It’s not uncommon to have some clutter lingering in different areas of your house. It might be a small collection of things taking up space, like a cluttered attic. Or, it could be a room that looks untidy, filled with items that aren’t in their place or don’t need to be there.
A little clutter isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Maybe you just haven’t had time to clean, or maybe you’re comfortable with leaving things alone in an attic or basement.
But, there may also be an underlying psychological effect causing your clutter. If it gets out of hand, that might even lead to hoarding.
With that in mind, let’s look at why you might be okay with too much clutter, and what to do when it becomes a problem.
What’s Really Causing Your Clutter?
Sometimes, clutter comes from indecision. Bringing things into your home and leaving them in a certain place could be the result of not knowing what to do with them. Other times, clutter builds up because you’re not ready to let things go. Maybe they have a sentimental value, or you’re putting too much emotional weight on them.
If you dig deeper into those causes, you can probably see that there is a psychological attachment. For some, it’s indecision. For others, it might be a fear of letting go of something familiar. Other underlying emotions that can contribute to clutter include:
Uncontrolled impulse purchases
Memories
Fear of needing something in the future
Guilt
Obligation
Hoping for a change
Unfortunately, too much clutter can also contribute to psychological issues. It can cause stress, make you feel inadequate, and can even distract you from things you’re supposed to focus on.
How to Know When Clutter Becomes Hoarding
If the beginnings of clutter can quickly become a problem, what happens when it gets worse?
Most people have heard of hoarding, but where is that line crossed between a cluttered home and one that is overflowing with “stuff?”
Hoarding simply takes the psychological effects of clutter to another level. The American Psychiatric Association recognizes Hoarding Disorder as a real problem when someone excessively saves items that would have no value to others. Some of the most common behaviors and signs of this disorder include the inability to get rid of things (even things like food containers or what others might consider trash), and extreme stress or anxiety about throwing anything away. If someone has a buildup of clutter that causes rooms of their home to become unusable/unliveable, it has gone into hoarding territory.
Everything from stress to OCD, and the factors listed above, can cause someone to become a hoarder. Whatever the case, hoarding can cause a lot of damage to your home. You might start to experience:
Vermin infestation
Mold growth
Plumbing damage
Pet damage
Structural damage
Hoarding can cause you to feel anxious about your possessions. You may even realize that you have a problem but aren’t willing to let things go. Because of this, it’s not uncommon for those who hoard their belongings to avoid getting help or the treatment they need. Recognizing the signs, even understanding that your living conditions are unstable because of the extreme clutter, is the first step in getting help for a hoarding problem.
Clear the Chaos and Build Organized Habits
If you have mild clutter in your home, consider why you might be avoiding it. Cleaning up and creating more space can give you a sense of freedom and take away some of the weight that clutter is causing. Choose to put some things in storage if you can’t let go. Additionally, utilize corners, buy organizers for your items, and use elevation to your advantage by putting things on shelves or tables.
If your cluttering problem has gotten worse, you may be dealing with Hoarding Disorder. Self-help starts with recognizing you need to make a change, but that isn’t always easy. If necessary, seek support.
Hoarding is often the result of underlying psychological issues, and a therapist, counselor, or support group can help you to work through those issues. It will be easier for you to manage your thoughts when they do and to start to get rid of the things you don’t need once and for all.
Author Bio: Noah Rue is a freelance writer.
