It's not something I can relate to AT ALL, but my mother is a hoarder. I still haven't exactly pinpointed why. In her case, she will buy things she doesn't need or have room for because "they were such a good deal". Or she won't get rid of things she doesn't use because "there's nothing wrong with it". And, she has a problem when it comes to quantity; one of something is never enough. She'll have food go bad just because she buys so much it's impossible to use it all up before it expires (and I'm talking even canned goods which last a while
) She pays a big house payment so she can have a place for all her junk. I've tried explaining to her that she wouldn't need such a big house if she'd get rid of some stuff! But, she will gladly part with things when they are going to someone she personally knows that is in need of the items. For instance, she had three vacuum cleaners and was happy to give one to my uncle when he needed one. She is a person that needs to feel useful to others, so maybe that is the biggest reason behind her hoarding; she's kind of like a free store to people and that makes her feel good.
She grew up in a large family and though they were never poor and never went hungry, I think they had some tough times. She also went through broke spells being married to my dad and has said that did impact her when it comes to hanging on to things because at various points in her life, she would not have had the money to rebuy something if she needed it. Now, this isn't an issue, but old habits and mentalities die hard, I guess.
But, then there are some of her hoarding habits that I just cannot figure at all. She has decorating magazines from the 80's that she refuses to trash! She claims that "one of these days" she is going to get around to reading all her magazines. I guess maybe by that time 80's home decor will be fashionable again
I do feel sorry for people who hoard, but as someone who is only too happy to part with things, it is frustrating as hell to deal with.