Looking for clues among the mess

AN avid collector usually collects specific items which have a special meaning. These unique items are frequently attended to, admired and beautifully displayed. A hoarder, unlike avid collectors, accumulates items which he or she feels will be useful in future, but ends up not using them.

There is a lack of research on the hoarding behaviour but data compiled by the American Psychological Association indicates that hoarding is largely derived from impaired decision-making or indecisiveness. Hoarding is currently considered a subtype of obsessive compulsive disorder.