topic Re: When does collecting become hoarding? in Community Chat

When does collecting become hoarding?

smoochy — Thu, 24 Sep 2026 04:31:48 GMT

whether its a collection that you display, or things you wear, or books or......whatever.

Have you ever wondered if your fun little hobby has become a problem?

Re: When does collecting become hoarding?

shoekitty — Thu, 24 Sep 2026 05:08:12 GMT

@smoochy oh smoochy, that is such good question. I may be a purse hoarder, lol. I have over 240 handbags. I wear one , it seems. Most of mine are in storage, I have maybe 50 at home in my closet. Neatly wrapped. Now,....I need to explain myself, lol! I collected vintage , antique handbags for 20 some years. I think a few modern bags found there way into my possession along the way. I won't give them away,I do loan out to grands. I say, " I'd love to give them to a deserving museum"...lol...but, I can't seem to do it. I love everyone of them. I may be a purse hoarder. Ya think?? I am one of the few people in possession of a MOSCHINO Ballet Shoe purse, my favorites are Bakelite, and 1920's-1940's cocktail purses. Most are unique, and different. Some of the bags are worth 2,000 or so. But I don't sell them.

all that said ...I think a true hoarder is someone who can't part with anything, no matter if it's broken, unusable, or under threat of loosing relationships, home, etc. . A true hoarder keeps their hoard in lieu of clutter, unlivable conditions, etc at any cost. they are psychologically attached to the point of loosing friendships, family, partners. I think some hoarders can be selective, , but most spend their time, money, looking for new things to bring home. But I imagine mny rich people do it too. they just have more room, storage . I have read that it is an obsessive/ compulsive obsession. It can be resistant to meds and maybe controlled with on going therapy. Jmho

Re: When does collecting become hoarding?

rockygems123 — Thu, 24 Sep 2026 04:56:33 GMT

@smoochy

That's an interesting question and one that is talked about often in my profession of antique dealer for me specifically jewelry.

We see huge collections in our business particularly estate sales. The odd thing is many times collections are packed away in dust covered boxes never to see the light of day.

Never understood the hundreds of thousands of dollars or more spent on these pieces and not enjoyed.

To me that is hoarding. If it is being worn displayed and enjoyed and doesnt overwhelm your house that feels like collecting.

Re: When does collecting become hoarding?

Desertdi — Thu, 24 Sep 2026 06:05:16 GMT

I always have a "backup supply" of things that are difficult to find...like size 32 bras. (I have a narrow "bone structure"...and can't imagine not wearing underwear.)

Re: When does collecting become hoarding?

Tinkrbl44 — Thu, 24 Sep 2026 06:37:08 GMT

@shoekitty

Oh my .... You and I are the opposite when it comes to handbags.

I have carried the same style for about 7 years. (I purchased three of the same bag because I loved the style so much).

I'm sure I'll get something else at some point, but I'm still very happy with what I have.

BTW, not sure if I misplaced that address. Does it have sassy in it?

Re: When does collecting become hoarding?

Tinkrbl44 — Thu, 24 Sep 2026 06:41:21 GMT

@Desertdi wrote:
I always have a "backup supply" of things that are difficult to find...like size 32 bras. (I have a narrow "bone structure"...and can't imagine not wearing underwear.)

@Desertdi

I used to travel for business and just bought multiples of the necessities, so I'm not pressured about doing laundry because I have no clean clothes.

Although the inventory has been reduced over time, I used to have about 90 of undies. A whole large dresser drawer of underpants. Laundry security, lol.

Re: When does collecting become hoarding?

Desertdi — Thu, 24 Sep 2026 07:19:09 GMT

@Tinkrbl44 wrote:
@Desertdi wrote:
I always have a "backup supply" of things that are difficult to find...like size 32 bras. (I have a narrow "bone structure"...and can't imagine not wearing underwear.)

@Desertdi

I used to travel for business and just bought multiples of the necessities, so I'm not pressured about doing laundry because I have no clean clothes.

Although the inventory has been reduced over time, I used to have about 90 of undies. A whole large dresser drawer of underpants. Laundry security, lol.

@Tinkrbl44

You just gave me my first laugh of the day! My late husband always wanted to "hit the road" on weekends... And if I spilled food or got dirt on my clothes...I would NOT use a hotel laundry room...I mean: "What if the last guy washed diapers in that machine". di

Re: When does collecting become hoarding?

smoochy — Thu, 24 Sep 2026 07:23:22 GMT

@shoekitty what you do feels like collecting to me. Whether there is a touch of compulsiveness isn't for me to say. I would LOVE to tour your collection 😍

My mom absolutely adored antiques @rockygems123 She had small collections of some interesting, unique pieces. Christmas tree brooches for example. She had them mounted on a fabric background in a glass topped coffee table.

