Hoarding VS Collecting

Have you ever stored things thinking you might need them for future use? Do you find it difficult to throw things away? Do you always create a certain need for an item even though it might be worthless? Have you ever heard about hoarding? Do you know that you might be diagnosed with hoarding disorder without even knowing? Did you know that hoarding and collecting are completely two different things?

Many people get confused between hoarding and collecting but there is a noticeable difference between them, people with hoarding disorder are used to saving items excessively even though they might be worthless for others. They find difficulty in getting rid of their possessions, which leads to clutter that prevents them from using their living and work areas.

However, Collectors look for particular items, such as stamps or old worthy coins and they also may display or organize them in a certain way, while people with hoarding store unnecessary things messily.

Hoarding disorder can cause conflicts in relationships, in addition to social and work activities. Also, serious hoarding can cause physical, mental and safety issues. For example, tripping hazards, anxiety and depression. Other social problems that hoarding can cause are isolation and loneliness, as some people might not want anyone to enter their home as they might mess with their possessions.

Hoarding is not seen as an issue to treat or seek help for it, as it is not known as a disorder among people, they think of it as why can’t I save these stuff that might be useful for future purposes.

Hoarding disorder indication signs are:

1. One with hoarding disorder might get upset if someone else tries to clear the clutter.

2. The number of items saved prevents the person from achieving their daily tasks freely for example cooking and difficult access of rooms.

3. The person always create a need for a certain item and ending up never using it