Forget ‘sparking joy.’ Try factoring in personal values for easier decluttering

Editor’s Note: The views expressed in this commentary are solely those of the writer. For adults with “clinically severe” hoarding disorder, this leads to a level of household clutter that impairs daily functioning and can even create a fire hazard. Age-related changes in executive function may help explain the increase in prevalence of hoarding disorder as we get older; increasing difficulty with decision-making in general also affects decisions around household clutter. In fact, a study my team published in August 2024 with adults over 50 with hoarding disorder suggests that altruism, a personality trait of wanting to help others, may explain why some people keep items that others might discard. Where you might see a box filled with junk, your grandmother might see something filled with “toothpick holders and other treasures.” For additional resources and information on hoarding disorder, visit the International OCD Foundation website.