In Clinton Township, Michigan a local elderly couple recently died in their home. Fire officials believe the couple's hoarding of stuff may have prevented the couple from exiting the home. The Detroit News reported this as "collecting" but from reading the article it appears to me that the couple might have been hoarders. While professional organizers, such as myself can help, compulsive hoarding is a real disorder requiring the help of a mental health professional.
I should also note that most of my clients are not hoarders or people in need of mental health help. The folks that I work with are mostly busy professionals and families with whom life has gotten a little disorganized.