Try to sort through the products in your home and think about the last time you looked at it or used it – has it been longer than five months? If it has been, chances are you don’t really need it. This process may be difficult at first, but once you start to stick to a routine of getting rid of things you haven’t used in a long time, you can start to make space for things you really need and keep your things in a better and more organised order.
If you surround yourself with supportive people, such as friends or family, you’ll feel better about tackling your problem head on. Isolating yourself can make the issue worse, so try to speak to others about your compulsion and you will find that it will help when it comes to dealing with it. If you don’t feel like you have anyone close by you can speak to, try contacting a local support group who may be able to offer advice.
You should consider the value of where you live, not just the items you’re filling it with. The things you buy may have cost you money, but so does where you live and that holds a value as well. By keeping yourself busy with other activities and hobbies, you’ll find you’re less preoccupied with hoarding or your OCD. This, alongside educating yourself on the condition, will help you to treat it more effectively.