Clutter
As mentioned, most households have clutter. Perhaps there is a pile on the kitchen table or an under-stairs cupboard that needs sorting, or the spare room has become a dumping ground for things. You may have accumulated items with little sentimental or monetary significance over the years, and that is absolutely normal. Perhaps it consists of boxes for electronic items, or clothes you want to fit back into, or unwanted birthday gifts you can’t bring yourself to discard. Common areas of the home that fall victim to clutter are:
- Spare rooms
- Utility rooms
- Garages
- Sheds
- Lofts
- Office
- Porch
- Stairs
Recognising when clutter becomes problematic, especially when it develops into hoarding, is important for mental, physical, and environmental health reasons.
Hoarding Disorder
Hoarding disorder can cause distress to the person, their family, and their neighbours. A person can accumulate so much that it interferes with their life, home, and safety, and can even make parts of a home inaccessible or unsafe, thereby attracting the presence of rats, cockroaches, and insect infestations. Up to 6% of the population suffers from hoarding, which is a recognised mental illness.
Hoarding is a psychological disorder that typically develops gradually, and it has several underlying causes. Sometimes a trauma or a death can trigger a hoarding disorder, and the person may overvalue their possessions and become protective. They may also bother neighbours with the smell, unsightliness, and pests. Unfortunately, many people die without telling their relatives about their hoarding issue until they clean up.
Collecting vs. Hoarding
Collectors collect items such as themed dolls, figures, books, albums, and more that have meaning, pattern, and value. Hoarders develop a psychological attachment to worthless objects and trash and fear parting with them, harming their home. It may be difficult for a non-sufferer to understand why a hoarder grows attached to such seemingly worthless things.
Cognitive behavioural therapy, group therapy, and other counselling are used to address hoarding disorder, which is linked to problematic behaviours and thoughts.
If you require help with house clearance, contact National Clearances on 0203 9859552.