Clutterer vs Hoarder, What’s the Difference?

Hoarders A&ETV

The A&E show, Hoarders, does not give viewers the option to walk away untouched. Whether you are shocked, saddened, or can relate to the accumulation of things, it is impossible not be moved by the plight of these homeowners.   So how do you know if you or someone you know is a hoarder?

According to Mike Nelson, author of Stop Clutter from Stealing Your Life and originator of Clutterless Recovery Groups, less than 1% of the population is a true hoarder. He explains the difference this way:

“A hoarder cannot make rational decisions about what is useful and what is not. Thus, the hoarder often saves garbage or soiled items. If you don’t you probably aren’t. You are probably “just” a clutterer, like the rest of us. I have worked with hoarders in my consulting capacity and it is a very sad and difficult task to help hoarders.

A hoarder obsesses about her stuff and is compelled to collect it. A clutterer just lets it pile up. We don’t give it much thought. It seems to flow into our lives without any effort on our part.

A hoarder is usually unaware of anything being wrong. If you are concerned about your clutter, you are in good shape.”

Read the rest of Mike’s article here.

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