If you store plastic and cloth bags at home, psychology says you probably have these four common traits

It’s a familiar sight: walk into someone’s home and spot “the bag of bags” — a single large bag filled with dozens of others. While this may seem harmless or even normal due to its widespread acceptance, it can actually reveal specific psychological tendencies in the person doing it.

According to the psychology blog Apartment Therapy, one of the most common motivations behind this behavior is functional thinking. Rather than having bags scattered around the house, some people choose to consolidate them, maximizing storage space and freeing up room for other things.

This functional mindset also ties into protecting one’s belongings. Though these bags are often reused for groceries or trash, people tend to store them safely away from dust or other contaminants — regardless of what they may be used for later.

Another psychological trait commonly linked to this habit is anticipation of future needs. While no one can predict the future, people who store bags like to feel prepared for the unexpected — whether it’s running out of trash bags or needing one for groceries to avoid paying for new plastic ones.

This isn’t just about saving money or being practical. It also reflects a need to have options within reach, functioning as a form of emotional control — a kind of psychological safety net. For example, small bags might be reserved for emergencies, medium ones for trash, and larger ones for carrying items to the recycling bin.

In addition to these insights, a column from Harvard Business School highlights another factor: positive reinforcement. Storing bags can trigger two strong emotions — a sense of being prepared, and the rewarding feeling of having made a smart, responsible decision.

A Possible Sign of a Mental Health Disorder

In more extreme cases, if a person feels the compulsive need to save bags and is unable to stop, it may indicate a form of compulsive hoarding disorder. According to the Mayo Clinic, people with this condition experience an uncontrollable urge to save items — they simply cannot throw anything away, convinced they’ll need it someday.

This disorder can seriously disrupt daily life and lead to significant clutter in the home. It often begins between the ages of 15 and 19, and it can be hard to recognize early on, since many people naturally resist throwing things away.

However, those who live with someone affected may notice early warning signs. Over time — especially in adulthood — the issue becomes more visible, as the volume of accumulated items grows excessively. For that reason, this disorder tends to be more prevalent in older adults than in younger ones.

Get your game on! Whether you’re into NFL touchdowns, NBA buzzer-beaters, world-class soccer goals, or MLB home runs, our app has it all.Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more – plus, stay updated on the latest in current affairs and entertainment.Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.