03/12/2025
Hoarding vs Collecting: What’s the Difference?
Collecting and hoarding are not the same — and understanding the difference helps us respond with compassion.
Collecting:
✔ Organised
✔ Enjoyable
✔ Curated with intention
✔ Items have clear value or meaning
Hoarding:
⚠ Overwhelming
⚠ Distressing
⚠ Disorganised
⚠ Spaces become unsafe or unusable
Hoarding isn’t a choice — it’s a coping strategy. Support works best when it’s gentle, steady, and person-centred.