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The 5 Stages of Hoarding Revealed

Could you be a hoarder? The 5 Stages of hoarding revealed for you.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents

The beginning of hoarding often feels harmless, just collecting useful things. But over time, it can develop into Hoarding Disorder, a condition where letting go becomes overwhelming. This progression is marked by the 5 stages of hoarding, from minor clutter to dangerous, unlivable spaces.

Imagine walking into your living room only to find it piled high with newspapers, old magazines, and random knick-knacks you haven’t touched in years. The kitchen counters are buried under stacks of mail and empty containers, while your closets are overflowing with clothes that no longer fit. You tell yourself you’ll get to it someday, but that day never comes. Sound familiar?

For many, this scenario isn’t just a one-time mess—it’s a way of life. If you find yourself constantly surrounded by clutter and struggling to part with items, you might wonder if you have a hoarding problem. Identifying whether you are a hoarder isn’t always straightforward, but recognizing the signs is the first step toward getting the help you need.

In this blog, we’ll explore the 5 stages of hoarding, which range from mild to severe, to help you determine if you might be dealing with a hoarding disorder. We’ll also outline the resources available to help you cope, which include professional hoarding services

What is the Root Cause of Hoarding?

There are various psychological and environmental factors that contribute to this behaviour.

Psychological Factors

  • Emotional Attachment: Many individuals with hoarding disorder develop strong emotional attachments to their possessions. Items can represent memories, relationships, or aspects of their identity, making it hard to let go.
  • Anxiety and Fear: Fear of losing important information or a fear of making the wrong decision can lead to keeping items “just in case” they are needed in the future. This anxiety often results in excessive accumulation.
  • Perfectionism: Some hoarders struggle with perfectionism, leading to indecision about what to keep or discard. This indecision can cause them to hold onto items they believe might be useful someday.
  • Grief and Trauma: Experiencing a major loss or trauma can trigger hoarding behaviours. Holding onto possessions can be a way to cope with emotional pain or to maintain a sense of control.
A person holding a treasured item in a cluttered room, illustrating emotional attachment in hoarding disorder. Personal items and memories densely packed.

Environmental Factors

  • Learned Behaviour: Hoarding can sometimes be a learned behaviour passed down from parents or caregivers who also exhibited hoarding tendencies. Growing up in a cluttered environment can normalize this activity.
  • Isolation: Social isolation can exacerbate hoarding. Without regular social interactions, individuals may turn to possessions for comfort and companionship.
  • Life Transitions: Major life changes, such as divorce, retirement, or moving, can trigger hoarding behaviours. The stress and uncertainty associated with these changes can lead to accumulating possessions as a coping mechanism.

The 5 Stages of Hoarding: Understanding the Progression

"5 Stages of Hoarding" outlining levels from low to extreme severity, detailing how clutter progresses from minimal and organized to overwhelming and unusable.

Hoarding disorder can range from a manageable amount of clutter to a severely compromised living space. As such, it is divided into five distinct stages, each indicating a different severity level. By identifying which stage you might be in, you can better understand the situation and take steps toward appropriate intervention and support. Let’s look at each stage to understand what are the five levels of hoarding and how hoarding can evolve over time.

What Does Level 1 Hoarding Look Like?

In the beginning stages of hoarding, individuals may experience minimal clutter in their homes. The environment remains safe and sanitary, with accessible stairways, doors, and windows. Essential household functions are not compromised, and there are no unpleasant odours. While it’s easy to overlook the early signs of hoarding, it’s crucial to recognize and address them to prevent progression to more severe levels. Regular cleaning and organization can help maintain a safe and functional living space at this stage.

What Does a Level 2 Hoarder Look Like?

This is the next stage of hoarding levels 1-5. At this point, the disorder begins to interfere with household maintenance and hygiene. Mild clutter may block one exit, and there might be pet feces and hair in parts of the house. Electrical and plumbing systems could start malfunctioning, and garbage may overflow. Dirty dishes, laundry, and mould are common, indicating inconsistent housekeeping and emerging hygiene issues. It’s important to seek help early to manage the situation before it worsens.

What Does a Level 3 Hoarder Look Like?

