Asking the Right Questions about Clutter and Hoarding

With the popularity of the hoarding shows on cable TV, I've heard a lot of people express concern because they can identify with the reasoning of the people who hoard. Just like the people on TV, they save their items because they have sentimental value; they may come in handy some day; they're unique; or it would be environmentally irresponsible to put them in the landfill. In fact, people who hoard keep things for the exact same reasons as people who don't hoard.

So if it troubles you that you can identify with the people on the TV shows, that alone may not be cause for concern. Here are some questions to ask yourself:

• Am I having trouble maintaining my possessions? Do I have sufficient storage and am I able to keep track of what I have and get access to it when I need it?

• Are my possessions overtaking functional areas of my home? Am I able to sit on the couch, have dinner at the table, sleep in my bed, take a shower?

• Have my possessions overtaken my ability to engage in hobbies that I enjoy, either because I no longer have the space or I can't find my supplies?

• Am I isolating myself socially because I don't want people to see how I am living?

• Are my possessions causing tension in my relationships with my family and loved ones?

• Do I put off having maintenance done on my home because my things are in the way?

• If my home were on fire, could I reach the nearest exit in any room in the house? 

• Is the weight of my possessions causing structural damage to my home?

• Does the volume of my possessions make it difficult to keep my home clean?

• Do I feel unhappy and overwhelmed when I think about all my possessions? 

• Do I avoid my home because my possessions are too overwhelming?

The problem with hoarding isn't your rationale for keeping things. It's the degree of interference in your life that you're willing to tolerate, in order to avoid letting go. If your answers to these questions trouble you, now is a good time to consider making some changes. 

Hoarding is a progressive disorder, meaning that it gets worse over time. If you have concerns that you have hoarding tendencies, it's best to take action as soon as you're aware of the potential problem. The International Obsessive Compulsive Foundation Hoarding Center website has links to excellent self-help books and a variety of web-based support groups. You can also enlist the help of non-judgmental friends and family, or a professional organizer (preferably one who belongs to the Institute for Challenging Disorganization). If your concerns still exist after trying these measures, it may be time to seek a therapist who is knowledgeable about hoarding and its treatment.