Packrat

A Packrat is a person, especially one who habitually collects and hoards things, often items of little value, and is reluctant to discard them. This behavior typically stems from a sentimental attachment to the objects or a fear of needing them in the future. Packrats are often associated with cluttered living spaces and a tendency to accumulate a wide variety of possessions, sometimes to the point of creating safety hazards. The term also sometimes describes a rodent belonging to the genus *Neotoma*, also known as woodrats, that are known for collecting and storing a wide range of items in their nests. The human behavior is seen as similar to that of the animal because of their instinctive urge to hoard anything that catches their interest.

Packrat meaning with examples

• Grandma Elsie was a classic Packrat, her house stuffed floor to ceiling with newspapers, magazines, and knick-knacks that 'might be useful someday.' Despite the family’s attempts to convince her to declutter, she held onto everything, each item holding a memory or perceived utility. The sheer volume of items made it difficult to move around, presenting a clear fire hazard. She never discarded anything.
• After years of living abroad, Sarah returned to her childhood home and discovered her father was a packrat. He had saved every single item of her youth: report cards, old toys, ticket stubs, and forgotten birthday cards. He saw value in these things; to him, they were relics of memories. Sarah understood, though she tried to help him streamline.
• The documentary followed several extreme packrats, showcasing their struggles to overcome their hoarding tendencies. One individual’s apartment was a chaotic mess, filled with broken appliances, outdated technology, and years of accumulated junk. Professional organizers were often the only people capable of helping them find a way to move forward.
• John’s Packrat tendencies made it impossible to clear his desk. Piles of old bills, obsolete electronics, and miscellaneous papers threatened to topple at any moment. Despite being constantly in search of the right paperwork, he found it incredibly difficult to throw anything away. The lack of clear surfaces only made it difficult to do his job.