As hoarding progresses, moderate clutter becomes more apparent. This is usually when hoarding levels impact daily life. At this stage of hoarding, objects usually obstruct living areas, and multiple broken appliances are common. Insect infestations, such as ants, cockroaches, or bed bugs, may occur. Untidied spills and breaks further contribute to the disarray, and at least one room is used solely for storage rather than its intended purpose. Behavioural changes, such as increased seclusion, are also noticeable.

What Does a Level 4 Hoarder Look Like?

At this stage of hoarding, severe clutter impacts the household’s safety as well as structural integrity. There might be structural damage, such as broken doors or plumbing issues, and an excessive number of pets with inadequate care. Clutter prevents access to stairs, there are unuseable rooms, and exits, while expired and rotting food, sewage backups / water damage, and pervasive odours are common. Professional intervention is often required at this stage.

 What Does a Level 5 Hoarder Look Like?

In the most extreme stage of hoarding, extreme clutter renders key living spaces unusable. Lack of ventilation, irreparable structural damage, and disconnected water and electrical services are prevalent. Mold, mildew, human feces, and animal health risks create a hazardous environment. Full protective gear is necessary for those entering the home. This stage typically requires total intervention involving various professionals.

How is Hoarding Diagnosed?

Diagnosing someone with hoarding disorder is a fairly complex process that might include:

  1. Clinical interviews with a mental health expert
  2. Structured tests and evaluations like the Hoarding Rating Scale-Interview (HRS-I)
  3. Self-report questionnaires: Saving Inventory-Revised (SI-R) or Clutter Image Rating (CIR).

Experts will also most likely want to visit a person’s home or, at the very least, review some inside photos. Criteria in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) can be used to confirm ongoing problems with getting rid of items and ‘significant’ clutter that impact living conditions.

A psychologist may want to rule out any other mental health disorders and assess the impact that the clutter is having on daily life, relationships, work, and well-being. If you suspect hoarding, please contact a mental health professional for diagnosis and treatment.

Am I a Hoarder, and Can I Diagnose Myself?

There’s no substitute for an official diagnosis from a mental health professional, but you certainly can acknowledge some of the signs of hoarding in yourself.

There are many self-assessment tools and questionnaires that can give you an idea. However, you should still follow up with a psychologist or psychiatrist for a thorough evaluation if you suspect hoarding. Here are some tools for you to take a look at.

Saving Inventory-Revised (SIR) Test

The Saving Inventory-Revised (SIR) self-performed questionnaire is a 4-point scale rating system that will measure your acquisition tendencies, discarding difficulty and clutter.

The NSGCD Clutter Hoarding Scale

The National Study Group on Chronic Disorganization’s Clutter Scale is a tool used by professional organizers (like the ones on the television show Hoarders), but you could also try it for self-assessment of hoarding. You’ll rate the living space based on descriptions of clutter and break it down into separate categories.

The ICD® Clutter–Hoarding Scale®

This quick start guide is basically a revamped scale from the NSGCD Clutter Hoarding Scale above but, in our opinion, it provides an improved layout with a simple, quick start format. Here’s the ICD® Clutter–Hoarding Scale® for your review.

The Squalor Survivors Scale

This scale is the only tool we know of specifically developed for self-assessment of hoarding. It’s quite a different approach, focusing on your relationship with clutter and managing it rather than trying to assess how severe the clutter actually is.

There are four degrees on this scale; from ‘I’m a little messy but will still have friends and family members visiting’ to ‘I’m overwhelmed by all of the clutter and wouldn’t dream of letting anyone in my home’. Check out the Squalor Survivors Scale.

The 9 Levels of Hoarding Picture Test

Self-reflection isn’t always easy; people often have remarkably different ideas about a cluttered home. That’s where the Clutter Image Rating Scale comes into play.

What is the Clutter Image Rating Scale?

The OCD Foundation recognized this and created the Clutter Image Rating Scale, which helps rate clutter severity from 1 (tidy and organized) to 9 (unliveable because of clutter). The scale uses pictures of hoarding stages throughout the kitchen, bedroom, and living room to give people an idea of whether they might be hoarders. Here is the 9 levels of hoarding pdf for anyone interested in self-diagnosing themselves.

What are the Health Risks Associated with Hoarding?

The 5 stages of hoarding carry significant health risks that can affect every aspect of an individual’s life. The consequences can be severe and far-reaching, impacting not only the person who hoards but also their family and community.

