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There is such a thing as too much 😅

We all know someone who always seems to be getting something new, but never getting rid of anything. This eventually will lead to that person having way more than they need. Some may eventually decide to purge, but many will struggle to let go and instead cling to possessions that they don't even need.

There are many reasons why humans seem to be obsessed with gathering material possessions. The most obvious is that humans have a natural instinct to want to accumulate resources as a means of survival. In the past, having access to a wide range of resources was vital for human survival, as it allowed people to withstand changes in their environment and the challenges of daily life on Earth.

The majority of the world no longer lives in scarcity. There are still some places that struggle to survive, but most are very well taken care of in comparison to history on this planet. Gone are the times of hunting and gathering and in comes the futuristic world that we currently live in where everything is easily provided.

Although we no longer have to fight so hard to survive, we still have the instinct to collect things. Human beings are often motivated to accumulate possessions because they believe it will increase their status or improve their social standing. This of course doesn't really matter, but we trick ourselves into believing that it does. For some people, material possessions may also be a source of enjoyment and provide a sense of accomplishment. Being happy is one of the most important things in life, but surely there are things that are in nature that can provide that same sense of enjoyment.

The difference between a hoarder and a collector 😵‍💫

The term "hoarding" is used to describe a pattern of behavior that involves the excessive acquisition of, and unwillingness to part with, a large number of possessions that appear to be of little or no value to others. Hoarding can become a very serious problem because it can cause significant distress and impairment in a person's daily functioning, and it can also pose significant risks to the safety and well-being of the individual and others. I'm sure you have probably heard of the tv show Hoarders, if not this will show you just how bad some people get with it.

There are several factors that can be used to determine whether or not someone is a hoarder, including the following:

The amount of clutter: Hoarders often have a massive amount of clutter that fills their living spaces and makes it difficult to use them for their intended purposes.

Difficulty discarding possessions: Hoarders may have a difficult time getting rid of their possessions, even if they are no longer needed or are taking up a lot of space. They may go as far as disowning the people who attempt to help them get rid of things.

Excessive acquisition: Hoarders may compulsively acquire new items, even if they do not have the space to store them or they do not need them. They take impulse buying to an entirely new level.

Impairment in daily functioning: Hoarding can interfere with daily activities, such as cooking, cleaning, and bathing, and it can also cause problems with social interactions and relationships.

If you are concerned that you or someone you know may be a hoarder, it is important to seek help from a mental health professional who can assess the severity of the problem and develop a treatment plan. It is not as simple as telling the person they need to purge, it can be a long process that includes many arguments and tough times.

Should you be gathering non-essential objects?

It is usually okay for people to have items that are meaningful or important to them, even if others may deem them wasteful. However, it is important to be mindful of the amount of space and resources that are being devoted to these items and to make sure that they are not causing any problems in your life or the lives of others. If collecting items starts to interfere with your daily functioning or cause problems in your relationships, it may be worth considering whether it is getting out of control.

In short, it is okay to buy things. Storing them and never using them is something you want to look closely at. Some things are sentimental, but most things are not. You may feel that something you have is irreplaceable, but we must always keep in mind that there are nearly endless amounts of things to find enjoyment from in this world.

If you feel like you have too many things and wish to let go of some, I recommend that you do so. You do not have to wait for spring cleaning to start down this path.