Hoarding is defined as the collection of items in excess of what is needed in a normal household that interferes with the function of your home. Hoarding can be mild to severe, but it almost always worsens with time. The stereotype that hoarding only impacts poor, uneducated, old or dirty people is wrong, as hoarding is known to impact people of all walks of life, regardless of income or education levels.
There are many, many reasons why a person becomes a hoarder. The vast majority of the time, the hoarder knows it is wrong and wants to stop, but does not have the ability or knowledge on how to control it. The hoarder typically wants help, but is too ashamed or afraid of being labeled or judged keeps them from seeking out help.
Hoarding impacts the individual’s life, as well as their family and friends. Undoubtedly, this lifestyle has a direct negative impact on the individual’s personal and social life, leading to isolation and loneliness. This isolation and loneliness in turn increases the feeling of attachment to, and the need to increase the amount of clutter in their lives.