Pack Rat Day
If you or someone you know is a person who collects everything under the sun and just can't seem to throw anything away, go grab your garbage can. May 17 is Pack Rat Day, an annual "holiday" that shines the spotlight on pack rats. If your closets or drawers are bursting at the seems with stuff, it's time to get organized and clean out that clutter!
If you've ever watched the television series, "Hoarders", it is easy to see how hoarding can get completely out of control. The idea of throwing anything away, can cause significant emotional distress to a compulsive hoarder.
While many of us may save leftover wrapping paper, clothes that no longer fit or products we've never used "just in case" or for that rainy day that never comes, an excessive accumulation of clutter can result in unsafe and unlivable living conditions. Not only is all that clutter a potential fire risk, the clutter may lead to pest infestations and/or mold which can lead to serious health problems.
It is estimated that nearly 2 million Americans are compulsive hoarders, a condition many experts believe may be related to a type of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Compulsive hoarders are not lazy, crazy or disorganized. The syndrome may be related to "distinct brain abnormalities that will not improve without treatment." Without treatment, compulsive hoarding typically worsens over time. Compulsive hoarding may also run in families.
Today is also National Mushroom Hunting Day.