Hoarding and clutter are often misconstrued to be the same. However, this cannot be farther from the truth. Hoarding is a mental health disorder that can reach unlivable levels needing intervention.

However, you can manage clutter by making time to clean the home. You can use both clutter and hoarding to help manage the mess. But with hoarding, mental health support is a necessity.

One of the areas, where we’re likely to see a lot of clutter is among book lovers.

Bookworms tend to collect books, some of which they may never read. It is worth exploring when this book clutter can turn into book hoarding. After all, the last thing a bookworm wants to see are books destroyed. Which is what will happen if you leave the clutter unaddressed.

So we’re going to look at the key differences between book clutter and hoarding. As we go on, we’ll also find out how clutter cleanup services can help.

How Book Clutter Begins

Bookworms naturally feel an undeniable attraction to books. It is all about the different worlds, mysteries, and amazing stories that are hidden in them. While it is true that you get the same effect in a Kindle or an e-book, bookworms might disagree.

There’s something about the feeling of a good book between your fingers. A soft copy of a book simply cannot replace the feel of turning pages or placing a bookmark when you’re done. Not to mention, the smell of a new book is amazing enough to be a scented candle.

However, there’s no reason such a love for books should lead one to hoard them. There are many reasons why a simple love for books might lead to hoarding and eventually clutter. Here are some examples of what might cause this:

Buying different versions of the same book. True, a good book will never leave your mind. And that leads to buying different copies, hard copies, and more. This is especially true for classics as they are often rereleased by different publications with different covers. While this may seem harmless at first, you will soon run out of space for books.
Buying books anytime you’re able. This means a visit to a book fair, a bookstore, or on vacation. Eventually, this is bound to add up.
Not getting rid of books. Another issue that adds to the clutter is not getting rid of books. Bookworms are often averse to giving away books, even the ones they don’t like.

Likewise, with small things, a habit of book hoarding begins. It always starts as a clutter and eventually leads to hoarding. However, this may not always be the case. With that in mind, let’s explore what book clutter is.

Book Clutter

When you’re helping hoarders clean, it is necessary to know you’re on the right track. Sure, someone with book clutter might appreciate clutter and hoarding help but they don’t need it. So first let’s rule clutter out of the way. Here are some signs of a clutter:

Someone with book clutter may have books in various areas of their house. This set of books may go beyond their bookshelves. Consider, books on the side table, coffee table, and even on the floor.
This collection of books may also be disorganised but that does not equate to hoarding. Their clutter also may not impede their daily lives in any way.
Some also collect books as a hobby. You can notice this by the type of books they collect. They will often be special editions, beautiful hardcovers, limited editions, etc.
To maintain their collection, they may give away those of less value.
In addition to the above, they also might occasionally organize, go through, and clean up their books. They may benefit from clutter cleanup services but not to the extent of a hoarder.

In short, one of the key factors to look out for is their quality of living. If their clutter impacts their daily life or blocks an area of their home for long periods, then it is probably hoarding. You should know this difference if you’re helping hoarders clean.

Book Hoarding

When entering a hoarder’s house, it is often quite obvious that they require clutter and hoarding help. However, it is best to assess the situation before judging. Here are signs you should look out for:

Their possessions may make one or more areas of their home unlivable. This might be due to excess or due to deterioration.
They don’t organize or keep their possessions in good order. It is also likely that they never organize or even consider organizing their belongings.
Furthermore, hoarders often have difficulty letting go of any possessions at all. This could arise from trauma, grief, or loss. Nevertheless, it is a sign of hoarding.

In case of doubts, one can always call in clutter cleanup services to assess the situation. They will take stock of the home and the books and let you know whether it is a simple case of clutter or an issue of hoarding.

Conclusion

Hoarding is a mental health disorder that requires help from a mental health professional and cleanup services. Clutter, while not a major issue, can still be a cause for stress. It can also be overwhelming thus making one put off cleaning it up. The first step to helping hoarders clean is to speak to them and make sure they’re on the same page. Then one can work with a professional and start the journey to better health.

For assessments and cleaning help, get in touch with LifeCycle Transitions. With our empathetic team, we’re here to help you transition your home back to its beautiful state.

FAQs

What is the difference between book clutter and book hoarding?

While it may be stressful, clutter is often cleanable with a little time. Furthermore, clutter is often just an additional mess and allows one to move through their daily life with ease. Hoarding, on the other hand, can deteriorate the quality of living and space of living. One might need Clutter and Hoarding Help to get the home back in order.

How to clean a home cluttered with books?

Start organizing the books and give away those you have read or won’t be reading. Get Clutter Cleanup Services if the mess is overwhelming.

How to convince a hoarder to get help?

The first step is to empathize and help them see the situation for what it is. Then, gently nudge them towards getting help. It is necessary to exercise patience while dealing with a hoarder. Keep in mind throughout that they have an emotional attachment to their belongings.