While going through a pile of clutter, Gwen picked up a magazine. Remembering that there was an article in the magazine she wanted to finish reading, Gwen laid the magazine aside. The next item was a month--old grocery list with a phone number jotted next to the word bananas. Since Gwen thought it might be an important phone number, she laid the grocery list on the table. As Gwen considered item after item she found herself just rearranging the clutter.
Churning is the term for the act of moving one item to another without discarding any item. At the same time, no system of organizing these things is established. This behavior is observed in those who are compulsive hoarders.
There may not be space to put things when many spaces are occupied with more clutter. The individual may have difficulty categorizing like things or making decisions about items. The process of removing a large amount of clutter can be overwhelming. When churning occurs, there is little noticeable improvement which can be very discouraging both to the individual with hoarding behavior and those that are attempting to help.
Have you observed churning in yourself or someone else? I would like to hear about your experience.
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