I have a theory (re: hoarding as a genetic trait)

[Duer 157099]

I was thinking about the Hoarding shows, like many of us do, and what it is that allows a person to continue on that path.

Then I had a thought: for me, it's like weight. I have a comfortable weight and pretty much no matter what I do, I stay at this approximate weight. I've been lighter and I've been heavier, but I always end up around where I am. It's my own internal homeostat, or whatever. It's not just metabolism.

Anyway, I am the same way with clutter. I seem to have a certain degree of "stuff" around me to feel comfortable. Fortunately for me, it's far less than what they show on those Hoarder shows. If it goes beyond where it is now, I suddenly have to throw a bunch of stuff away. If I were to rent a storage space and move it all there, I'd probably very quickly fill the house back up to current levels.

So, I wonder if there is a genetic component for both of those situations, and that they work on a sliding scale.

[azmouse]

1. I think hoarding is possibly genetic.

My MIL is a major league hoarder. There is barely room to move in her house.
Left to himself, my husband would be the same way... but he knows in no uncertain terms that I will not put up with it so he keeps his messes to a minimum.

[HipChick]

2. Maybe it plays into factors..for me

if I let my environment get into clutter status..it starts making me uncomfortable,then depressed...than I HAVE to sort it out..