Re: When does collecting become hoarding?

Roscoe the Rascal — Thu, 24 Sep 2026 10:14:43 GMT

I have watched the show hoarders and that is a totally different story. No way could I or would I live like that. I feel sorry for those who are suffering like that. Hard to understand.

I have had my collections in the past but I no longer collect things or buy things not needed. I have been cleaning up and moving it out. Items in a box never used or displayed do not do any good. No memory in those items for your kids if they never have seen them. We all have things we just can't part with and I get that too.

I have cleaned out many family places that have passed and not an easy task but so much of why would they have kept all that. My mission is not to be one of those.

My daughter has recently started selling stuff on line and some items just locally as well and doing great at it. So items of mine are going quickly and I have also donated several items. I really stepped it up this year and made lots of changes. Replacing appliances and furniture, repainting all the rooms and eliminating the extras and hard to keep clean items. My mission is to simplify and enjoy those spaces more. It is a lot of work but when one room gets done it is so rewarding.

I am no hoarder and that is for sure. I think I am sort of the opposite. I like moving it out more. I feel better about it.

I think the thing I have way more than needed is clothes but moving it out too. I don't keep things that are worn out or doesn't fit. Just too much is all. Doesn't stop me from getting new either but I am getting better at that too. Clothes sell better than I thought they would but goes if in good conditions.

Re: When does collecting become hoarding?

50Mickey — Thu, 24 Sep 2026 11:09:16 GMT

I've never understood the point of keeping things in a storage unit never to be seen or used because you can't part with it. If what you collect is worn, used or seen in your home and brings happiness I don't think this is hoarding.

I am at the point in life where I am trying to move stuff out and simply my life. Material things are just things. People are far more important.

Re: When does collecting become hoarding?

amyb — Thu, 24 Sep 2026 11:55:18 GMT

I've never really collected anything except...

I used to keep matchbooks from various places I went over decades. It lived in a basket at my mom's home.

When we sold the home I tossed those. I then wished I'd brought them home & filled a hurricane vase with them and put them on an office shelf. They didn't take up much room & it was so fun looking through that basket at so many old places I'd gone, from "different lives" I lead over many years. And you don't get matchbooks much anymore in places...it was a small, visual, lookback at my life & travels, and of old places some that didn't exist anymore. But, long gone now. I just didn't think of putting them in a glass jar then. I thought...these might be a fire hazard!

Other thing was dolls....I always say this disclaimer...NO my home is NOT "the crazy, grandma's attic doll house", at all...but I've always loved them, my mom did too, and we had some fun during Marie Osmond days buying some.

Before then, I had dolls mom had bought me as a child. Most were tucked away in storage. Some of my favorite MO dolls are the tiny tots, and on display mixed in with other decorative or sentimental things in a bedroom armoire.

I stopped buying when I knew there was going to be nowhere else to put them that wouldn't look like the home was overrun with dolls. As they are now, they're really mixed into other decor in a pretty way. At least I think so, bf hates dolls, finds them all "spooky." I see them, and their outfits, as little works of art.

I've donated lots of "stored dolls" my Madam Alexander "Little Women" dolls, and others from childhood...about 7 MA dolls went to donation. My Barbies are in outdoor garage storage, really don't care if they go at some point...actually, it's the old clothing from back in the day, made beautifully for Barbie I love seeing and keeping. Now it's pure junk they have for clothes. Back then they really made them like "little real people clothes"...beautiful designs and materials.

I have a walk-in closet upstairs off my office space that has a family trunk, that my maternal grandpa made for my mom as a baby, with mementos in and on it.

I have a baby pic of me & a baby Madam Alexander doll near it, that my mom bought for me as a child because "it reminded her of me as a baby." So, I keep that there with other family photos. I know all this sure sounds like "grandma's doll house", but that space is totally a small attic space for "history, memories" doesn't intrude on my home.

So, I have kept just a select few I can display in subtle, pretty ways.

No other collections, and certainly not at this point in life when I'm constantly streamlining and decluttering!

Re: When does collecting become hoarding?

hkrgrl — Thu, 24 Sep 2026 12:11:37 GMT

back in younger days, i was big on franklin mint/lenox figurines, holiday motif, animal plates etc...

had the whole collection of pencil snowmen. we moved and i had nowhere to put them. sold them on Poshmark.

plates are a TOUGH SELL, no one wants them. donated about dozen bird plates when MIL moved into nursing home. had them listed for close to 2 years, not one sold. Green Drop they went...

i do not collect anything for the home. i do love purses! have a big, for me, collection.

too many clothes and i donate or sell after every season.

i am in 'clean out' mode after every season be it clothes or decorations.

really trying hard to streamline and make my life easier!!

no one can make you feel inferior without your consent

Re: When does collecting become hoarding?

