#WellnessWednesday: Am I Hoarding or is it just Normal Clutter? What's the difference?

[BethIOCDF]

What is the difference between Normal Clutter and Hoarding?

Normal Clutter: In normal clutter the types of items collected may or may not have a specific theme. The acquisition of these items is not done in a planned fashion and it is not is not excessive. The clutter is usually located in storage places (attic, basement), and when clutter is happening in the living spaces it's more so disorganized and the space can still be used as it's meant to. Normal clutter may cause mild distress, but generally do not have broad or lasting impact on finances, work, social life, etc. The thought of getting rid of the items or not acquiring any more does not cause distress.

Hoarding: With hoarding disorder, the items collected do not have a specific theme. Acquiring the items, just like normal clutter, is not done in a planned way, however, it is often done excessively. The appearance of the home is a disorganized state, taking over living spaces (bedroom, living room, kitchen, etc.) and preventing them from being used as intended. When dealing with hoarding disorder efforts to get rid of the items and not acquire items causes distress. Spending may be excessive, causing financial distress. Hoarding disorder causes conflict in social/family relationships, in addition to general withdrawal from society. The state of home may have a broader impact on surrounding homes (e.g. sanitation concerns, structural issues, etc.).

To read more about the difference between hoarding, clutter, and squalor click th elink below:

hoarding.iocdf.org/about-ho...

[Sallyskins]

I have problems with hoarding, and my living space is cluttered. Having said that, it's also the case that I'm living in an inherited house that needs much work done on it that I haven't the money for, and I need to sell up and move to somewhere more suitable - somewhere that has proper storage space and shelving!

Most of my kitchen cupboards are running with damp and vermin get in - I have to keep most food either in the fridge or in sealed containers!

My main storage problem elsewhere in the house is a shortage of bookshelves - I'm a big reader and love my books! I do have a clear out now and then but I value, use, read and re-read most of my books!

Having said all that - I still do hoard! And I have a backlog of papers that need shredding - they have personal information that means they can't just go in the recycling. And my shredder is clogged - must get it sorted and back in use.

I'm trying to get to grips with it - but if anyone else has this problem, you have my sympathy!