OCD Help: When Hoarding Becomes an Issue

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) manifests in various ways, from commonly known rituals of excessive hand washing or repeatedly checking locks to more subtle, less recognized behaviors.

One common symptom of OCD that is often overlooked is hoarding. Hoarding can be a significant and debilitating symptom of the disorder. People with hoarding tendencies experience intense anxiety and distress at the thought of discarding items, leading to the accumulation of possessions, often in a way that disrupts daily life.

Hoarding as a symptom of OCD differs from compulsive hoarding disorder, which is a separate condition. In OCD-related hoarding, the behavior is usually linked to obsessions, such as fears of losing important information or items that might be needed in the future. This compulsion to hoard is an attempt to alleviate the distress caused by these obsessions.

Despite the seriousness, hoarding related to OCD is not as widely recognized or discussed as other symptoms of this disorder. This can lead to delayed diagnosis and treatment, which can make the behavior more challenging to manage over time. Recognizing your hoarding tendencies before it becomes extreme can help protect your household from accumulating excessive items.

Living with hoarding can be challenging, but there are some strategies that can help. Below are a few ways to begin managing hoarding.

Managing Hoarding

Starting small can make the overwhelming task of decluttering more manageable. If you see your possessions accumulating or notice a tendency to hold on to items unnecessarily, or if you have already accumulated an overwhelming amount of clutter, it’s not too late to act.

Find a non-hoarding hero Consider finding someone you trust who doesn’t have hoarding tendencies to help you decide what to keep and what to throw away.

Ask the right questions Ask yourself three key questions: Do I want to keep it? Do I want to sell it? Do I want to donate it?

Help others When you realize that letting go of items might help someone else, it may become easier to part with them.

Recognize hoarding as an OCD symptom Hoarding is often not rational and addressing it early as an OCD symptom can take some of the guilt that often surrounds hoarding away.

Practical Ways to Start Decluttering

When you’re ready to dive into decluttering, here are some things that can help.

Empty the space Start by emptying the space you want to declutter. This allows you to see the area differently and identify what isn’t working, helping you to optimize the layout and use the space more effectively.

Get the right supplies Have a few basic items on hand to make the process smoother such as heavy, dark garbage bags for trash and clear bags for donations. Also, have boxes and paper for fragile items and label them for donations.

Take before and after photos Take photos of your space before you declutter. You might want a reminder of what the area looked like before you started decluttering. Seeing your progress will allow you to celebrate small victories along the way.

Set small goals Begin by discarding one item per day. This step can make a significant difference over time.

Discard trash If you are having a difficult time decluttering, start with obvious trash, such as expired food and medicine, old food containers, junk mail, and shoes that don’t fit.

Time-limited tasks Tidy a specific area within a set time, like the duration of a song. This will make the task feel less daunting.

Create a plan Allocate specific times for decluttering and stick to your plan for where items should go, such as the donation box or trash. This helps prevent procrastination.

Take photos of your possessions If you feel an attachment to an item that holds some sentimental value, but has no real practical purpose, consider taking a photo of the item. This works especially well for old letters that can deteriorate over time and bulky items that are hard to store.

Create a possessions purgatory If you’re struggling to let go of certain items, place them in a temporary holding area, like a box or storage room, away from your living space. After a set time, revisit these items. If you haven’t thought about them during the waiting period, it’s a sign that you may not need them.

Dealing with Difficult Emotions

Hoarding can trigger strong emotions, making it harder to declutter. Here are some ways to cope:

Talk about your feelings Open up to someone you trust. This can provide emotional relief and clarity.

Seek peer support Connect with others who share similar experiences. Peer support groups or forums can offer encouragement and understanding

Keep a diary Document your feelings and hoarding behaviors to identify triggers and patterns. This self-reflection can lead to better management strategies.

Relax Find ways to relax that don’t involve acquiring items. Activities like prayer, reading, or spending time in nature can reduce stress and not add to your hoard.

Practice self-care Focus on getting enough sleep, staying active, and maintaining overall well-being. Taking care of your physical health can improve your mental health.

Seek professional help If you need additional support, contact a professional therapist to help you manage your OCD and give you specific recommendations for your hoarding tendencies.

Ensuring Safety

Hoarding can create safety risks in your home, such as increased fire hazards. It can also put you in harm’s way when you’re attempting to clean. Here are a few things to consider.

Fire Safety Checks Contact your local fire service for a safety assessment. They may help you identify and address potential hazards.

Safety Equipment Depending on the severity of your hoard, you may want to use safety equipment before attempting to clean the area. Use gloves, face masks, and wear boots when cleaning a large hoard.

Health Department Contact your local health department for additional support and information regarding the safety of your home.

Helping Others Understand

Disagreements with friends, family, and officials about your hoarding can be distressing. Others need to understand some fundamental truths about hoarding.

Avoid cleaning without permission While it may be tempting to clean up a loved one’s space, doing so without their permission can cause severe emotional distress and worsen the feelings and behaviors associated with hoarding.

Acknowledge progress Help others recognize the progress you’ve made by sharing resources and having open conversations.

Know your rights If officials challenge your rights, seek legal advice or information regarding housing or mental health.

What does the Bible say?

One thing you can count on is that even when you feel that no one understands you, God does. He knows the innermost workings of your heart and mind and loves you unconditionally. Here are a few other truths to dwell on when your hoarding tendencies seem overwhelming.

Stewardship of God’s Gifts Everything we have is a gift from God, and we are called to be good stewards of those gifts. In 1 Timothy 6:7, it says, “For we brought nothing into this world, and we can take nothing out of it.” Don’t focus on accumulating possessions but on using what you have to honor God and serve others.

Contentment in God Hoarding often stems from a fear of lacking something in the future. Philippians 4:11-12 teaches us to be content in every situation. “I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need and I know what it is to have plenty.” Trusting in God’s provision can help alleviate the anxiety that drives hoarding behaviors.

Generosity as a Virtue The Bible calls us to be generous and to share with those in need. Proverbs 11:24-25 says, “One person gives freely, yet gains even more. Another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty. A generous person will prosper, whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.” Letting go of items and donating them to others can be an act of faith demonstrating trust in God’s provision and love.

You can overcome hoarding

When struggling with hoarding, it’s important to seek God’s help through prayer. It’s also important to seek professional help through a Christian counselor who can help you manage your hoarding tendencies and give you specific advice for your unique situation. Through consistent work, you can overcome your hoarding tendencies and live a life free of clutter.

To meet with a Christian counselor to overcome hoarding due to OCD, contact our office today.