Travone — Thu, 24 Sep 2026 12:23:48 GMT

@shoekitty I would love to see your collection. It sounds wonderful.

Re: When does collecting become hoarding?

CalmInHeart — Thu, 24 Sep 2026 12:24:09 GMT

I think a problem is when something begins to interfere with normal living. It can be hoarding, alcohol, or anything else.

Re: When does collecting become hoarding?

Iwantcoffee — Thu, 24 Sep 2026 12:59:21 GMT

Hoarding is considered a mental health disorder.

"Hoarding-a compulsion that involves the persistent collection of useless or trivial items (e.g., old newspapers, garbage, magazines) and an inability to organize or discard these. The accumulation of items (usually in piles) leads to the obstruction of living space, causing distress or impairing function. Any attempt or encouragement by others to discard hoards causes extreme anxiety." Info from APA Dictionary of Psychology

Re: When does collecting become hoarding?

soozer — Thu, 24 Sep 2026 13:05:35 GMT

If you asking, it has already happened.

Re: When does collecting become hoarding?

jlkz — Thu, 24 Sep 2026 13:20:39 GMT

@Tinkrbl44

Had to smile at your purchasing 3 of the same handbags because it was the perfect style !

I had a shoulder bag with excellent external and internal compartments. Then it was time to think about a replacement before I really needed one.

While on vacation I happened to stop at a Boscov and bought a new shoulder bag. When we returned home, I found I had bought the exact bag but in a slightly different color !!! Safe for another few years !!!

In the mean time, I always check the thrift stores wherever we are. When I found a similar bag, I didn't let the smoky cigarette smell stop me. The solution was to spray white vinegar on every inch, inside and out, and then wrap the handbag in a taped plastic bag for a day or two. The smell, smoky or vinegar, would be gone.

Two things I dread shopping for: bras and shoulder bags ! These I save for a rainy day because I would hate to waste the sunshine on a fruitless task.

Re: When does collecting become hoarding?

Magicrat — Thu, 24 Sep 2026 14:08:26 GMT

The people shown on the TV shows are not hoarders. They're flat out lazy pigs.

Re: When does collecting become hoarding?

wagirl — Thu, 24 Sep 2026 14:18:16 GMT

I agree that hoarders don't /can not part with anything and is a mental disease. From some emotional/physical happening in their lives. I have a few collections--not hoards, that I enjoy--well up to the time when I moved and sold my house anyway--then I had to pair almost half of everything I had to move to a much smaller place. Most of it was fine to let go but a few things made me very sad. I did take photos of those things.I do like shoes tho--have had LOTS of shoes at different times. Don't collect much anymore due to lack of space and have begun to go thru the stuff I have now and donate them. My bedroom is my next project--I used to sew so have alot of that type of thing that needs organizing and it is in my bedroom--makes me crazy to see it so unruly.

Re: When does collecting become hoarding?

Jo1313 — Thu, 24 Sep 2026 14:28:03 GMT

@Iwantcoffee wrote:
Hoarding is considered a mental health disorder.

"Hoarding-a compulsion that involves the persistent collection of useless or trivial items (e.g., old newspapers, garbage, magazines) and an inability to organize or discard these. The accumulation of items (usually in piles) leads to the obstruction of living space, causing distress or impairing function. Any attempt or encouragement by others to discard hoards causes extreme anxiety." Info from APA Dictionary of Psychology

Hoarding was My MIL..garbage, newspaper clippings, old magazines...junk she pick up off the street...and no one could touch "her stuff"! My kids got in the tub as soon as they got home from seeing her. I swear DH found another room in her apt. when he cleaned it out!

After being in the gift business for years..I collected a lot of different things at different times....nothing is just laying around to step over( hoarding)...I have beautiful dolls, precious moments and clowns in glass cases..fenton art glass... some cookie jars... my young grands wanted a few characters that they've seen on TV..so those went home with them.

I have started letting my DILs take what they like whenever they come..Including jewelry...I tell them "girls lets go shopping"!..LOL

Yes I have some things I wouldn't part with that belonged to my parents and grandparents..of course things that my kids gave us when they were in school..Nothing is strune about..Some of those things are in 2 totes in the basement..with a big sign..DO NOT TOUCH AS LONG AS I AM BREATHING!!!..LOL

I've stopped with all that stuff..What I have makes me happy...that's all that matters.and nothing is in our way...