We’re still very much in the season of ‘out with the old, in with the new’.

It’s the time of year many people don’t just want to rid themselves of unwanted habits, but often they want to get shut of unwanted clutter around the home too.

The start of a new year is a symbolic time for people to make changes and set new goals, getting rid of old items can be a way to physically mark the start of a new chapter in one's life.

For many people, this is quite mentally stimulating, and they frequently feel better in themselves once they have had a new year clear out, but for others, it can be a challenge.

Some people tend to hoard things and find it impossible to let go of stuff they have acquired over the years. For some, this can reach a point where it is detrimental to their mental and physical health and well-being.

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Here are a few reasons why:

1. Emotional attachment

Some people may hoard items because they have an emotional attachment to them. They may associate the items with positive memories or experiences and may feel a sense of comfort from holding onto them.

2. Sentimental value

Some people may hoard items because they have sentimental value.

They may feel that the items represent a part of their identity or history and may have difficulty letting them go, possibly even holding on to pass on to future generations.

3. Fear of losing important items

Some people may hoard items because they fear losing something important. They may have a hard time organising and sorting through their possessions and may worry that they will throw away something important by mistake.

4. Difficulty making decisions

Some people may hoard items because they have difficulty making decisions or getting organised.

Many people who hoard reach the point where they feel overwhelmed just by the thought of making a start on sorting, leaving things to mount up further, just adding to the problem.

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If any of the above apply to you, then ‘reframing’ the way you think about having that clear-out may be helpful.

A good way to make a start is to think about how someone else could benefit from the things you no longer need.

Can they be given to a charity shop? Can you give things away to family and friends who may have a use for some of your excess items?

You’ll find plenty of local groups on Facebook where you can donate things you no longer need, but other people might be able to make good use of them.

Helping others whilst helping ourselves in the process can be incredibly beneficial to our sense of mental well-being and make us feel good.

It can also help us feel more connected and develop a better sense of community, which can only be a good thing.

Next week I am going to be taking a look at adult attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and how this affects people.

Please remember if you feel you are in any kind of mental health crisis, contact your GP, go to A&E or call the Samaritans on 116 123.