Collections, such as stamps, are usually ordered, tidied away but accessible. Hoards, on the other hand, are usually disorganised, cluttering living space. Items, often of little monetary value and considered rubbish by others, become largely inaccessible. Hoarding affects around one in 50 people, both sexes, and often worsens with age, becoming a problem when living space is overtaken, interfering with everyday life. The clutter causes distress, and reduced quality of life for the person or their family.
Frequently, the hoarder doesn’t see the problem, being unaware how it affects those around them.
The reasons behind hoarding aren’t always straightforward. There may be mobility problems leading to difficulties clearing acquired clutter, learning disabilities or dementia, causing indecision categorising or disposing of items. Associated mental health problems include depression, psychoses, schizophrenia and…
