Hoarding 101

9/18/2025

Hoarding disorder can be very challenging both for the individual and their loved ones. It’s considered a mental health condition, often linked to anxiety, obsessive–compulsive tendencies, or past trauma. Here are some important points and strategies for dealing with someone who struggles with hoarding:

Understanding the Disorder

  • Not laziness or stubbornness: Hoarding is recognized as a psychiatric disorder. People with it have real difficulty discarding items, regardless of value, because they feel distress or fear when letting go.
    Emotional attachment: Objects may hold symbolic meaning, a sense of safety, or represent memories and security.
    Gradual progression: Hoarding usually worsens over time, especially if untreated.

Supporting Without Enabling

  • Show empathy: Approach them with compassion, not judgment. Shaming or forcing clean-ups usually backfires and increases distress.
    Avoid sudden clean-outs: Throwing away belongings without consent can cause trauma and worsen symptoms.
    Respect autonomy: Encourage small steps and choices rather than trying to take control.

Practical Approaches

  • Encourage professional help: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is the most effective treatment. Some people may also benefit from medication (such as SSRIs).
    Set small goals: Break tasks into manageable steps, like clearing a single drawer or box, rather than tackling an entire home.
    Create a safe space: Focus first on health and safety (e.g., keeping pathways clear, ensuring working kitchen/bathroom, removing fire hazards).
    Offer organizational help: Help them sort items into categories (keep, donate, discard), but let them make the decisions.
    Connect with resources: Many communities have hoarding task forces, social workers, or clutter support groups.

Caring for Yourself

  • Set boundaries: It’s important to protect your own mental health if you’re closely involved.
    Seek support: Joining a support group for families of people with hoarding disorder can be helpful.
    Be patient: Progress is usually slow and nonlinear.

  • Please note that we will be pulling information from our own experiences with our clients as well as research we do using AI tools. 

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