Pack-Rat Syndrome: Reduce Your Clutter by Understanding What Causes It

Hoard-and-clutter syndrome (aka: "pack-rat syndrome") is a very real affliction that has confounded many researchers for years. While collecting is a perfectly normal behavior and is common among all mammals, it gets out of hand for some humans. And, when it becomes abnormal and starts disrupting your life, it's time to get help.

Understanding Hoard-and-Clutter Syndrome

Some experts believe that individuals who hoard items usually do so after an accident resulting in brain injury or as an outcropping of obsessive-compulsive disorder, schizophrenia, Tourette's syndrome, and certain dementias. However, many so-called "hoarders" just cling to items much longer than necessary. Sometimes, we simply have trouble letting go of things because we envision a future use or need.

For instance, hoarding old magazines and newspapers may come from the belief that, eventually, you'll read all of the articles inside. Retaining old work files and correspondence may come from the need to have a historical paper trail. Whatever the motivation, it's important to begin analyzing your behavior in order to keep it from getting out of hand.

Everyday Mess and Clutter

According to Sandra Felton, the founder of Messies Anonymous, "Change comes when the pain of living in clutter is greater than the pain of change." Fortunately, if what you're experiencing isn't an extreme case of pack-rat syndrome - just a messy and cluttered work and/or home space - there is hope. But, in order to take control of your issues, you must first understand them.

Sometimes, people are unable to rid themselves of belongings because they're unsure if they're making the right decision. It's the proverbial problem of feeling like you'll need the items one day. However, "one day" never comes. So, do you often second guess yourself about getting rid of things? Here's a good rule of thumb: If you haven't used something in more than a year, chances are that you can live without it.

Also, if one of your favorite excuses for not de-cluttering is a lack of time, remember that it's in your best interest - mentally and physically - to eliminate the clutter before it becomes a bigger problem. To do this, divide each item into one of three groups: things to keep, things to store, and things to throw away. Items you want to keep need to be neatly organized in filing cabinets, cupboards and shelving. The objects you decide to store can be locked away in storage somewhere. And, the items you choose to throw out can be donated to charity, recycled or trashed.

However, once you have de-cluttered, you're still not in the clear. You must also make a commitment going forward to keep your hoarding tendencies in check. Consider the "one-in/one-out" rule: For every new item you keep, you must eliminate an older one. This simple productivity tool may help reduce clutter from piling up.

In addition, if you have a difficult time letting things go, there are several good books on clutter, hoarding, disorganization and how to improve your situation. Organization coach Ariane Benefit personally recommends Karen Kingston's Clear Your Clutter with Feng Shui and Fugen Neziroglu's Overcoming Compulsive Hoarding: Why You Save & How You Can Stop.