Tip:
Highlight text to annotate it
X
How to Know if You Have a Hoarding Disorder. What is the difference between a pack rat,
a collector, and a hoarder? Find out which one you are with this guide. You will need
Clutter Collections Emotional attachments tostuff Something to discard and professional
help. Step 1. Look around your home to see how much space can be called "cluttered".
If the answer is "most," it may be a symptom of a hoarding disorder. If you can no longer
use your kitchen, dining area, and other living spaces because of all of the stuff, you may
have a hoarding problem. Step 2. Rule out the possibility that you are just a collector
if your keepsakes are strewn about. Collectors typically keep their items well organized
and proudly displayed. If a you have a collection that's out of control, keep only your favorites
and those with a high market value. Step 3. Ask yourself how your excess belongings make
you feel. Hoarders are often embarrassed by the mess, but they can't seem to do anything
about it because they have deep emotional attachments to their things. Step 4. Consider
whether you have a hard time discarding or giving away items that have very little use
or value for you in the present or near future. Step 5. Ask yourself whether your clutter
has caused rifts in your personal relationships, or has gotten you into trouble with neighbors
and city officials. Step 6. Seek help from a professional if you have the symptoms of
a hoarding disorder. It may be the first small step in getting your life cleaned up. Did
you know A South Carolina woman was convicted of animal cruelty after hoarding 300 dogs.