Unfortunately, I'm hearing it's the latter. Some people say it's genetic, which worries me.
I took a preemptive step this Christmas and gave or threw away virtually everything I own, and my stateside possessions are now down to required documents (tax records and substantiation), photos, sentimental keepsakes and some computers and related accessories. It was burning a monthly storage cost hole in my bank account, and when I looked at all my stuff jamming my storage space, I realized it was all very easily replaceable, or was going to sit uselessly there for years, gathering obsolescence, until I return to live in the US.
And I'll tell you, although it's liberating, it hurts to get rid of everything you own. You look at all the tools, hardware, house ware, kitchenware and clothes that cost good money to buy (whether bought or received as gifts) - that you never used or wore, and that you're probably never GONNA wear or use, and you realize what a monumental waste it's all been. Fortunately, I had family to give most of the good and heirloom stuff. And the other stuff ended up with people that could use it.
It's not so much the materialism driving the regret - it's just the feeling that one has been extremely wasteful in accumulating and not properly using all that extraneous stuff. You think "Well, I'll keep that and one day I'll wear/use it." But you rarely do.
I know not everyone has this opportunity, but it is a great feeling when you have someone whom you KNOW that you can give things to and KNOW that they need it and will use it. Hubby and I gave a LR suite and book cases to a niece when we moved and knew we would be getting new furniture.
Old furniture, dishes and kitchen utensils are GREAT for college kids who are moving into their first apartment.
My mother hoards and my sisters and I throw out things regularly. I think it is genetic because a niece and nephew both hoard (and they have never been deprived of anything).
"although it's liberating, it hurts to get rid of everything you own"
Yup it hurts. I am a Games collector but not a packrat. Also gave all my games and belongings away to schools and needy persons to take an extended trip to Europe like you did.
It was interesting. I put an ad in the paper about my games and other educational materials I had. There was even a half page write-up in the city (pop. 1 million) newspaper about my unique items.
Only one public school teacher responded. All the rest were home school parents. Make of that what you will, but it doesn't auger well as to the motivational spirit of the classroom teacher. Being a teacher myself, it kind of compounded the ache of parting with stuff I had used in the classroom for years.