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These days, there seems to be quite a fascination with hoarding. I am not referring here to the casual use of the term—most of us have hoarded something now and again. I am talking about hoarding raised to a clinical level, like that which is featured in shows such as Hoarders on A&E.

Then again, if you have ever asked, “Why do I hoard things?” you know that it is all a question of degree. And if you are wondering, “How do I stop hoarding?” you probably are looking for a deeper understanding of the problem so that you can change your own behavior.

There is no one answer to what causes hoarding. Here are some possible explanations:

• OCD or other disorders: It is very common for hoarding to show up in conjunction with OCD or various other anxiety disorders, and in some situations it may be co-morbid with depression or schizophrenia. Hoarding may help to offset the discomforts associated with these conditions, but it may also contribute to worsening symptoms over time, thus creating a vicious cycle.

• Dementia: Sometimes hoarding will appear alongside Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.

• Higher levels of emotional attachment: Many people who hoard are deeply attached to the objects they collect, and feel emotionally crushed by the thought of parting with them. This isn’t just anecdotal; there is scientific research backing it up (see this Time article).

• Difficulty making decisions: Scientists have found that a part of the brain referred to as the anterior cingulate cortex is more active in hoarders when they have to decide whether to keep something or throw it away. This part of the brain is involved in decision-making, suggesting that hoarders get caught up in indecision more easily concerning their possessions.

• Isolation: Hoarders are often socially isolated in some way, and may either use their possessions as a palliative to feel more comfortable, or as a means to continue to push others away.

• Depression-era mentality: Someone who has survived a trauma of some nature, particularly one involving poverty or homelessness, may hoard out of habit. After such an experience, one may never feel safe again.

Curiously, it seems like hoarders actually have some good traits. Struggling with indecision is not a positive, but engaging deeper thought before throwing something away certainly doesn’t seem like a negative. Neither does deeper emotional attachment or value for objects in a world that tends to put things to waste.

If you do feel you are being clinically hampered by your tendency to hoard, it is wise to seek psychological help. But a little clutter isn’t a bad thing if you function well, and valuing objects is certainly better than filling landfills with unnecessary waste.

Regardless of where you stand, if you want to reduce your clutter and get more organized, this blog is a great starting point. Explore our articles for tips and ideas for transforming your home or workspace into an environment which supports your well-being and productivity.