Shopaholics Are Not Hoarders in Disguise

Posted by Deb Lee, Certified Professional Organizer®

November 23, 2009

Hoarders may sound like they are shopaholics, but while there are some similarities, there are some differences between the two. First, let’s start with what hoarding is:

“Compulsive hoarding is a common and potentially disabling problem, characterized by the accumulation of excessive clutter, to the point that parts of one’s home can no longer be used for their intended purpose.” [The Anxiety Disorders Center at the Institute of Living]

Dr. April Benson, a therapist who works with compulsive shoppers, describes a shopaholic as “one who practices chronic, repetitive purchasing that provides immediate short-term gratification, but ultimately causes harm to the individual or others.” [Interview with Stopping Overshopping Expert, Dr. April Benson]

Dr. Benson also notes that shopaholics may “use shopping as an attempt to fill an inner void, manage their feelings, repair their mood, or pursue a ‘perfect’ image.” That said, while the overshopper accumulates and buys items to feel better, the hoarder holds on to things that you and I may very easily regard as trash. Hoarders can feel that an item is extremely special – almost like a part of them – and develop an unhealthy attachment to it. The item(s) may not bring them joy at all. In fact, they may become more nervous and on edge because they are uncertain about how to manage the vast volume of things they have. In addition, they may become very distressed when faced with the decision to throw out something that they feel is valuable.

I suspect that no matter what the similarities or differences are, neither situation is easy to overcome. It must take a great deal of perseverance, patience, and courage to control the extreme desire to buy or hoard.

If you have a hoarder or an overshopper in your life, we’d love to hear your story.

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