Why does the WWII generation hoard?

What garden artist said rings a bell for me .. iv come across many who were living in trashed out houses they never did any work to !!

furniture 40/ 60 years old, u were afraid to sit on it or use it !! for fear it would break, mold on walls !! carpet still in home from 1960s expecting me to be ok with living in a shack !!!!! one house had no washer or dryer/ no stove !!! need i say a walk in closet space, to use as ur bed room !!!

My mother (age 90) grew up during the Depression. Her family didn't lose everything, but trying to save money was always a part of her. She doesn't hoard (has gotten rid of a lot of stuff), but the Depression-era mentality of saving money will always be there. (Now that I think of it, she does do some hoarding of supplies which she buys when they are on sale...I mean, really, does she need a year's supply of prunes on hand?)

Midkid, oh my gosh, I have a ton of handmade doilies. I try to use them under table lamps and fake flowers on tables. I remember my Mom having the doilies on the top back of chairs to keep the Vitalis Hair Tonic from soaking into the material. That hair tonic is still being made. I recently gave away a lot of the doilies to a rummage sale.

My Dad had just about every radio he had ever bought or made from scratch. Oh they all still worked [if you call getting one station as working]. Dad had to keep his old computers, never know when one needs to get material off of a "floppy disc". He finally got rid of a dot-matrix printer when he could no longer buy the required paper that had the holes running down both sides of the paper.

One thing puzzled me, all the tops from medicine bottles and milk cartons. Dad had to be saving them for some reason.... or maybe they were "trophies" from actually getting a child-proof bottle opened !!

Funny this year old comment popped up again--maybe it's a yearly thing! I probably commented on it a year ago--
The WWII generation was raised with little to nothing. My maternal grandmother's family did have money and family all around, so I don't hear stories of them "doing without". My father's family--they struggled a lot. My grandmother (with zero complaining) took old suits and picked them apart and re-tailored them to fit my dad. After those suits wore out she made heavy quilts of them. Food was not wasted. Furniture was covered in doilies (I thought to make them "pretty") but in truth, they saved the arms and backs of couches and chairs. Grandma made all her own clothes into her late 80's. She made her own SOAP and used it for everything. (She would give in and buy Palmolive for us kids, our skin was just too soft for lye soap!). I think that was a generation that was tough, strong and amazing in so many ways.
My grandmothers were NOT hoarders, by any means. My mother is, and I have no idea why she always attaches so much sentimental value to EVERYTHING she gets. She has more than 30 scented candles in her bedroom alone. She's not allowed to light them since an incident last year. She won't give them away (they're HERS)....so we just keep packing up more stuff and putting it in the basement. Sadly, the really important things--granddad's papers upon entry to America at Ellis Island? Who knows? Old family pics? Who knows? A purple plastic desktop garbage can with a garish bow on top? Front and center on the kitchen counter. (sigh)

OMG i know what you mean ....... one client i was a care giver for, took me 2 years to throw away crap he had laying around... empty boxes, junk mail, old tvs radios,u name it,.after 2 years i still wasn't done, he even has 4 vehicles sitting in his yard that need to be junked yard!! he still has a 4 foot office dresser stuffed with junk mail and old recites from 30 years ago .

His kids room even though they are in mid 30s grown and gone with kids of their own .... he still has their clothes in closet they wore as children and posters up on wall they had as kids .CRAZY!!!

Yes, cwillie, I agree that the entitled mindset is a problem and I also use credit cards almost exclusively, both to eliminate the need to carry cash and to provide a record of purchases. I also pay the balance each month. I write one or two checks per month. I counseled my young adult children not to fall for the dozens of credit card offers they started receiving as soon as they graduated from high school since they didn't have much income in those days and might have gotten in too deep. The point I was trying to make is that the use of credit cards adds to the cost of goods and services. My husband's office formerly took credit and debit card payments, but when the equipment and software requirements became prohibitively expensive, and the per-transaction fee was raised for small businesses like ours, we stopped. We are not able to recoup these costs by raising prices because it is a medical office and our reimbursements are determined by the insurance providers. A retail business can simply raise prices to cover these increased costs. So even if you don't pay them any interest, you are still paying them with every purchase. Unfortunately even people who pay with cash are paying these higher prices. The credit card industry makes big bucks, and we the consumers pay them.

