The hoarder

At its core, hoarding is about control. Holding onto things provides a sense of safety, a way to feel armed against life’s uncertainties. In its more extreme form, hoarding disorder is in the formal classification of mental disorders manual, DSM-5, under Obsessive-Compulsive and Related Disorders. Unlike regular clutter, hoarding isn’t just about liking things too much; it’s a compulsive need to hold onto possessions, even when they no longer serve a purpose. The idea of letting go can feel unbearable, as though getting rid of something might trigger disaster or deep regret.

“For many hoarders, this comes from attachment trauma – perhaps they’ve faced instability or loss and objects become a substitute for security. There’s also often a kind of magical thinking at play, an unconscious belief that keeping things might prevent bad things from happening. Hoarders tend to think they’re just being practical, but, in reality, it is fear that’s running the show,” says Scott.

Try this: Breaking the cycle is all about baby steps. “Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is incredibly effective here because it helps reframe those intense ‘I might need this one day’ thoughts,” advises Scott. One trick is the box method – put something in a box, leave it for three months. If you haven’t needed it, chances are you never will. Another is asking yourself a key question: ‘Am I keeping this out of fear or love?’ If the answer is fear, it’s probably time to let it go.

The upside: The freedom you will feel if you can let go of possessions will be an immense reward – your mind will cease to be governed by fear. You’ll also be able to move more freely in your home, too, and enjoy a new wonderful sense of space.

For more advice from Sophie Scott, visit her website www.sophiescott.co

Images: Getty

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