There are many misconceptions about hoarding on social media that you can safely ignore. But if you have a loved one caught up in hoarding syndrome, then there are a few principles you need to grasp. The hallmarks of hoarding to come to terms with include it being a mental condition, with no generally accepted cure.
Hoarding is a Medical Condition Not a Bad Habit
Hoarding is a mental state that compels its victims to collect large quantities of items, and store them chaotically. The visible hallmarks of hoarding that make it stand out include the following pointers:
- The clutter accumulates to the point that it gets in the way of everyday living.
- Some parts of the home become inaccessible, disrupting the inhabitant(s) lives.
- The hoarder who is causing these problems may not understand the fuss.
- That said, some hoarders become deeply ashamed of what they are doing.
The Factors Behind Hallmarks of Hoarding
There is no broad consensus over what causes the mental condition to arise in certain people, but not others. Some hoarders have learning difficulties, or are in the early stages of dementia. Other may have obsessive-compulsive disorder, depression, or even schizophrenic delusions.
However, hoarding is not always the passive outcome of a mental condition. The cause may also be a deliberate decision to keep things for a rainy day, in case they prove useful in future. This desire to surround themselves with things that others see no need for, sometimes arises out of a deeply traumatic emotional event.
But there are also situational factors that may trigger some hoarders’ behaviour. They may, for example, have no life partner and live alone. But they could also have been through a deprived childhood, or had a poor relationship with their family.
Other hoarders grew up with hoarding parents living in cluttered homes. This diversity makes it difficult to treat the condition. There is no single cause that triggers hoarding, and there is no universal solution for the hallmarks of hoarding either.
My Friend’s Hallmark is Collecting Old China
Old china pieces may have collectible value, provided they are not chipped or cracked. Your friend is unlikely to be a hoarder if they take a pride in their collection, and display it in an organized fashion, perhaps like this:
A Display Cabinet Filled with Old China Pieces (Avery Associates)
Two examples from our own experience of clearing hoarded homes may help you nail down the difference in your mind:
- A person who collects postage stamps keeps them proudly in albums sorted by a theme or themes.
- Whereas a hoard of used envelopes may be stuffed in a box, and forgotten among other clutter.
Should These Hallmarks of Hoarding Concern Me?
We all accumulate things that we no longer need as we go through life. Some of these possessions hold value, while others, let’s be honest, are clutter we are too busy to shed. Accumulating clutter should not be a problem provided it does not take over our lives, as a garage does when there is no room for the car.
The hallmarks of hoarding that has deteriorated from a clutter to a concern include losing the use of spaces in a home, and becoming too embarrassed to admit visitors. The dangers of situations like these include blocked plumbing, and insect and rodent invasions.
A elderly hoarder could quite easily find themselves in a dangerous situation, where they could harm themselves by tripping over a hazard. Something might fall on their head from the top shelf of an overstuffed cupboard. They may not to be able to escape through a blocked door, if an electrical fire breaks out.
What To Do If You Are Worried About a Hoarder
You can’t cure a hoarder of their obsession, nobody can do that. But you can try your best to help, and use the resources around you. A good place to start could be to tidy your hoarder’s home, so at least the place is relatively safe again.
However, that might only be a short-lived solution, because a hoard usually expands to fill the available space. Investigate whether your hoarder is prepared to accept medical advice, and perhaps agree to a program of cognitive behavioural therapy to help them control their hallmarks of hoarding.
A program like that would encourage your hoarder to improve their decision-making, so they are able to throw some of their hoard away. At the very least, they should understand themselves better. Although there is also the possibility of them agreeing to a spring clean.
A company like Avery Associates could become a useful helping hand in this regard. We offer a house-clearing service at a refreshingly affordable rate. We won’t charge for a quote. But we will leave your hoarder’s home clean and tidy , and dispose of their clutter in a legally responsible way.
More Information
Why Does a Hoarder Collect Clutter?
Rescripting Images and Memories Helps Hoarders
Client Feedback
I have used Avery Associates both personally and professionally for a range of services, including house clearances, probate valuations for over a decade. I have always found their services to be professional and good value for money. They are organised, friendly and accommodating with the experience to offer the best advice to assist me in obtaining the best results. Jeffrey and his team really are second to none. (S Gabore)
