Tidying Up: How To Prevent Hoarding

Have you ever looked around your home and thought, “When did I start collecting so many… things?” From mountains of unread magazines to a collection of gadgets from the past decade (hello, first-gen iPod), it’s easy for stuff to pile up. While collecting items can start as a harmless hobby or a by-product of not having enough time to clean, it can sometimes wander into the territory of hoarding. Fortunately, there are ways to prevent hoarding. Check out our tips below!

How Does Collecting Turn into Hoarding?

Imagine this: every item you own is a little like a sticky note. Some sticky notes have happy memories (“This is the ticket stub from our first movie date!”), while others are reminders (“I might need this one day…”). Over time, these sticky notes start piling up, making it tough to see your desk, let alone use it. Hoarding starts when the thought of throwing away any of these sticky notes feels as impossible as turning down a slice of cake at a birthday party. Before you know it, you’re living in a sticky note fortress.

The Impact of Keeping Too Much Stuff

Living in a cluttered space isn’t just a visual issue; it can make finding your keys a mini-adventure every morning and invite dust bunnies to permanent residence parties under your sofa. Plus, it can make you feel stressed and overwhelmed, turning your home from a comfy retreat into a maze of stuff. If left unchecked, hoarding can become a bad habit, and eventually an unhealthy obsession. Hoarding can turn into a behavioral mental disorder.

How To Prevent Hoarding

Start Decluttering and Start Small

Decluttering regularly is an important way to prevent hoarding. When decluttering, choose one area or category to tackle first. Maybe it’s that drawer of mystery cables or the shelf of books you’ve already read. Small victories can lead to big changes!

Make It a Party

Put on your favorite tunes, grab your beverage of choice, and make decluttering feel less like a chore and more like a celebration of reclaiming your space.

To Keep or Not to Keep

Ask yourself: “Does this spark joy?” or “Have I used this in the last year?” If the answer is a resounding “No,” it might be time to say goodbye. Remember, it’s about keeping what matters and letting go of what doesn’t. Once you let go, you’ll see just how freeing and liberating it feels.

Find a New Home for Old Treasures

Donating items can make parting with them easier, knowing they’re going to a new home where they’ll be appreciated. Plus, it’s good karma! Also, donating is a random act of kindness that is so good for the soul. Take comfort in knowing that you are donating something of value that can benefit other people.

Enlist Reinforcements

If you’re finding it hard to make decisions or don’t know where to start, there’s no shame in asking for help. Friends, family, or even professional organizers can offer support and make the process more fun.

Keep the Clutter Bug at Bay

Once you’ve reclaimed your space, set simple rules to prevent clutter from creeping back. Maybe it’s a one-in-one-out policy for clothes or a monthly mini-declutter session. Make it a regular habit and don’t wait too long for your next decluttering task.

Remember, learning to let go is the key to prevent hoarding and the first step of simplifying your life. It isn’t about creating a home that could be on the cover of a magazine (unless that’s your thing, of course). It’s about making your space more comfortable, functional, and happy for you. So grab those garbage bags with gusto, and let’s show that clutter bug who’s boss!