10 Signs you might be a hoarder

In this post, we’re going over some subtle, and not so subtle signs that you might be a hoarder.

I’ll be the first to admit it: the TV show Hoarders has always been a guilty pleasure of mine. There’s just something so satisfying about watching a home go from total chaos to clean and organized. But while it makes for great TV, it also raises a lot of questions. Like… Has this person always been like that? Or when did it go from being a little cluttered to a full-blown hoarder’s nest?

That’s what I want to dig into today. Because the truth is, hoarding doesn’t happen overnight. It sneaks up on you. And if any of these signs sound like you, just be mindful. The goal isn’t to shame, but to raise awareness so you don’t end up needing a whole film crew to come clean out your living room.

Plus, did you know 90% of hoarders relapse? That’s a huge number. So let’s talk about some of the reasons why that happens and how you can avoid going down that path altogether.

1. You have a section of your home dedicated to keeping clutter

Look, we all have that one chair. You know the one the “clothes chair” that ends up holding your entire wardrobe. Or maybe you have a drawer, closet, or even a whole room where you toss everything you don’t feel like dealing with.

If you notice these clutter zones becoming permanent, that’s a red flag. These little “dumping grounds” tend to grow over time. Before you know it, that chair turns into a mountain of laundry, or that closet becomes the Bermuda Triangle of forgotten items.

Try setting aside time ,maybe once a week or even monthly to tackle those cluttered corners. A 10-minute tidy can go a long way.

2. You have a hard time throwing things out

We all get attached to stuff! it’s totally normal, But if you’re finding it almost impossible to part with things you no longer use, it might be time to reevaluate.

Take my closet, for example. I know for a fact that there are clothes in there I haven’t worn in years (and probably won’t ever fit again if we’re being honest). But I keep telling myself I’ll sort through it “soon.” Spoiler alert: soon never comes.

If this sounds like you, try a method like the “one in, one out” rule. For every new item you bring in, get rid of something old. It helps maintain balance and keeps you from drowning in stuff.

3. You hold on to stuff you “ might” need(but probably won’t0

I used to do this all the time. I’d keep things “just in case,” thinking I might need them down the line. But that day never comes.

My mom is a perfect example. She has an entire drawer of old phone chargers, some dating back to her first prehistoric Nokia. I’m talking flip phone-era Samsung chargers that no longer fit anything in the house. And even if they did work, who’s still using those devices?

It’s okay to be prepared, but there’s a fine line between preparedness and pointless accumulation. Ask yourself: “When was the last time I used this?” If the answer is never, let it go!

4. You get emotionally attached to things

It’s totally normal to feel sentimental about certain items. A childhood teddy bear? Sure. A wedding dress? Absolutely. But if the idea of throwing anything away makes you feel anxious or upset, that’s worth paying attention to.

I’ve seen this a lot with parents, especially when their kids start growing up. Baby clothes, toys, school projects… it’s hard to let those go. But remember, the memories aren’t in the objects. They’re in you.

Try taking a photo of sentimental items you’re ready to part with. That way, you still have the memory without the physical clutter.

5. You excessively buy things

Look, I love a good sale just as much as the next girl. But if you find yourself buying things you don’t really need, (especially in bulk) then you might be slipping into hoarder territory.

We’ve all seen those TikToks where someone buys the same bag in five different colors from Target “just because.” And then? They use maybe one or two. The rest just sit there, taking up space.

Next time you feel the urge to impulse shop, ask yourself: Do I need this? Or am I just excited by the idea of buying something new? A little pause can save you a lot of clutter (and money).

6. You save things most people would throw away

Don’t get me wrong, I’m a big fan of reusing stuff. I’ve turned peanut butter jars into seed storage and made planters out of old cans. I love a good DIY moment. But there’s a difference between being resourceful and keeping trash.

If you’ve got a stash of plastic containers, old boxes, or random packaging “just in case,” take a step back. Are you really going to use them all? Or are they just taking up space?

Being eco-conscious is great. But clutter is still clutter, especially if those items never actually get reused.

7. You have trouble keeping things organized

If you’re constantly misplacing your keys, digging through piles to find your wallet, or forgetting where you put things, it might be more than just disorganization, it could be a sign of hoarding habits.

When there’s too much stuff and no clear system in place, your space stops functioning. It becomes stressful. Even dangerous. So if you notice that you’re always losing things, it might be time to declutter and create a system that works.

8. You avoid cleaning because you don’t know where to start

When things get too messy, cleaning can feel overwhelming. You walk into a room, see the chaos, and think, Nope. Not today.

But that avoidance only makes it worse. The more you put it off, the harder it gets.

Start small. One drawer. One corner. Set a timer for 15 minutes and just start. Progress beats perfection every time.

9. You feel anxious or distressed when throwing things away

This is a big one. If the thought of tossing something, (no matter how small) gives you anxiety, it might be time to dig deeper. Hoarding isn’t just a physical issue. There’s often an emotional or psychological component, too.

That’s why on the show Hoarders, most participants also receive therapy. It’s not just about cleaning up the mess, it’s about understanding the why behind the behavior. And sometimes, we all need a little help working through that.

10. You avoid having people over

I know it’s hard to feel comfortable inviting people over when your space feels out of control. A little mess is totally normal. But if your clutter is causing you to shut people out or feel embarrassed about your home, it’s time to take action.

Isolation can make hoarding worse. The less connected you feel to people, the more attached you might become to your things. So open the blinds. Let in the light. And maybe even invite a friend over to help you get started.

I know we all do some of the things I mentioned above from time to time. You’re not alone, and this isn’t about judgment. It’s just a little reminder to be mindful. Keep an eye on those habits before they grow into something harder to handle.