I have personal experience with a hoarder and it is difficult for family members to deal with. And yes, it is a running commentary in the back of my mind when I start to save something....and realize where I'm going with it.
Also, the compulsive shopping for more is a major source of the problem. The 'high' we get from scoring that great bargain is addictive so it is easy to fall into 'accumulation' mode. That is something I fight every time I go to a store without a list so I try to limit that as much as possible.