If so, you may be living with a packrat (unless you’re the one who’s the rat!)…and they are often exasperating housemates. A packrat’s "collections" tend to migrate into your space and make everything look chaotic and cramped.
Not all packrats are created equal – and there’s a big difference between a packrat and compulsive hoarder. The latter is a fairly serious physiological condition where the afflicted individual is unable to throw away almost anything; these folks need professional help, as this condition often progresses with age.
Let’s talk about the typical, everyday packrat. You know the type: the person who has many collections, or who finds every reason under the sun for hanging onto things (sentimental value, perceived monetary value, that piece of clothing that hasn't fit in five years but may again "someday.")
Most packrats don't see any sense in throwing or giving something away when it’s still "perfectly useful." Even when they have two or more of the same thing.
Here are three tips for preserving your sanity, your friendship or your relationship, no matter where the clutter falls.
1. Don't Lose Your Cool
After the fifth straight morning of
losing your keys in a heap of stuff, you may have a strong inkling to get out
the trash bags and call Goodwill. It's
important that you resist the urge to purge; remember, this stuff isn’t
yours! There may be a fond memory
attached to the pile of shopping bags in the corner of the kitchen. Okay,
probably not. But just because you don't see the logic in keeping that stuff
doesn't give you the right to throw it out.
In this situation, it's best
to talk to the packrat directly. Learn
if he or she is collecting for a purpose or merely forgetting (or not wanting)
to purge.
If you’re on the other side of this coin and find your stuff disappearing, try to be very clear about what it is you really need. Do you need to keep six bags of rubber bands? Difficult as it may be, try to be as objective as possible when sorting through your stuff. Even getting rid of a few things could significantly help the way the nest looks and feels.
2. Encourage Organization
Many packrats are serial collectors
– from DVD sets to Elvis shrines. If
you’re the unlucky person living with a compulsive collector, organization can be a lifesaver.
This is a great way for the person to assess what he or she needs and what they
don't. (It's likely that they won't find anything they want to throw away, but
the task is well worth the effort anyhow.) Also encourage your favorite pack
rat to organize their closet space.
Today there are entire stores
dedicated solely to home organization, so check them out. More than likely
there are storage solutions you haven't even heard of, so get out and find ideas!
Employing a little organization will maintain the collection as well as your
sanity.
3. Draw Borders
When worse comes to worst, you
may have to start drawing lines in the sand.
If the mess cannot be contained, diminished or organized, you may need
to delegate a packrat room or space. Allow the packrat to keep said possessions
in this one place. You may not be crazy about the idea of enabling packrat tendencies,
but this may be the only way to keep your home from becoming overwhelmed with
stuff.
And if you are the packrat,
try to keep your stuff in this dedicated place! You'll be doing your home and
your mate's sanity a favor.
Packrats and purgers often clash when they cohabitate, and if you’re living in such a situation it's important to try and see the other side. Most of us either have a purge or packrat side that can be difficult for our roommates to understand. Remember to keep a healthy attitude and an open mind when communicating with your partner. Solutions and compromises can be met with a little innovation, effort and inspiration!
For more step-by-step how-to’s and great project ideas, please visit us at www.BeJane.com
