I realized that I would probably be considered a stage 1 hoarder. Its not that I have a problem getting rid of things that I need to, but I have always felt more comfortable with a lot of stuff around me. To me, it gives my habitat a cozy feeling, like someone is actually living there. All of the artifacts are evidence of a life.  I do not feel like these things make up my life, but they trigger memories of my past encounters.  And as I look around at all the crap in my room, I think, “Thank god, I brought it all.”