Some people who think of themselves as compulsive buyers really have a hoarding problem. It sounds as though you may be developing a problem with hoarding behavior. Hoarding is a recognized problem that as many as 2% of the population suffers with. Compulsive saving—hoarding—is typically diagnosed when three conditions are met: first, there is an accumulation of objects that most people would consider of very limited value (newspapers, for example) or useful only in small numbers (shoes or fountain pens, for instance), and there is great difficulty in discarding them; next, the resultant clutter is severe enough that portions of the home are difficult to access or downright unusable, which you've mentioned in your e-mail. Finally, the behavior results in significant impairment or distress. If you'd describe yourself as a hoarder—or if family and friends have suggested this to you—there are several things I'd suggest.

Buried in Treasures: Help for Compulsive Acquiring, Saving, and Hoarding (Paperback)
by David F. Tolin, Randy O. Frost and, Gail Steketee

Buried in Treasures outlines a scientifically-based and effective program for helping compulsive hoarders dig their way out of the clutter and chaos of their homes. Features of this book include: Self-assessments to determine the severity of the problem, tips and tools for organizing possessions and filing paperwork, strategies for changing unhelpful beliefs about possessions, and behavioral experiments to reduce the fear of anxiety and fear of discarding.

The Compulsive Hoarding Website www.ocfoundation.org/hoarding/ could also be helpful. This website is designed to provide information and assistance to people that hoard and to their families. The definition of hoarding is on the site, as are professional articles on multiple aspects of hoarding, a Research Digest for hoarding related scientific papers, self help and support group articles, a hoarding/compulsive buying screening test, case studies, a listing of support groups, and other useful information about this medical disorder .

It's recommend that clients/families with hoarding issues seek the help of a licensed professional with specialized training in treating compulsive hoarding. A list of some of the licensed professionals is in process. If you send an e-mail, to info@stoppingovershoppping.com, when it's available, we'll send you the link.

It's wonderful that you realize that even though you're "collecting" isn't a financial problem for you, that it's creating another serious problem, and that you're looking for help. It's available!