What kinds of things get hoarded? Well as you may have gathered, hoarding is not something that people do simply because they want to, it is a serious condition that has some far-reaching consequences. People who are collectors are not necessarily hoarders. Those who collect certain items will restrict themselves to certain objects that have a very limited appeal.
These kinds of collections can be things such as film memorabilia, video game figurines for a specific series, coins, stamps, American muscle cars, or antiques. These collections will often be displayed or kept in specific locations where they can be protected and maintained. Hoarders do not collect in this manner.
Though hoarders will generally accumulate stuff until their property can take no more, there are certain items that are more commonly found in hoarder’s houses than others.
Commonly hoarded items
A good rule of thumb for hoarded items is that if you can find it in a charity shop, then a hoarder will probably have it. With the number of car boot sales and charity shops, there is plenty of opportunity for hoarders to find junk to fill every available space in their homes.
Magazines, TV guides and newspapers are probably the most commonly hoarded items. Though having a collection of film magazines as part of a film memorabilia collection is normal, a hoarder will not be so selective in the magazines they keep. It is not only restricted to magazines, TV guides and newspapers either, hoarders will also often keep all leaflets, pamphlets, and every piece of mail they have received whether it is a letter, a political party newsletter or an estate agent trying to get the hoarder to sell their property with them.
Though coin collectors will be on the lookout for specific and rare coins that pique their interest, hoarders will often have coins both old and new, regardless of the value or rarity of those coins.
Clothing and shoes are another common item that hoarders will collect. Though everyone has clothes and shoes, and some people may have a few too many pairs of shoes for your liking, odds on they will be shoes that they can wear, and generally in a condition that they can be worn. Hoarders will have clothes and shoes that will not fit them and may not even be for the gender they identify with. They will be in a range of different sizes, different conditions and different styles. Do not be surprised if there are even odd shoes amongst the hoarder’s collection either.
Hoarders also tend to gravitate towards pots, pans, cooking utensils, jars and a variety of containers from Tupperware to cake tins. Every good kitchen has a range of these items, and even may have one of two of the same item, but hoarders will take things to a whole new level. Wooden spoons, slotted spoons, jam jars with and without lids and a whole lot more will be crammed into other places, even rooms other than the kitchen.
Other common items you’ll find in a hoarder’s home include dinnerware, plants, towels, tablecloths, dolls, ornaments, music, rugs, carpets, free samples of things such as shampoo or soap, irons, kettles, cutlery and china.
If you need help with dealing with a hoarder’s home after they have passed on, get in touch with us today to see how we can help.