Stockpiling vs hoarding

Why would anyone purchase items to stockpile if it's things they (or family members) don't use and never plan on using? I had an aunt that did this and when she had to go to a nursing home she had things in her freezer and storage building that were way, way out of date and most of it was stuff they would have never used in the first place. I've also seen people that purchase (for example) 30 bottles of body wash...it's a brand they don't use and don't plan on using. I guess some people feel like they need to purchase things just because it's on sale or something...I don't know...lol.

[TheWoman]

Some people are compulsive hoarders. This is particularly true with older people who have lived through the great depression. My grandparents were like that, and when they died they filled 3 giant dumpsters full of junk--and that was just the stuff no one wanted and was not good enough to give to charity.

The body wash may be different. It lasts a long time. Most of the people here who talk about stockpiling are not brand loyal--they will use it eventually, when they run out of the stuff they like better. If not, maybe they made money on the deal and plan to donate it eventually or use it to refill handsoap dispensers. Or maybe they have a dh like mine who believes that the more soap you use the cleaner you get!

Or maybe it is just the thrill of the hunt.

[MrsPinecone]

No, I don't buy stuff we won't use. That's not stockpiling, it's hoarding. Big difference.

[faeryedark]

I agree,if I can get something for free and we know we won't use it, it goes to donation or friends, or for gift baskets.

[mmb1996]

It is absolutely free or I make money on it I will buy it, why not. If I can't find a use for it I will just stick it in the big boxes they have around here at grocery stores for items for the needy. I have taken free items I have gotten at other stores and bring them to the stores that have these boxes. The only thing I am brand loyal to is ketchup (heinz) and beer (coors light). Everything else I have my favorites but can make do with others.

Anytime I can get something for free (or super cheap) I usually scoop it up! I love getting a deal! If it is a food item we will not use I donate it to the food pantry. All other items I donate to the homeless shelter. There is nothing better than blessing others with your thriftiness!

[mrsjschultz]

Some pp also sell their stockpiles of free/super-cheap items at their yard sales...

[TheyCallMeMom]

If its a money maker or free I will usally buy it.. like the purell.. we dont use it but the animal shelter does.. so its a win win..

but If it will go bad, I dont buy.. I dont sell the stuff after I get it.. I feel dishonest.. its like negative coupon karma..

[meeakit]

I DO IT SOMETIMES BUT SOMETIMES FAMILY CAN USE IT OR DH GIVES AT WORK AND YOU CAN MAKE CHISTMAS BASKETS AND PUT THEM AT NEIGHBORS DOORS!!!!

[uummm]

I know to some "outsiders" out there think I am nuts. Why do I have so much stuff?

At times I think this too.

I have been struggling with whether or not I MAY have a problem or something. My sister saw my room where I used to keep my stuff (I way outgrew that room) and called me a "HOARDER". I have watched Dr Phil and Oprah and they show hoarders and I didn't feel as though that was me. Just yesterday I was watching Dr Phil where they had this husband and wife on and she had 15 COACH purses and when he said something about getting rid of some (I mean come on, 15!) she just got this look on her face like he was trying to take her baby away (the topic wasn't hoarding either it was excessive shopping). I have absolutely NO problem giving my stuff way or selling it IF I HAD TAKERS! But I don't have anyone that wants to buy my stuff and even when I try and give some of it away for some reason they don't want it!

I look at my "Pantry Overflow" and I say to myself "Do I really need 20 bags of sugar?" But then I say "well I got it for FREE and when will it be free again?" And my toothpaste....of course I don't need 20 tubes of Colgate, but they paid me to take it! How can you not take it when they are PAYING YOU? Same with my 40+ toothbrushes (really we have no excuse for cavities).

I guess I stockpile with the mentality of "If we have the money today why not spend it on stuff (food) we will use. You never know what might happen." I do take comfort in knowing that if anything were to happen to Husbands job that we have food for atleast 2 months (more likely 6 months). But I also find myself looking at my 30 bags of chocolate chips wondering if maybe I went overboard.

I see others stockpiles and think..."OK, why do you need 80 bottles of salad dressing." or "Will you really use 30 tubes of deorderant?" I mean if you were the Duggars or some other HUGE family (of 12 or more) then I guess I get it...I know there is that whole donation thing....do people that buy with thoughts of donating it keep it with your stock pile? When I buy something I know I won't use I have a seperate box (or boxes) where I put that stuff.

I am in no way critizing what others have bought, I mean I do have 20+ tubes of deorderant, 30+toothpaste, 40+toothbrushes, 40lbs sugars, 30+bags of chocolate chips, 60+boxes and bags of cookie, cake, muffin, brownie mixes.

Does anyone else struggle with these thoughts?