Thanks
to TLC’s popular TV show, many people are now aware of the mental
disorder known as hoarding. For those of you who have never seen the
show or heard the term, hoarding is defined as, “the persistent
difficulty to discard possessions because of a perceived need to save
them.”
to TLC’s popular TV show, many people are now aware of the mental
disorder known as hoarding. For those of you who have never seen the
show or heard the term, hoarding is defined as, “the persistent
difficulty to discard possessions because of a perceived need to save
them.”
Basically,
those with a hoarding mentality suffer from extreme anxiety at the
thought of getting rid of their items – regardless of their value.
After several weeks, months, and years, this leads to an excessive
accumulation of stuff, and it begins to take over their homes and
lives.
those with a hoarding mentality suffer from extreme anxiety at the
thought of getting rid of their items – regardless of their value.
After several weeks, months, and years, this leads to an excessive
accumulation of stuff, and it begins to take over their homes and
lives.
While
people find the television program entertaining and even amusing,
many don’t realize the effects that hoarding can have on a person’s
safety and health. Severe hoarding can lead to some legitimate
dangers, such as:
people find the television program entertaining and even amusing,
many don’t realize the effects that hoarding can have on a person’s
safety and health. Severe hoarding can lead to some legitimate
dangers, such as:
-
Fire hazards.
Hoarding creates fire hazards
in more ways than one; stored objects can be flammable, and the
amount of clutter can block escape routes and prevent firefighters
from finding victims.
-
Homelessness. If
the hoarding becomes too severe, the Department of Public Health or
a landlord can order the person out of the building. Shelters have
also been known to ban those whose hoarding puts others at risk.
-
Risks to Children
and Pets. In some cases,
hoarding can lead to the forfeiture of children or pets, hefty
fines, and even imprisonment. This happens when the court deems that
a home’s living conditions are unacceptable due to the mess that
hoarding has created.
-
Mold. Mold
can grow anywhere moisture is present, and exposure to it can cause
allergic reactions, headaches, nausea, and even respiratory
infections. A hoarder could have a mold problem and not even see it
due to the vast amounts of clutter.
-
Structural
Integrity. Depending on the
type of objects that are hoarded, stacking too much weight could
actually damage the structure of your home.
Do
you need a hand getting rid of your excess junk? Whether or not you
qualify as a hoarder, we could all stand to clean up our homes a
little and reclaim our space! 1-866-We-Junk-It offers junk removal
services to Long Island and New York City, including dumpster
rentals, demolition, and clean outs. Call us today for a free quote
at 866-935-8654.
you need a hand getting rid of your excess junk? Whether or not you
qualify as a hoarder, we could all stand to clean up our homes a
little and reclaim our space! 1-866-We-Junk-It offers junk removal
services to Long Island and New York City, including dumpster
rentals, demolition, and clean outs. Call us today for a free quote
at 866-935-8654.