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I never knew anyone growing up who hoarded things and if I did, they never let anyone know.  I have found that more and more people now are hoarders, my in-laws especially.  I have inherited this problem!  My in-laws own four rental properties plus the house they live in.  ALL of the rental homes were not being rented, but instead housing junk.  I am not exaggerating when I say that the four bedroom, 2 1/2 bath, 2 car garage, full basement, with living, dining, kitchen, family room was FULL of stuff.  I thought my husband was kidding when he said we had to unload a whole house full of stuff.  I thought he meant just furniture!  I mean this house was full from the front door to the back, and from the floor to ceiing!  It took us a week just to empty the foyer and hallway!   We started this house three years ago and we are just now getting to the garage and two bedrooms left.  I even found original, brand new, still in the package, shower curtains from the 1960's and fabrics, etc.  I don't have time to try to sell them to collectors or on ebay...so they were thrown away.  We have had 1-800-got-junk to come get it, but the other family members want to see each and every item in case it is valuable, inheritable, or important before being thrown away.  Luckily we did do it the thorough way as we found priceless coins and jewelry collected since the late 1800's in the family.  I totally understand what the families of hoarders are going through.  We have been able to keep up with the house they live in and checking in on a weekly basis so a problem doesn't arise.  I don't know what else to do.  These folks are in their 80's and very very stubborn.  Good Luck to all of you with the hoarding problem!    Why is it becoming more and more of a problem today?  I also buy, renovate, and sell homes, as well as being a realtor and this problem is everywhere.