Neat thread. I liked that link to the "crazy ebay mom". A relative's apt looks kind of like that. It has two rooms, and one is filled to the brim with boxes.
I "collect" stuff too. I'm not sure if I'm a true hoarder, or just kind of a packrat.
I mostly collect computer parts, and DVDs. Most of the DVDs and PS2 games are still unopened.
I've had a "helper" from a social services agency, come over every week for the past few years and help me organize my tiny apt. It used to be a lot worse. At least there are now pathways to each room and between the boxes.
Edit: I was given a rule - must get rid of items, before purchasing new items. I have a very hard time sticking to that rule.
These people are so mentally deranged it's a miracle not all of them are divorced and had their kids run away from them. The ones who are hoarders are bad enough but the slum dwellers are the worst, those who think that they are hoarders but in fact they are just filthy slobs who never clean the house, trash piled everywhere, infested with mold and insects.
last time I saw an episode the wife was keeping an old tv (that doesn't tune in digital channels) and her explanation for keeping it was someone somewhere could use a part in that thing someday. W T F???
...a woman who claimed she was holding hundreds of purses for her twin sister...
lot of these people grew up poor and many are depression era kids
dont forget 3 dead cats.although people living on piles of dirty adult diapers is pretty obvious
My mother is/was a hoarder. I bought her house from her, just to get her out of there. She did not have dirty things like diapers around the house, but it was getting to the point her stuff was failing (water heaters and such) and she was too embarassed to have the repair crew there from the mess. So she just let it go and probably went a few years without any hot water, etc. I'm not entirely sure how she even cleaned herself, probably wet wipes for all I know.
After purchasing it from her, I told her she has 6 months before I started work (renovating the property). She had all that time to go through it. 9 months later, she finally finished getting out the most of her important things (she went through every single item!) and while she cried, I threw the rest of it in the dumpster.
She had records and 8 tracks of music she wanted to keep, even though she could no longer buy players for (except maybe a turn table), and I told her "listen, you can download all of these from the internet, you are not losing any music, just go on itunes"... It was alot of haggling with her to get her to agree to get rid of stuff, but eventually got her past that.
Now she is in a 1 bedroom apartment and does not hoard there, and it's been about 5 years now. Mission accomplished. She's getting up there in age, I don't see her hoarding anymore, and if she starts she is likely going to end up in a nursing home or something before getting far...
I would say it is related to mental illness. While going through her multiple crying episodes. She came out and told me "Her dad didn't love her as much as her brother" (her dad died when she was in grade school) "It was probably not her real dad..." And just balling about her dad, even though its been like 50+ years since he died. Like it mattered anymore.
Based on your description, you are a hoarder.
Keep up the good work and I hope you are able to keep it in check.
MotionMan
that speaks volumes. my parents were depression kids. born in 1926 and 1927 my dad was not as bad as these shows but he was more of a pack rat. he kept a "supply" of stuff just in case he needed it. like empty cardboard boxes. the attic was full of cardboard boxes. after he passes it took me and my sister all day pulling them out and hauling them to the dump. the plus side is that he was a neat freak and kept the inside of the house spotless.
Edit: Some of the stuff is leftovers from bulk buys of components, that I sell at the MIT flea to try to make a couple extra bucks a month. Much of it is slightly obsolete, but I tend to give away the stuff that is REALLY obsolete. Like, I've given or sold cheaply all of my single-core computers, except for one that came over from my Mom's place. (But is listed in my FS thread here on AT.)
I guess I just like to have "stuff", and I get a thrill out of getting a good deal on computer hardware online or in-store clearance. But then the "stuff" has a tendency to "pile up", and I simply tend to run out of room.
I do have a storage unit too.
I followed that rule until I ended up throwing out all my winter clothes in October when I hadn't worn my snowshoes in 6 monthsHate hordering. I have a rule that if I havnt used something in 6 months it goes in the garbage/up for sale. Obviously I don't collect anything.
Being a hoarder and being ugly seems to go hand in hand, as I've yet to see one attractive looking hoarder on the show. By comparison, A&E's Intervention show has had many attractive people who are messed up on drugs and alcohol. Just an observation. But next time you watch the show, I challenge you to find a "hot" hoarder.