Are You a Hoarder? 4 Key Signs.

Are you a Hoarder? Here are 4 Common Signs of a Hoarder

1.)  Forming emotional attachments to inanimate objects:  some things do carry a lot of emotional sentiment: family albums and sweet cards from someone very special are a few examples.  However, it is not these objects which we love, but the people or places they remind us of.  And those people and places can always be found in our memory and heart.  So even if we lose the items, we cannot lose the precious feelings they represent, which are kept inside of us.

2.)  Being afraid to “waste” something:  if you find something that seems beautiful or useful to you but you can’t find a spot for showing its beauty or usefulness, then get rid of something less lovely or useful.  Simply tossing a beautiful item into a pile either wrapped-up carefully or not, takes away from its beauty or usefulness since no one can see it!  If it isn’t your grandmother’s treasured fine china from a century ago, donate your lovely item so that it can be displayed deservingly somewhere.

3.)  Unrealistic expectations of perfectionism:  if you just can’t seem to start tackling any cleanup, organization or filing project, check for unhealthy expectations of perfection.  Doing something about a problem, no matter how imperfect at first, will help move the project closer to completion. Shoot for making it good enough to serve the purpose you need. 

4.)  Memory and/or attention issues:  when a new event interrupts your current activities, do you automatically drop what you’re working on, leaving everything in the middle of progress, and move right on to the next problem?  Studies show that healthy attention and memory are important in helping people quickly asses which activities need their time and energy, which objects will be a true asset to them, and which will simply clutter their space.

Severe hoarding is often a surface symptom of much deeper psychological turmoil.  If you feel your collecting has become too compulsive and the items aren’t related enough for a collection, meet with a professional to help you sort through your thoughts, feelings and attachments.

Supportive Services of Oregon “Moving & Hauling” has been serving the greater Portland Metro Area for over 10 years and has experience working with hoarders and social service agencies.  Give us a call today  - we are your local Trusted & Friendly Movers. 


KeyWords: Social Service movers, hoarding, moving company, portland oregon, signs of a hoarder, packing and unpacking services affordable moving. 

Moving? Here are some helpful tips to improve your moving experience - Before, During, & After!

Moving? Hear are some Helpful Tips to Improve Your Moving Experience - Before, During, & After!

Before Your Move:

• It helps tremendously to begin packing a few months before: Start with items stored away in the garage such as off season things, housing decorations, and any items that aren't used on a daily or weekly basis. 
• Organize the office or important documents beforehand and know where they are. 
• Make sure to call your cable and utility companies to let them know you are moving!
• You can ask for free boxes at places like Home Depot or Lowes, and some local stores.
• Research moving companies that can help you load and unload heavy furniture and boxes:  Licensed and Insured Supportive Services of Oregon, Inc.  even offers pack and unpack services!

During Your Move:

• Wear plenty of deodorant and have an ample supply of boxes, packing tape and other essentials like bubble wrap.  
• Stay focused and don’t get distracted or carried away with non-important tasks (eh-hem..Facebook, Pinterest, & Instagram!)
• Take 10 minute breaks occasionally to get re-focused, stay hydrated and snack throughout.  
• Keep a donation pile for any items you aren’t crazy about anymore. (Find a local charity organization as opposed to a larger one that just profits off your items!)
• Make sure any bills that need to be paid online are caught up, since you may be without internet for a few weeks. 

After Your Move:  

• More help means a faster move-in.  Get your friends and family together to lend a hand and get it done quickly.  
• Clearly labeled boxes showing which room things go in are an efficient way to get everything where it belongs.  
• If you feel you don’t have enough help, let the friendly movers of Supportive Services of Oregon, Inc. "Moving & Hauling" help save you much discomfort, and get you settled in your new place with time to spare.