Ever wondered if you might be a bit of a hoarder? It’s easy to dismiss such a thought when you consider hoarding as an extreme condition often depicted in media.
However, hoarding behaviors can be subtle, and you might be engaging in them without even realizing it. Here are 12 signs that might suggest you’ve been hoarding, in a less-than-obvious way.
1. You’re Constantly Losing Things in Your Home
Ever spent half an hour rummaging through piles of stuff just to find your keys or wallet? This could be a sign that you’re hoarding. Having too many possessions can make it extremely difficult to keep track of all your items. If this sounds familiar, it might be a good idea to reconsider the number of items you have in your space.
It’s not just about the inconvenience. Constantly losing things in your home can cause unnecessary stress and anxiety. It’s a sign that your belongings are controlling your environment, rather than you controlling them. If you find yourself regularly misplacing items, it might be time to declutter.
2. You Purchase Multiples of the Same Items
Do you find yourself buying the same item over and over again because you can’t find the one you already have? Or perhaps you just can’t resist a good deal, even if you already own the item. If so, you might be showing signs of hoarding. It’s easy to rationalize these purchases, but they can quickly add up, resulting in clutter and waste.
Next time you’re about to buy something you already own, try to resist the urge. Remind yourself that you already have it and don’t need another. It can be hard, especially when there’s a sale, but it’s an important step towards breaking the cycle of hoarding.
3. Your Living Spaces No Longer Serve Their Intended Purposes
Is your dining table buried under piles of paperwork? Have you forgotten what color your sofa is because it’s always covered in laundry? When your possessions start to take over the spaces they’re not meant to, it’s a clear sign of hoarding. Your home should be a place where you can relax and unwind, not an obstacle course of clutter.
Reclaiming your space might be a daunting task, but it’s necessary. Start small, perhaps with just the dining table, and work your way up. You’ll be surprised at how liberating it feels to have your living spaces back.
4. You Feel Emotional Distress at the Thought of Discarding Items
It’s normal to feel attached to certain items because of sentimental value. However, if the thought of parting with any of your possessions—be it an old receipt or a worn-out t-shirt—causes you distress, you might be displaying signs of hoarding. It’s important to remember that while possessions can hold memories, they’re not the memories themselves.
Discarding items can be a very emotional process, especially if you’ve been holding onto them for a long time. But it’s a necessary step towards freeing up your space and your mind. If you’re struggling, reach out to a professional organizer or a therapist who specializes in hoarding behaviors.
5. You Feel Overwhelmed by Your Possessions
If the sheer volume of your possessions makes you feel anxious and overwhelmed, it’s a sign you might be hoarding. It’s not just about the physical clutter, but also the mental clutter that comes with it. You might feel like you’re drowning in your stuff, unable to find a way out.
It’s important to remember that it’s okay to let go of things. Not every item needs to be kept. Start small, get rid of a few things every day, and you’ll slowly start to feel lighter and more in control.
6. You Feel Embarrassed to Invite People Over
If you’re hesitant to have guests over because you’re embarrassed about the state of your home, it’s a sign that your possessions might be getting out of hand. You might avoid hosting parties or even having the maintenance crew over because of the clutter. This can lead to feelings of isolation and can affect your social life.
Remember, your home should be a space where you feel comfortable and proud. Don’t let your possessions take that away from you. Take steps to declutter and organize your space, and soon, you’ll be eager to open your doors to guests again.
7. You Have Storage Units or Spaces Filled with Unused Items
Do you have storage units or extra rooms in your home filled with items you never use? This could be a sign of hoarding. It’s easy to forget about things when they’re out of sight, but that doesn’t mean they’re not taking up valuable space.
Take a good look at the items in your storage. Do you really need them? Are they serving any purpose? If not, it might be time to let them go. Remember, storage spaces are meant to store things you actually use, not to hide clutter.
8. You Have a Hard Time Making Decisions About Your Possessions
If deciding what to keep and what to discard is a constant struggle for you, it’s a sign you might be hoarding. This indecisiveness can lead to a build-up of items, as you end up keeping everything “just in case”. However, this can quickly lead to clutter and chaos.
It’s important to be ruthless when it comes to decluttering. Ask yourself, “Do I really need this? When was the last time I used it?” If you can’t remember or the answer is “no”, then it’s time to let it go.
9. You Keep Items That are Broken or Useless
Do you have a collection of broken appliances or outdated electronics gathering dust? Keeping items that are no longer functional or relevant is a sign of hoarding. It’s easy to convince yourself that you’ll fix them one day or that they’ll come in handy, but more often than not, they just end up taking up space.
Instead of clinging to broken or useless items, consider recycling or disposing of them properly. You’ll be surprised at how much space you can free up by getting rid of these items.
10. You Feel a Compulsive Need to Save Every Item, Regardless of Its Value
Do you find it hard to throw away even the most insignificant items, like old newspapers or plastic bags? This compulsive need to save everything is a classic sign of hoarding. While it’s good to recycle and reuse, there’s a limit to what you can realistically use.
Try to be discerning about what you keep. If an item is not serving a purpose or bringing you joy, it’s time to let it go. Remember, not everything that can be kept should be kept.
11. You’re Often Late or Miss Appointments Due to Clutter
If your clutter is making you late for appointments or causing you to miss them entirely, it’s a clear sign that it’s gotten out of hand. Your possessions should not be getting in the way of your daily activities and commitments.
It’s time to take control of your space. Start by decluttering the areas that are causing the most disruption, like your entryway or your desk. Having a clear space can greatly improve your productivity and punctuality.
12. You’ve Been Notified by Neighbors or Authorities About the State of your Property
If you’ve received complaints or notices from your neighbors or local authorities about the state of your property, it’s a serious sign that you’re hoarding. This is not just about aesthetics, but also about health and safety. Excessive clutter can attract pests, cause fire hazards, and even lead to structural damage.
Don’t ignore these warnings. Take them as a wake-up call to start dealing with your clutter. Reach out to professionals if needed. Remember, your home should be a safe and comfortable space, not a source of problems.
Recognizing these signs in your own behavior is the first step towards tackling hoarding. With patience, determination, and perhaps a little help from professionals, you can break free from the cycle of clutter and reclaim your space.