Hoarding is a common problem that affects two to five percent of Americans. It is more than just collecting items, it is a mental disorder than can affect a person's home and social life. Here are six interesting facts about hoarding that you may not have known. Hoarding is Hereditary Studies have shown that a region on chromosome 14 is linked with this compulsive hoarding behavior suggesting that hoarding is genetic. Also, half of all hoarders grew up with a parent who was a hoarder themselves.