According to statistics, between 2 to 6 percent or 1 in 50 people worldwide are hoarders. People with this disorder have a problem throwing things away even if those things don’t have much sentimental or financial value. Hoarding is a dangerous habit because it can result in respiratory diseases, or even pest and bug infestations. It can also make a house dangerous for the people living there and render hallways impassable.
Most people may not have been aware that such a problem existed, but thanks to TV shows such as Hoarding: Buried Alive and Britain’s Biggest Hoaders, now the public knows about it. If you think you have this disorder, there are ways you can deal with the habit and avoid the dangers associated with it. Read on to find out how.
1. Start small
Set realistic goals, such as decluttering one small section or a room daily. One of the common characteristics of hoarders is that they acquire items more frequently than non-hoarders. So, your house may have a lot of stuff that needs decluttering, and setting small goals can help you achieve incremental success.
2. Get rid of things you haven’t used in the last one or two years
Hoarders typically hold on to things that do not have much value, and sometimes they may be completely valueless such as old packaging. Other items you might keep as a hoarder are damaged appliances, receipts and bills, old newspapers, and clothes that do not fit. The best way to declutter your home is to get rid of any item you haven’t used in the last year. When you do this, you will avoid accumulating kids’ toys, food, utensils, clothes, and old electronics. Another rule you can set is OHIO which means Only Handle It Once, which is particularly good for things like mail and receipts.
3. Group things together
When decluttering, have three boxes to store things to sell, donate and throw away. This will make the decision-making process easier for you and less overwhelming.
4. Avoid overthinking
A decision about an item shouldn’t take more than a few minutes. If you find yourself taking too much time to decide what to do with every item, you will not be able to get rid of anything. If you are doing this, then it means you are overthinking. Some of the thoughts that can make you undecided about whether to keep or dispose of an item are; maybe you will use this item one day, I bought it with a lot of money, it has a sentimental value, and perhaps the clothing will fit me again one day.
5. Less is more
If you have multiples of something, such as electronics or cooking pots, train your brain to understand that more is not always better. Dispose of the excess items in your house.
6. Confront your fears
Hoarders are always afraid that something will happen if they get rid of their valuables. Be ready to face those fears, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Know what you are scared of and understand that your fears are unreasonable. Practice throwing one item and wait to see if what you feared will happen. Slowly, gain confidence and get rid of more items. Begin with the easiest things to dispose of on our fear spectrum, such as clothes and appliances, and finish with sentimental items that are much harder to part with.
7. Declutter every day
Once you have finished decluttering your whole house after a long hoarding period, make it a habit and do it every day to avoid finding yourself in the initial place again. Throw things and organise as soon as you realise clutter is forming. Also, set aside a few minutes every day to declutter your home.
8. Ask friends and family to help
Sometimes, throwing away things you have attached sentimental value to can be overwhelming. If you are having difficulty deciding what to do with most of the items in your home, you can ask your friends and family to help you.
9. Seek medical attention
Compulsive hoarding is a severe mental illness problem. If you cannot cope with it on your own, then it’s time to seek professional help. A qualified mental health professional can help you deal with this problem and start living an everyday life.
10. Look for a support group
There are many people out there struggling with hoarding, just like you. You can find them in your town or online in groups like Messies Anonymous and Clutterers Anonymous. Connecting with such people will help you have a sense of belonging. You can also share tips with them about dealing with hoarding or having fun together and reducing your anxieties.
Hoarding is a serious problem for some people, and overcoming it can be quite hard. However, if you apply these tips above, you will get closer to your goals of having a clutter-free home that you can move freely in and even host guests.
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