Oh please you guys, I LOVE my credit card. I almost never use cash, why should I? I pay my full balance every month and the credit card company rewards me every year by paying me bonus money to use their card. It's not credit cards that are the problem, it is the entitled mindset.

AK, well said. These credit card tentacles extend throughout all levels of the economy, and of course contribute to growth in the GNP, which as I recall from economics is really more than just a measure of growth - it's literally worshipped by some who monitor it. Notwithstanding, it's NOT a measure of satisfaction or quality of life.

And for those of us who are SS dependent on and understand the CPI, it's pretty clear that some restructuring takes place to create CPIs that don't support rise in SS payments. CPI is supposed to encompass a "typical basket" of goods and services", which if spread across all age ranges would include baby bottles to Kindles to wheelchairs and Hoyas. But I doubt there are many if any assistive devices or goods and services unique to the elderly that are factored in the CPI composition.

If you organize a revolt, count me in as a supporter. I'd love to see a return to more simple times, especially more simple economic times and more focus on what's important rather than what's stylist or "in".

That was one of the major, major objections I had to the prevailing economic theories - that the economy needs to continue to grow. Granted, the population grows, so the economy does need to grow to be able to provide goods and services. But the emphasis in many aspects of applied economic theory is on growth for the sake of growth.

I've often wondered how much this has affected some of the survival shows and pretended emphasis on learning to cope without all the bells and whistles of modern day society.

But ff, there is money to be made in the credit card industry! Not only are many people persuaded to purchase more than they might otherwise, resulting in higher profits for the merchants, but the credit card companies charge a fee on each transaction, thus lining their own pockets (and raising prices for the goods and services we buy). It's all part of the continuing effort to separate us from our assets. I would love to organize a revolt, but unfortunately we are all hooked on the convenience and "have it now" mindset.

...hillbilly guitar player.........Jeeze.....

I had a great uncle down in WV who died several years ago. He was in the army during world war 2 and was injured in battle. He retuned to the family farm after the war, never got married, never had a job, just raised a little tobacco for cash and grew or hunted what he needed to eat. He was a good hillbilly guitars layer and gave me my first lesson when I was about 10 years old. When he died, my Dad went down to the old farm house to pack up his stuff. He had two old pairs of bib overalls hanging on hooks, some worn out work boots, a 1920s Martin D 28 guitar, a 12 gauge pump gun and an old ammo can with some medals, papers and a stack of GI disability checks that had never been cashed. My Dad took the checks to the bank, they did a little research, found they were still valid and cashed out at over 50 grand. I always though this was a great story of a simple bachelor farmer life.

There was also a little store out in the country when I was a kid that had a big sign that proclaimed:
BIBLES
WORSHOES
GROCERIES

I mean what else does one really need........

Another curiosity about nowadays: There's a thrift shop on every corner. Not just in the poor neighborhoods. They're everywhere. And they are chock-a-block with "goodies," because the world is full of too much crapola. I know an alarming number of people who are going broke on their bargains. It's like the blue collar mentality gone awry. If someone buys a $90 pair of well-made shoes (and wears them for 10 years), a certain type of "thrift addict" fixates on the price tag alone -- and declares that shopper a moral reprobate. Meanwhile, vigorous thrifters easily spend $90+ per week on used crap (that they already have multiples of). And I'm not talking about eBay treasure-hunter re-sellers. I'm talking about everyday folks who make it their mission have more $2 sheet sets and 50-cent mugs and $5 coffeemakers and puzzles with missing pieces than they could ever use in one lifetime. It makes me twitch.

FF, I remember those days too. I couldn't buy 2 of what I wanted, just one, until I got paid again or worked my second job.

Other than major household expenses, like a new hot water heat or appliance or other major repair, I often think that those were much better days because we were forced to make important choices between what we needed and really didn't need.

I totally agree with you about the mess in consumer debt. Student loans also fall in that category.

What really blows my mind are the high-end consumer upgrades to housing - the replacement of things just because they're not stylish or fashionable, the waste of raw and processed materials for these upgrades, the massive houses with 2 furnaces and extensive square footage, the tremendous upkeep (not to mention drain on natural resources for the heating and cooling of such houses).

