Eighty per cent of people in the North West are self-confessed hoarders, stashing away on average 31 unwanted household items worth a whopping £524.


The research was carried out by British Heart Foundation (BHF) shops, which are urging North West people to clear out this spring and donate using their free collection service.


All donations will help the BHF continue its life-saving research in the fight against heart disease.


More than one in four (26 per cent) of North West people admitted they have a bedroom in their house dedicated to excess clutter, with 65 per cent of the contents last used more than 10 years ago.

 

The top five most commonly hoarded items are NOW CDs (30 per cent), bread makers (22 per cent), Rubix Cubes (19 per cent), lava lamps (19 per cent) and the Walkman (18 per cent).

People in the North West hoard an average of 31 items which they never use and when asked why, the most common reason for not wanting to let go was, ‘hating the thought of items going to waste’.

However, the negative effects of hoarding were evident, with 15 per cent experiencing high stress levels, a quarter losing valuable items and  just over one in 10 (13 per cent) avoided having friends over to dodge embarrassment. 

Carol Mitchell, regional manager for the BHF, said: “It’s astonishing how much we collectively hoard as a nation, clinging onto clothes which don’t fit and items from eras gone by.

“However, it’s clear the people surveyed were quick to recognise the benefits of clearing out with over a third (36 per cent) saying it makes them feel like a new person. 

“BHF shops provide the perfect solution for anyone having a spring clear out – we offer a free collection service that will pick up everything from unwanted clothes, shoes and CDs to sofas and TVs.


“Every penny of profit raised from your unwanted items will help the BHF continue its fight for every heartbeat.”

The top ten most commonly hoarded items were as follows:

1) Now CDs (31%)
2) Bread Maker (22%)
3) Rubix Cube (19%)
4) Lava Lamp (19%)
5) Walkman (19%)
6) Gameboy (17%)
7) Beanie Babies (12%)
8) Roller Blades (9%)
9) Soda Stream (7%)
10) Furbie (7%)


To book a free collection for larger furniture and electrical items, book online at: bhf.org.uk/free or call 0800 915 3000 to arrange a collection for any items, from bags of clothes to three piece suites.