Hoarding is a behavioral pattern characterized by the excessive acquisition of and inability to discard large quantities of objects that cover the living areas of a home and cause significant distress or impairment.
Compulsive hoarding behavior has been associated with health risks, economic burdens, and adverse effects on personal relationships. When clinically significant enough to impair functioning, hoarding can prevent typical uses of space so as to limit basic daily activities like moving through the home, eating, and sleeping. It can also put people at risk due to increased risks of injury, fire, and disease.