Hoarding sees people collecting and keeping lots of items, even things that appear useless or of little value to most people.
These items clutter the living spaces and keep the person from using their rooms as they were intended. The collection can affect the person’s ability to do day-to-day activities.
Hoarding can also cause problems for people’s well-being and safety. Trips and falls are more common and there is increased risk of a serious fire.
Examples of hoarding include:
- difficulty getting rid of items
- a large amount of clutter in the office, at home, in the car, or in other spaces
- losing important items like money or bills in the clutter
- feeling overwhelmed by the volume of possessions
- not inviting family or friends into the home due to shame or embarrassment
- refusing to let people in to make repairs
- being unable to stop taking free items, such as flyers or sugar packets from restaurants
- buying things because they are a 'bargain' or to 'stock up'
Get help with hoarding
If you think you or someone you know has a hoarding problem, there is help available. We have a friendly and supportive team of Hoarding Coaches that can advise and assist you.
We understand it's a brave step, but help and support can make things so much easier, so please get in touch.
Video: Hoarding Awareness Week - Meet Denise
Top tips to help manage hoarding
- Try to deal with important items first. For example, if you have been holding onto (and not dealing with) bills, start with these first.
- Don’t start on the most sentimental things.
- Decide on an area you would like to clear. Take a photo of it before and after, adding dates.
- Do functional areas first; avoid starting with the draws or cupboards because you won’t see the difference.
- Set small targets per day, for example 15–20 minutes.
- Have three boxes labelled ‘Save’, ‘Discard’ and ‘Display’.
- Stay at the target area and do not start another area until you have finished.
- When you have finished your target area, clean it even if it is only a small space.
- Start using the area for what it is meant. For example, if you have cleared the cooker, make sure that this area remains clear and is only used for cooking.