Sunday, June 19, 2011

Stockpiling vs Hoarding

This idea came to me recently after an acquaintance tried to "slam" me for using my coupons wisely- she accused me of being a hoarder. Of course, that's because it came from a person who probably doesn't really understand the concept of stockpiling.
However, to the untrained, yes the two may seem similar- the hoarder has lots of "stuff" and the stockpiler has lots of "stuff". But it is in how & what the person buys, maintains, and the attitude towards the "stuff" that defines if they are a hoarder or a stockpiler.
Hoarders for instance are classified as having a mental disorder- they hoard because of some trauma in their past which causes them to try and fill that void within themselves by filling the "void" within their house. They buy on impulse- often wasting money, are disorganized, they may even be messy and if you take an item from them they will be devastated.
The stockpiler however is not classified as having a mental disorder. They purchase because they want to save money therefore they will buy in bulk using coupons or other discounts. Stockpilers are often very organized and maintain a stockpile that may resemble the grocery store. They buy items they need and use and often have no problems giving away items to the needy.
As a stockpiler I am insulted that someone would call me a hoarder- because I don't waste money (I don't have money to waste!!), my house isn't messy, I don't have a mental disorder, I am highly organized and I am generous with giving away items from my stockpile.
However, I also realize that there are people who would be jealous of the stockpiler's skills at acquiring much needed items because they are too dim to realize that with a little time they could become a stockpiler too...and save themselves quite a bit of money!
But does it really matter what a person calls me? When the "stuff" hits the fan, they'd wish they were a "hoarder" like me!

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