Almost all of my organizing clients are familiar with the TV show “Hoarders”. Several of them have referred to themselves as hoarders. The reality is that none of my clients (so far) are at the level of despair and unsanitary conditions that often accompany a true hoarding situation. My client simply feels bad about the fact that they have allowed themselves to become overwhelmed with disorganization to the point needing outside help. So what is the difference between a hoarder, someone who is chronically disorganized and someone who is a pack rat?
Here are a couple of articles that have been written on the topic that will help you understand the differences:
“Do you have Chronic Disorganization, Clinical Hoarding or are you just a ‘pack rat’?” by Dr. Christina Villarreal, Clinical Psychologist
“The Difference Between Chronic Disorganization and Hoarding” by Karin Fried, CPC