  • Emotional Consequences: Hoarding often leads to chronic stress, anxiety, and depression. The overwhelming presence of clutter can create a sense of shame and guilt, contributing to social isolation and further mental health issues.
  • Physical Consequences: The accumulation of clutter can lead to unsanitary living conditions, increasing the risk of respiratory problems, infections, and other health issues. Piles of items can create tripping or fire hazard hazards, making falls and injuries more likely.
  • Financial Consequences: Hoarding can result in substantial financial burdens. The costs of repairs, pest control, and professional cleaning can add up quickly. The value of the property may also decrease due to the damage caused by excessive clutter.
  • Legal Consequences: Severe hoarding can lead to legal issues such as eviction, property condemnation, and involvement from child protective services if children are living in the home. Compliance with local health and safety codes is critical to avoid these legal ramifications.
A woman looks sad as she reads a bill in a moderately cluttered home, showing the financial burden and property impact of hoarding with visible but minor damage.

Treatments for Hoarding Disorder

Treating hoarding disorder requires a combination of therapeutic approaches, practical assistance, and sometimes professional cleanup services. Here’s an overview of the most effective treatments:

  • Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT): CBT is one of the most effective treatments for hoarding disorder. It helps individuals identify and change their thoughts and behaviours related to hoarding. Through CBT, you learn to make more rational decisions about your possessions, develop better organizational skills, and reduce the anxiety associated with discarding items.
  • Medication: In some cases, medication may be prescribed to help manage symptoms of anxiety or depression that often accompany hoarding disorder. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are commonly used to reduce the severity of hoarding behaviours and improve overall mental health.
  • Professional Organizers: Professional organizers provide hands-on assistance with decluttering and organizing spaces. They offer practical strategies for sorting through possessions, creating organizational systems, and maintaining a clutter-free environment. Their expertise can be invaluable in helping you establish and stick to routines that prevent the re-accumulation of clutter.
  • Support Groups: Joining a support group can provide emotional support and encouragement from others who understand the challenges of hoarding. These groups offer a sense of community and shared experiences, helping you feel less isolated. Support groups can also provide practical tips and motivation to keep up with decluttering efforts.
  • Professional Cleanup Services: For severe cases of hoarding, professional cleanup companies, like WeMove-It.com may be necessary. Hoarding companies are equipped to handle extensive clutter, biohazards, and structural issues, ensuring a safe and thorough cleanup process. 
A positive support group meeting for hoarding disorder, with people sharing supportive expressions in a comfortable, well-lit room. The atmosphere is warm and encouraging.

Treating the five stages of hoarding is an ongoing process. Regular therapy sessions, check-ins with professional organizers, and continued participation in support groups are crucial for long-term success. Establishing and maintaining routines for cleaning and organizing can help prevent relapse and ensure a healthy living environment.

How We Can Help You Address a Hoarding Disorder

Dealing with a hoarding disorder can be overwhelming, but WeMove-It.com.com offers thorough and compassionate services designed to make the process more manageable.

  1. We start by helping you sort through your belongings with care, ensuring that cherished items are saved and properly organized.
  2. Our team works with you to identify and secure important documents and personal records, making sure nothing valuable is lost in the cleanup process. This thoughtful approach helps ease the stress and anxiety often associated with decluttering.
  3. In addition to sorting and organizing, we provide deep cleaning services to restore your living space to a healthy condition. Our deep cleaning covers all areas of your home, including appliances, washrooms, and kitchens.
  4. We thoroughly clean and deodorize these spaces, eliminating dirt, grime, and unpleasant odours. This not only makes your home more comfortable but also significantly improves hygiene and safety.

We understand the importance of approaching each task with sensitivity and respect, recognizing the personal attachment you may have to your belongings. By working collaboratively and patiently, we aim to make the decluttering process as smooth and supportive as possible.

Call WeMove-It.com For a Free Hoarding Cleanup Estimate Today!

Addressing a hoarding disorder is a challenging but important step toward improving your quality of life. With the right support and resources, it’s possible to create a safer, more comfortable living environment. At WeMove-It.com, we provide compassionate, thorough, and professional services tailored to meet your needs. Whether you require emergency cleanup or help with relocation, we offer the support necessary to tackle hoarding challenges head-on. Contact our Hoard Specialists for a free estimate, and let us help you reclaim your space and peace of mind.

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