GardenArtist, I remember life prior to the credit card craze. If we wanted to buy something we needed we had to use either cash or write a check. It seemed not that long ago when grocery stores finally allowed credit cards.

I believe the nation's personal debt mess wouldn't be where it is today if we never had credit cards. Spending became way too easy. Handing over actual paper money is more of a visual shock then handing over a credit card.

I think there's another reason why people kept things decades ago: there wasn't the extensive availability of credit as there is today. If you threw something away, were out of work or poor, there was the likelihood you could never buy it or a replacement again.

That's an almost unheard of concept today, when planned obsolescence and product upgrades (especially in electronics and vehicles) happen with so much closer frequency.

I remember when 90 days layaway was the only method to buy something if cash wasn't available. Now it's possible to go into debt many times over, buying new things rather than finding ways to use the existing ones. And coincidentally, massive disposal issues have been created, especially during the period before recycling became popular and now almost mandatory (especially in Washington, or so I've read).

I recall some many years ago that I did some research into the factors of (1) central banks in countries and (2) availability of credit cards, as they influenced the country's GNP and growth thereof. Wish I remembered what the specific findings were, but I'm sure there are plenty of studies at least as to the latter.

Did some quick research just now; although credits card did exist much earlier, perhaps the most effective development in creating extensive access and use was the concept of the revolving balance which didn't require payment in full but allowed balances to accumulate. Based on what I read, this occurred in 1959.

It's hard to conceive now of the principle that anything bought must be paid off within the next monthly credit card cycle and that no balances could be carried from month to month.

For retailers, credit cards are probably the greatest thing since sliced bread, and I expect played a major role into development of the planned obsolescence philosophy.

But for people who grew up in the Depression, the poverty influence was inculcated into their mindset. It's a long stretch from standing in a line to get a loaf of bread to buying a $50K or less car or massive gas guzzling truck and spending years to pay it off. Or buying a McMansion and never paying it off.

People of the Depression couldn't even pay for what they needed then, let alone be financially committed for years ahead.

After thinking about so much excess, I think I'm going to go dig out my old Mother Earth and New Shelter magazines and "think small", "think recycle", and "think building your own whatever you can." And plan my 2016 garden.

WindyRidge--
Your comments made me shoot Diet Coke out my nose I was laughing so hard. I watch "Hoarders" with a fierce love/hate relationship. Also my "600 pound Life". Hubby asks me why, since I watch almost no TV at all...I told him I am FASCINATED by the reasons people have these disorders.

When Mother lived in her "big house" she had a TON of stuff, always, Dad would just build another closet for her. Cleaning that place to size them down took us 3 years and a lot of trauma/tears/tantrums as Mother wanted to keep every single thing. Like I said, she grew up wealthy, even thru the Depression. Dad, who grew up very poor during the same time, was frugal and only kept what he needed and was always "using up, making do or going without". After he passed, 2 boxes held all his earthly possessions. When Mother goes....oh boy, what a job! Funny thing is: she kept "junk" in the house and beautiful old photo albums, papers that should have been gently preserved, etc. in the potting shed.

Oops - I meant early 20th century. I did find a framed silhouette that may be from around 1820!

Snickerdoodle, it must be fascinating and open a new chapter in your family history to find the early 19th century memorabilia. They must have been kept and handed down from generation to generation - what a find!

My parents were born around 1940. Their house has been rescued from the hoard and is finally on the market. They were mostly obsessive shoppers, but also kept piles and piles of paper. The main thing I learned from this experience is to buy only what I plan to use and display in my own home. If you buy stuff because you think it will increase in value enough to sell for lots of money "someday," you are very likely to be disappointed. We were lucky that some of my Dad's trains *kept* their value, much less gained. The hundreds of dolls & collectible toys in boxes, the "antique" furniture that didn't really fit into the house - we are still trying to get rid of some of that stuff. The market for all those things has softened considerably because everyone 70+ is downsizing whether by choice or by necessity.

The funny thing is the most valuable (for me) things I found were some letters and photos from the early 19th century from family members. I was able to fill in some missing pieces from my family history that I had been wondering about. How can you attach a monetary value to that?

And:

SEX SENT ME TO THE ER!

