What are some underlying psychological reasons that cause people to accumulate clutter in their homes,cars,etc

Answer 1

Hoarding is a sign of OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder).
Hoarding is defined as the acquisition of, and inability to discard worthless items even though they appear (to others) to have no value. Hoarding behaviors can occur in a variety of psychiatric disorders and in the normal population, but are most commonly found in people with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).

Answer 2

First, look at what all that clutter represents in the person's life; a barrier. These persons hoard for security reasons. They feel their lives are empty, so they fill that void with things. Things don't judge, ridicule or threaten their existence. This barrier also keeps other people from coming too close, for the same reasons. And, the hoarder, therefore, feels safe. Those who collect things don't collect friends.

Answer 3

As a fellow hoarder, I know the deep down problem to this...The reason that I keep things is because I feel like less of a person if I didn't have it. For example, I keep magazines, books, and articles that I like, around forever. Because I would feel like less of a person if I didn't know or forgot that information. It all boils down to self-esteem and trying to validate yourself in the world. For possessions, the reason you hoard could be due to sentimental attatchment or cherished memories that you don't want to forget. Or memories that you may want to re-live. I even do this with clothes. I havn't thrown out my old concert T-Shirts because it reminds me of a good time I once had. So, a lot of it is sentimental attatchment also...Of course, some people may be born slobs and lazy and don't want to deal with things that don't bother them.

Answer 4

I just read a short article about "messes" in the magazine "body & soul" they were talking about a book called "A Perfect Mess: The Hidden Benefits of Disorder". They were saying that disorder in moderation can actually be beneficial. It can improve efficiency, boost creativity, reduce anxiety, and increase resiliency. They also state that the world is a messy place, and our efforts to neaten it up often go to waste.

Now, having said all that...I will admit that I can't cook unless my kitchen is in order. I can't be creative unless I clean and organize my art desk. I can't stop complaining to my kids about their rooms when they are a mess. I wish I can appreciate the said benefits of a mess but I can't.

Answer 5

Overlying reason for me: I dont care if the car is a mess

Underlying reason: I dont care if the car is a mess

Answer 6

Laziness, depression, or some people just like to collect things..

Answer 7

The are trying to fill a void in their lives.

Answer 8

Hmmm... this applies to my car... but my office is clean.

I put it down to busy schedule.

Answer 9

In my case, it may be laziness. I am not motivated to clear it out.

Answer 10

i do it because i want to do other things more at the time. when i do clean up i throw everything out. i guess that makes me, pretty cool person.