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Compulsive Hoarding in Later Life: Uncluttering

January 7, 2022 By Avery Associates

Greater disposable income coincided with the emergence of the late 20th century phenomenon of accumulating trappings of wealth. But there does come a time when we must start to unclutter.

However as Gloria Stafford says so eloquently, we must first face the question what is to be done with unwanted possessions in our compulsively hoarded house. Lest our quality of life suffers, while customers leave empty-handed from charity thrift shops.

The Long Gradual Road to Compulsive Hoarding

Compulsive hoarding does not appear out of nowhere, like the big bang theory of creation. We longed for those trappings of wealth when starting out in life, and we gradually acquire them.

Fast forward several decades, and half of us have more possessions than we need. However, research does suggest this process slows for most of us when we reach 50. But by then we have enough possessions, and may be finding looking after them stressful.

compulsive hoarding

A Dining Table Just for One Image © Avery Associates

However, compulsive collecting often departs from the main stream at this point. We enter an impulsive phase of ‘collecting for collecting’s sake’ in our main residence. What if anything should we do?

The Challenge of Shedding Our Material Convoy

Shredding our material convoy is not easy even when we relocate to a new home. We can’t dump unwanted items because that would be an offence against society. Moreover, our emotional attachment makes separating traumatic. Even small details can be overwhelming in later life.

Show me any lived-in home and I’ll point out unwanted things hidden in nooks and crannies. Heaven knows I, Jeffrey Avery have cleared more compulsive hoarding sites than I care to remember. As we age it becomes easier to do nothing and let the accumulation grow.

Confronting the ‘Here and Now’ of Over-Clutter

Almost all parents reach the ‘empty nest phase’ by their fifties. However, once again emotions make it difficult to recover the space. Many older people spend the huge majority of their time at home surrounded by accumulated possessions.

Disposing of these to even close relatives is painful. We are coming closer to the mind-set of compulsive hoarding. Sometimes though, circumstances force our hand. We may face declining health, mental capacity and even mobility. The hands of the next generation may lead us where we do not want to go.

compulsive hoarding

Memories of Meals Passed Image © Avery Associates

Many of us though prefer to see life through in our own familiar surroundings, and gradually dispose of things we no longer want. Avery Associates provides a home clearing service whereby we collect unwanted items and dispose of them.

Avoiding the Stress and Finding a Workaround

It’s worth remembering this action can be emotionally strenuous, especially to an older person with attachment to the items. Their children may also find their gradually-approaching demise hard to accept.

Many older people only use some rooms in the house. Closing off unused rooms may make an uncluttered home more acceptable to them.

Uncluttering family heirlooms can add to the tension sometimes avoided by leaving a confidential will. It may be more palatable to sell the items off and donate the proceeds to a charity. Jeffrey Avery is an experienced valuer with a wealth of connections in the auction world.

Looking Forward and Onward from this Dilemma

I see this drama play out often as I go about my business life. I am inclined to support Gloria Stafford’s suggestion the best way out is to empower elderly people to take control of their compulsively hoarded lives.

It is no easy task ridding ourselves of unwanted clutter, especially a stage where life is increasingly burdensome. However if we do not, then others may decide for us.

I learned the Swedes have a tradition called ‘dostadning’ while researching this article. Loosely translated, it means ’death cleaning’ and involves systematically ridding one’s home of items seldom used, or appreciated in a forward-facing gesture.

compulsive hoarding

Medals for Valor from a Grateful Sovereign Image © Avery Associates

This can be an act of positive self-fulfillment in Gloria Stafford’s mind, if done willingly. Compulsively hoarded unwanted items may be sold, gifted, or donated after discussion with adult children. All that’s needed is a willing giver and a willing receiver, and another possession finds a new home.

Involving family in a uncluttering exercise should be on a continuum depending of the wishes / capability of the elderly person. Our goal must be to leave them less distressed after the exercise. After all, it is their home, and right to be happy in it.

I Hope You Found This Article Worthwhile

I hope you find this article useful if you find yourself affected by a situation such as I describe. Remember me if you need a home emptied or partly cleared, or a professional valuation of the contents. Be careful of using a rogue service. You are responsible if they are caught dumping, and you could be prosecuted. Read Avery Associates reviews

Sincerely Jeffrey Avery

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Filed Under: Compulsive Hoarding, House Clearance Tagged With: declutter, elderly, england, estates, home clearance, valuations, wales

Our House Clearance Services

We provide a full house clearance and property management solution:

  • We clear hoarded houses, regardless how big or how cluttered
  • We clear all types and sizes of property, irrespective of location, or access is restricted or where parking is difficult or not available.
  • We can help avoid water damage by draining the central heating system.
  • We can secure the property and change the locks.
  • We can reinstate the gardens and maintain them whilst the property is empty.
  • We can provide 24 hour security to eliminate the risk of squatting or unlawful occupation.

As well normal house clearances we specialise in clutter clearance and we can clear a hoarded house which may contain years of accumulated possessions, or which have abnormal amounts of general household items, sometimes as a result of compulsive hoarding syndrome.

Equally we can help to clear a property where the occupants were previously unwell and unable to care for themselves or their property which sometimes results in insanitary, dangerous or just plain unpleasant conditions.

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Client Reviews

Margaret Campbell
Jun 24, 2022
 by Margaret Campbell on Avery Associates
Amazing Service and Support

Hello Pam / Jeffrey, As requested, sorry it is late …. I forgot☹️ I used Avery Associates for probate content valuation, clearance... Read More

Susan Arm******
Jun 2, 2022
 by Susan Arm****** on Avery Associates
Respectful Probate Valuation

Mr Avery did a wonderful job assessing the household contents for probate and I very much appreciate his respectful approach while valuing the items at... Read More

Your very welcome Susan

Patrick Macavoy
May 20, 2022
 by Patrick Macavoy on Avery Associates
A Seamless Experience

I had my late mother's flat to clear out. The contact with AA was a pleasure from day one, starting with the receptionist. Jeffrey then came out to look... Read More

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Avery Associates
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Tel: 0800 567 7769 or 0208 640 0044

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