What is hoarding, and how does it differ from collecting?

Hoarding is a disorder characterized by the excessive accumulation of items, regardless of their value, and the inability to discard them, leading to a cluttered and dysfunctional living space. It differs from collecting in that collectors look for specific items and usually organize and display them with pride, while hoarding can create significant distress and impact daily activities.

What are the risks associated with hoarding?

Hoarding can pose several risks, including health hazards from unsanitary conditions, increased risk of fire, structural dangers due to the weight of accumulated items, and psychological distress. It can also lead to social isolation and may impact relationships with family and friends.

How can I help a loved one who is struggling with hoarding?

Helping a loved one who hoards can be challenging. It's important to approach them with empathy and understanding, avoiding judgment or confrontation. Offer to help them seek professional support, and be patient, as the process of overcoming hoarding behaviors can be slow and requires ongoing encouragement and support.

Too Much Stuff: Getting a Handle on Hoarding

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Too Much Stuff: Getting a Handle on Hoarding

Sep 15, 2021

Whether we're five or 105, we all have "treasures" and trinkets that we want to keep. The doll that your child loved growing up, photographs of family members who are no longer with you, or that old hutch that your mom gave to you. These things are meaningful and you shouldn't be expected to get rid of them. But if you find yourself with too much stuff, it may be an indication that you have a hoarding disorder.

What Is a Hoarding Disorder?

According to the American Psychiatric Association, hoarding is a disorder in which people may hold onto random things excessively. They can hoard to the point that it makes them unable to use their living space effectively. In most cases, they do it because it gives them a sense of safety but, in fact, it can make their home more unsafe.

It is estimated that 2 to 6 percent of people suffer from some type of hoarding disorder. Think you may be hoarding? Look around your home and ask yourself:

Is it hard to throw things away?
Are your tables and counter space cluttered?
Do you frequently buy or accept things knowing you do not have room for them?
Does your “stuff” make it hard for you to function?

Beyond a certain point, these problems can lead to a diminished quality of life that can affect you and your family. Once you have made the commitment to improve your surroundings, you may need help getting rid of the broken appliances, ratty furniture, and other "clutter".

Where to Start? Overcoming Clutter

It isn't easy to get rid of clutter. We often live with it for so long that it just fades into our background and we have trouble seeing the problem. To get started with clutter removal, we suggest you pick a room, take a picture, and get to work.

Let's consider your living room or your kitchen. These are two rooms that we typically spend the most time in. Start by choosing an area of that room: kitchen cabinets, shelves in the living room, etc.

Take a Before Photo. This will give you a way to see the improvements you have made.
Remove Everything. Put the contents from your cabinet or shelves in a box.
Put the Important Things Back. Look at each item and decide whether it has value or not. Will you use it? Is it something you love? If it's trash, leave it in the box.
Take an After Photo. Take another photograph of how the shelves or cabinets look when you are finished. We promise you will like the second photograph more.

As you eliminate some of the other stuff, you can then move on to your furniture or other rooms within your home.

When to Ask for Help

It can be overwhelming to declutter your home, whether it's a hoarding situation or not. You can ask your friends and family for help and, as you move further into your project, you can call on a professional junk removal company. They can haul everything away - especially the heavier items - and even help with donating and recycling some things.

We Are Here to Help You

At Count Junkula, we know that preparing for a hoarder cleanout is a big deal. If you're in the Greater Raleigh area, we can help. Our family-owned and operated company can handle every aspect of your project from trash removal to dumpster rental to a full cleanout.

What is hoarding, and how does it differ from collecting?

Hoarding is a disorder characterized by the excessive accumulation of items, regardless of their value, and the inability to discard them, leading to a cluttered and dysfunctional living space. It differs from collecting in that collectors look for specific items and usually organize and display them with pride, while hoarding can create significant distress and impact daily activities.
What are the risks associated with hoarding?

Hoarding can pose several risks, including health hazards from unsanitary conditions, increased risk of fire, structural dangers due to the weight of accumulated items, and psychological distress. It can also lead to social isolation and may impact relationships with family and friends.
How can I help a loved one who is struggling with hoarding?

Helping a loved one who hoards can be challenging. It's important to approach them with empathy and understanding, avoiding judgment or confrontation. Offer to help them seek professional support, and be patient, as the process of overcoming hoarding behaviors can be slow and requires ongoing encouragement and support.