Or the latest show:

DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES OF AGEING CARE .COM

And I might add AMERICA'S MOST WANTED to Windy's list.

My personal standards:

If I have not appeared on

MY 600 POUND LIFE

INTERVENTION

HOARDERS

I must be doing ok! (My bar is set a little low)

I know what you mean about the family member thinking everything is worth a fortune. My FIL is not willing to give anything to good will because it's "worth a lot". So he sends it to us,, and off I go!!

It's all on a continuum, but I can tell you it's frightening when you can't make good judgments, and your life has spiraled out of your own control, and you're unable to get any of it back. Then if your clutter is projects and tools, and your home, you give that up and you feel like you're giving up hope for who you are and your future.

It's a nightmare. Whatever it is that kicks it from 'Tendencies to collect' to full-on Hoarder's Executive Function failure, it's a disaster.

Ms V.... sooooo good to see you here !!!! I save all that stuff but it is for art projects... so my house leans toward a hoarding house...

How have you been feeling? Did everything get straightened out and are you eating on your own now? Ahhh, so many questions... going to email you right now.... love and hugs , so happy to see you here.

Veronica, oh my gosh, I forgot about the reusing [recycling] of wrapping paper and how carefully my Mom would open a gift and saying "the paper is too pretty to throw away".

Now a days it was reusing gift bags over and over again until they got too worn to use just one more time. Heavens, I keep the white crinkle paper that is used in gift boxes as I have one cat who just loves to play with it.... I just toss a cat toy under it and let her at it.

Not going to read through all the answers but I was born 9 months before the outbreak of WW11 in England so I remember the shortages. Everything was rationed so everything that could be reused was saved. Elastic , buttons, every piece of string. Even sweaters were unravelled and reknited, Woman's skirts were made into little boys short pants, the good fabric from a dress could be made into a pretty apron to give as a gift. brown paper bags could be turned into wrapping paper to wrap parcels. Christmas paper was really prized. The present was carefully unwrapped then the paper ironed and put away for the next year.
This was practical good sense which is very different from hoarding which is usually an actual mental illness.

I wonder why this topic popped up when it hasn't been active for months--but this question has been on my mind as I try (fruitlessly) to cull some of mother's things down so she can have more living area. She keeps EVERYTHING. I see the fear in her eyes when I come to "clean"...she says she's never met anyone who liked to throw stuff away more than I do. Well....it's for her own safety, and good. Things are so dusty and filthy...she cannot clean and so it falls to me. I sneaky pete my way into her place and try to toss what I can that she won't see. She also saves every piece of junk mail, plastic bags, paperclips, pencils....I bought her a wicker basket organizer for her table (my brother said, go ahead, she'll cover that table in days with crap) and culled out about a hundred pads of paper, return labels..just junk..and lo and behold, two weeks later I go see her and she had PACKED that basket with so much junk you can't get a thing out of it, plus the table is once again covered in papers and junk. She can eat on the table if she moves all the crap.
She grew up "weathy" during the depression, and always had a huge home filled to the brim with stuff. It's just in her nature, I guess. You can'r walk from one room to another in her little apt. But she loves it, so I keep my thoughts to myself. When she passes 90% of her stuff will be tossed or given to the Salvation Army.

For sure those hoarder shows on TV show the worst and most extreme situations, and there is definitely a difference between hoarding and frugality, but the line in the middle can get pretty blurry. I am frugal as well and have to watch that I don't accumulate more than I can ever use. I think the difference is that true hoarders can't let things go, even when they know they should.

The hundreds of jars in my mother's basement were all filled back in the days everyone did home canning, and we really did need all those pie tins and margarine tubs because it was unthinkable to go out and buy those things when you could just re use what was on hand. And once all those important papers were stored in the attic they were out of sight and mind, so it was easy to just keep adding to the pile and never purging. When all those treasures start to encroach on the living areas of the house its a sign that the line is being crossed.

Good morning, GardenArtist! I don't watch much "reality" tv but hubby gets a kick out of some of it. Not the shows like Survivor or Big Brother but the looking for gold type. Hubby especially likes the one where people bid blindly on abandoned storage facilities. I'll admit some of that can be interesting - but I loath the shows that exploit mental illness for others entertainment. Give me a rerun of The Munsters any time!