3 Things You Don’t Know About Clutter and Hoarding

A garage full of junk and storage

Calling for professional home organization services is not only for those obsessed with organization. They’re for everyone prone to clutter and hoarding.

To help you understand the need, learn more about these conditions:

1. Clutter Can Demand Attention… A Lot

Do you often miss home quickly? There’s a good chance you’re not missing the living space, but more on the possessions you have.

It’s one of the interesting findings of a 2016 study published in the Journal of Environmental Psychology. People can develop a strong affinity with their belongings, so they may have a hard time letting them go. What’s worse is they may add more of them over time.

In turn, they can create both clutter and chaos, which may then impact one’s quality of life. For one, they can demand a lot of attention. It may then compel the individual to spend less time outdoors to soak up some sunshine or see some friends.

2. Hoarding is a Disorder

According to the American Psychiatric Association, at least 2% of the country’s population will develop hoarding disorder. It is a compulsive behavioral pattern characterized by the collection and non-discarding of objects. It’s different from the conventional memorabilia collection. Those who do these have specific objects in mind, and they place these items in an organized manner. Hoarders don’t.

Hoarding is also strongly associated with other mental disorders. These include obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), depression, and anxiety. This behavior may also have a deeply rooted cause. Some people do it because the objects can help keep them feel safe or less lonely. Others do so in the hopes the items can improve their memory or fill up a loss.

The effects of hoarding, however, can make it dangerous. They can make the home unlivable. A person may be prone to accidents, injuries, or diseases. Like clutter, it can lead to social isolation, which isn’t ideal for those with mental disorders.

3. Digital Debris Can Result in Physical Clutter

Man working in a cluttered environment

Art can mirror life — or, in this case, digital life. While many tech developments are great, they may introduce physical clutter as well.

Case in point: More people are now investing in pretty bins to store items, such as cords or knick-knacks. They may get their inspiration on Instagram, Facebook, or YouTube. Some may come with the things they decide to buy.

While the intention is good, the effect may be the opposite. Those bins may not be adding value into their respective spaces. Instead, they eat more. They can also worsen visual clutter.

Organization may not be the only solution you need to decrease clutter or hoarding. It may require learning about your core issues, like asking yourself why you’re doing it in the first place. These may also include high feelings of anxiety or loneliness. You may be an empty nester having a hard time coping with your children leaving. Once you can deal with them, you may get rid of such tendencies forever.

For now, though, get help from organization professionals. They can give you the best head-start you need to get your space back and your life on track.

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