How do I learn to stop being a hoarder?

[HappyWoman34]

I just started gathering clothes up for the op shop. I also have lots of shoes and bags and jewellery that I never wear. I have two pink rings I never wear. Should I get rid of those things, too?

[zeitgeist057]

I have this problem as well. I have a storage unit full of things that I haven't used in over a year. I don't even really remember what's in there, and I don't need it or miss it. But I've been paying to store it. I do know I have some camping gear in there, that I didn't want to let go of, even though I haven't been on a backpacking trip recently. I do know I will go again as it is something I do. But the money I spent storing my equipment, I could have just let it go and bought new equipment with the money I've spent on storage.

Here is an example photo:

This isn't my garbage, but imagine the cost to store all this stuff and what it is worth. Those toy cars? A propane tank? Some chairs? All those things would be around $20-$50, so it seems like it makes sense to keep them as they have value. But as the months turn into years, the cost of storing them exceeds the cost to simply replace them if you need something like that. Better to just give it away or have a yard sale and sell it all really cheap like $5 each for this crap, than to keep it and keep paying for it.

[Iron_Man]

You have to organize everything that’s too much

[Iron_Man]

Thanks for most helpful Award

[Amondee]

I think a good starting point is finding out why you are hoarding. When you know why you do it, you can start changing your behaviour. You could ask yourself what does hoarding means to you. For example, are you filling a void or an emotion like a binge-eater would? Are you scared of something and buying/hoarding is your defense mecanism? Look at when it first started, why it started and how does it help you (if you do it, it means consciously or unconsciously you find benefits in it).

I also think you may need to look at the buying side of things too as I think it could be just as important. Sometimes people like to buy things but are just lazy to get rid of them so they let it accumulate, others really have strong feelings coming up when they have to throw/give things away because they associate it with something else.

In case you don't know, Filth and A&E have some stuff with Hoarders on Youtube who try to get rid of stuff. It's entertaining but it can also be helpful to you maybe?

[Pinay_ako]

Anything you haven’t used for a year or more: donate or toss or sell.
Every time you buy something, get rid of something. One in, one out. Or don’t buy any more shit you don’t need.
Think hard before purchasing anything. Do you really need it? Can you live without it? Save you money.

[misogynistic_pig]

Letting go of being a hoarder can be a challenging process, but it is possible with the right help and personal determination.

Here are some tips that can help you learn to stop being a hoarder:

Identify the problem: The first thing you should do is recognize that you have a problem with hoarding.

Reflect on your behavior and try to understand why you tend to accumulate things.

It can be helpful to keep a journal to record your thoughts and emotions.

Seek professional help: A therapist or counselor can help you understand the reasons behind your hoarding behavior and provide you with tools to overcome this tendency.

In addition, it can also be helpful to seek help from an organizing professional to help you declutter and clean your space.

Set goals: Set realistic and manageable goals to get rid of the things you have accumulated.

You can start by making a list of the things you really need and discard anything that is not essential.

You can get rid of things little by little, for example, 5 things per day.

Create a system: Once you've decided what to keep and what to discard, it's important to establish a system for keeping your space organized and clean.

You can use shelves, boxes and organizers to keep everything in its place.

Practice self-control: Once you've started getting rid of things, it's important to practice self-control so you don't re-hoard.

Try to be aware of what you are buying and whether you really need it before making a purchase.

Remember that the process of letting go of being a hoarder can be challenging, but it is possible with the right help and personal determination.

Don't hesitate to seek professional help if you feel like you can't do it on your own.

[SomeRandomGuy89]

If someone figures this out let me know.

I have a buddy that is a hoarder. The guy lost his mom at a young age is has emotional issues with throwing things away. Last year he got threatened to be removed from the building if he didn't clean shit out because of it being a fire hazard.

I offered to help but he's self-conscious about and won't let anyone inside his apartment. As far as I know, he never did solve the issue of hoarding, but he still lives in the apartment so I don't know what's going on with that.

[DizzyDesii]

You dont have to get rid of stuff. Just organize it and make it look nice

[Red-Blaze]

Step by step, get rid of atuff, when you think on getting something think about it, try it, put it back and take a day to really consider "Will I use it" stores always try to push to pulse buying becouse its how you get a lot of stuff without using them
Always slow down, there will always be anouther sale

[Anonymous]

It's your conditioning. Pterodon says it's an anxiety problem in his comment below.
I don't know if that is true but if you want to get rid of anxiety alter your conditioning.
You can go to counseling but I think that's a bit old school and slower. Just alter your conditioning, you don't need anyone else to do that.

[FreyaRed]

Take 10 things you are willing to sell on ebay or where ever. Put them on such side for price you think they are worth and wait for offers. If you get no offers you know you tend to over value those things or they are just trash.

[designer1]

Therapy. I am not trying to be funny. I thing CBT should help you identify why you do it and how to stop.

[DermalPunch]

This is related to deeper issues and past trauma. Even some co trol issues. This is a personality problem

[ThomasDavid1989]

The best thing to know how to not be a hoarder, is to make sure you have enough money to pay your bills. Meaning, if you aren't paying bills because you're still living at home with mommy and daddy, you aren't learning how to save money

[Pterodon]

Hoarding is an anxiety problem. Treat the anxiety and the hoarding will go away. It takes counseling not drugs to effectively treat it

[Lynnalove]

does hoarding things or gathering things is a way for your subconscious mind to feel safe?

[Anonymous]

I am not certified to answer this question. This is a question for your psychiatrist.

[NostalgiaSenpi]

Toss a whole bunch of that stuff. You don't need it.

[harrison102]

Yes and spend the money on a lovely holiday if you can

[Jennz6]

I need to stop saving things too

[Dnice1]

Give them to goodwill

[In_Trance]

Therapy