We’re unsure where the boundary lies between cluttering and hoarding. Is the one deliberate, and the other compulsive, we wondered? We found some useful ideas when we visited Cleveland Clinic, and decided to share them in case you are fretting over a clutterer, or a hoarder.
Are Some People Neither Clutterers Nor Hoarders?
We suppose that somewhere in the south of England, there might be someone who travels so light they have no excess baggage. Although we are not convinced, because clothes creep into our cupboards that we are never going to wear again. This is okay with most us, provided we don’t cross the border into the land of compulsive hoarding.
Clutter (Like Hoarding) Can Also Become a Problem
A loose thought crossed our minds as to whether compulsive hoarders actually exist. However, we chased that idea away, because we don’t like distractions while on the virtual typewriter. While we’re at it, here’s a definition to get us started:
- Clutter is a lot of things in an untidy state, especially things that are not useful or necessary. (Collins Dictionary)
Now clutter, staying with Cleveland Clinic for a while, seems driven by our culture of consumerism. Let’s be honest, our Western way of doing things encourages us to acquire trendy possessions. When we enter a minimalist home, we may even wonder whether the occupants are struggling to make ends meet.
Is There a Defined Point Where Cluttering Begins?
It’s dawning on us that we could probably ask the same question of both clutterers and hoarders. We can imagine them musing over their growing collections, and thinking:
- Perhaps this still has a use. I may need it someday.
- I spent time, money or trouble on this. I’ll hang on to it.
- This reminds me of a special moment or person in my life.
- Why trash it? Nobody else will appreciate it the way I do.
What Distinguishes a Clutterer from a Hoarder?
Clutter, Wikipedia informs us is ‘a confusing, or disorderly, state or collection, and possible symptom of compulsive hoarding’. Well that’s hardly helpful, since elsewhere it defines compulsive hoarding as ‘a mental disorder characterised by accumulation of possessions due to excessive acquisition’. We wondered whether the term ‘mental disorder’ was a clue, and decided to explore further.
Another link took us to a page suggesting clutterers are aware of their mess, but just don’t have the inclination to do anything about it. Whereas hoarders, on the other hand don’t believe they have a problem. In other words if you are a clutter, sort yourself out, but if you are a hoarder, you may need help to bring matters under control.
More Than a Cluttered Desk © Avery Associates
Okay So Clutter Is Not a Problem Then …
So now we’ve sorted out you’re a clutterer, and not a hoarder, everything is good to go right, as before? Perhaps you should think again? Mayo Clinic believes there are distinct advantages to decluttering your space. If you are envious of your peers with their neat, tidy spaces and empty shelves it says, here’s your chance to look like a fashion magazine.
Besides, the clinic continues, having too much stuff is stressful. An untidy desk makes it hard to do your job, and if you cross over into hoarding, how are you going to vacuum the floor? And as for your computer desktop, nuff said.
How to Determine You’re a Hoarder, Not a Clutterer
It becomes pretty obvious there’s a fairly thin dividing line here. Cleveland Clinic leads with the following definition:
‘Hoarding disorder is a mental health condition in which you have a strong need to save a large number of items and experience distress when attempting to get rid of them. Hoarding disorder is treatable with cognitive behavioural therapy.’
If you are monitoring your friend or neighbour, you may find it helpful to know there are five stages in hoarding development:
- Some clutter, otherwise things are normal.
- It’s getting harder to keep the place clean.
- Things are chaotic you can’t find anything.
- You can’t access all the rooms anymore.
- The house smells terrible from poor hygiene.
If the above sounds familiar, then Avery Associates could help tidy the place and remove the garbage, so you can get things back to normal. Call 0800 567 7769 for more advice. We are utterly discreet. The neighbours may not notice we are there, but we can’t guarantee that.
Testimonial
We just wanted to affirm that we have been very satisfied with Jeff and his team. They worked hard and cleared this hoarded house very quickly and were honest, transparent and reliable. We have no hesitation in recommending Avery and Associates in the future.
F Jackson
