these items and are distressed about discarding them.
• Accumulate clutter to the point where you can’t use rooms.
• Strive to be perfect while avoiding or postponing decisions.
• Become overly attached to something, unwilling to allow others to touch or borrow them.
• Have a strained connection with family and friends.

Hoarding can begin as early as adolescence and becomes more visible with age. Hoarding becomes more problematic for many people as they get older, but the problem is usually well-established by then.

If you believe you may be suffering from hoarding, consider the following questions:

• Is the number of materials in my living area a factor in what I can do there?
• How do I feel when I make the decision to keep something?
• How difficult is it for me to let go of my belongings?
• What kinds of things do I struggle to let go of?
• How do I feel when I try to get rid of something?
• How do my belongings make me feel?

How to cope with compulsive hoarding disorder?

Practice 15 minutes of decluttering every day

Declutter your home for 15 minutes every day. You may even make a weekly plan that includes organizing and cleaning one room for 15 minutes each day. Many persons who suffer from a hoarding condition do not naturally know how to declutter in a timely manner. There are numerous methods for removing superfluous objects from your home and becoming more organized. Quick decluttering options include putting soiled towels and sheets in the laundry hamper, throwing away empty bottles, tossing away old food, and cleaning surfaces after use.

Find your motivation

Overcoming a hoarding disorder requires a consistent commitment. Hence, before you begin decluttering your spaces, you must first become inspired. Being inspired is essential for sticking to your plans. Create a list of goals to assist you in stopping hoarding, such as “You want to entertain people in your home” or “You want to see things in your living area readily.” Then, whenever you begin to second-guess your decision to change, refer back to this list.

Search for accountability

Friends and family can be a great source of motivation while you work to control your hoarding problem. They may remind you of your goals, and why you wanted to stop hoarding and provide consolation while you purge sentimental stuff. They can also ask you a series of questions to help you question your feelings about various topics. This may seem like, “Why are you keeping this?” Is there a reason for it?” Your answers may help you decide whether to toss or keep an item.

Seek Assistance from Friends and Family

The chore of decluttering one’s home might seem overwhelming. Organizing and eliminating stuff, on the other hand, does not have to be a one-man job. Invite friends or family members to help you clean your home. They most likely observed your hoarding, depending on the sort of hoarding issue you have. Others’ assistance can make the decluttering process less onerous.

Although hoarding is a compulsive disorder, it is not something to be embarrassed of. Help yourself, and others understand that you are not trying to label them as “mad” or “irrational” for storing so much stuff.