House clearance specialists Jeffrey Avery & Associates talk about how compulsive hoarding in London and across the UK is becoming a big issue. New TV programmes and an increase in general awareness of the issue has meant that more people than ever are knowledgeable about hoarding and are more able to spot the signs.
Although this is a good thing, it also means that there has been a rise in the number of people questioning whether they themselves are hoarders. Sometimes people think that they may be hoarders, but the truth is that they are often just reluctant to throw things out or are a little bit less tidy than average.
An article in fncimag.com, the Fox News lifestyle magazine, recently published some signs that might indicate more serious hoarding behaviour. These included:
- a need to go shopping and buy things that you don’t need, which you are then unable to discard, even if they have no real value in themselves;
- forming an emotional attachment to items which are completely unnecessary;
- experiencing great anxiety about the idea of throwing things away and becoming anxious about other people touching your belongings;
- experiencing a lack of usable space in your home due to all of the items;
- feeling embarrassed over the amount of possessions that you own and feeling shame for your collecting habit.
If you experience any or all of these signs then it could be that your hoarding habits are slightly more serious than just general untidiness. However, compulsive hoarding is a serious condition, and for most people being slightly messy or disorganised does not mean that they are hoarders.
For confidential advice call Jeffrey Avery on 0800 567 7769
