Hoarder and survivalist almost go hand in hand. Some look at both as though having the same meaning. This of course is not true. One can be a survivalist without being a “hoarder”. To better understand the difference between the two, one must understand the meaning of each. I hope after reading this information, individuals will have a better understanding. 
A hoarder is an individual who may lose the desire to throw away unneeded items because of a feeling of attachment to these items. In severe cases, houses belonging to such people may become a fire hazard (due to blocked exits and stacked papers) or a health hazard (due to vermin infestation, excreta and detritus from excessive pets or the risk of stacks of items collapsing on the occupants and blocking exit routes).
Most individuals who are known as “hoarders”, have spent much of their time saving these UNNEEDED items and no longer paying attention themselves. No longer are they living like you or I, but becoming just a vessel to be added to a shelf or a pile that they created. This can cause turmoil in many families. Most hoarders will not allow even the closest family member into their home. They fear that if they do, the individual will take what they have collected. Therefore pushing the family member further and further away from what is truly taking place.
A survivalist is an individual who is preparing for emergencies, including possible disruptions in social or political order on any scale. Survivalists acquire emergency medical supplies, STOCKPILE food and water, prepare to become self-sufficient, and build structures that may help them survive a catastrophe. Some of these individuals have also gone through self-defense training, whether it be weapons training or a form of martial arts.
They also go about their daily lives working, going to school, and even the grocery store. Survivalist are always planning “for the future”. There lies the key, always preparing for the future. Yes, they may have rooms that have been designated storage areas that might be filling up, but ALL will be used when the time comes. This may be in form of protecting themselves from others or as simple as, to ensure they are able eat. There is NOT 1 survivalist that is stockpiling something that WON’T be needed in the near or distant future.
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