The 5 Stages of Hoarding

Hoarding is a complex psychological condition where an individual collects items excessively and struggles to discard them, often leading to severe clutter that impairs their living space and quality of life. 

Recognising the stages of hoarding can aid in seeking timely professional help and can prevent the situation from getting out of control. 

Understanding Hoarding Behaviour

Hoarding disorder affects more individuals than you may think. It impacts their functionality and social interactions. Hoarding stems from various psychological triggers including depression, anxiety, and traumatic events, where the accumulation of items provides a misguided sense of security. 

Unlike collectors, hoarders will accumulate items, regardless if they hold any actual value. These items will then be stored haphazardly, leading to unmanageable clutter. The recognition of hoarding as a distinct psychological condition highlights the need for a nuanced approach to treatment and intervention.

The disorder does not happen overnight but progresses through identifiable stages. Each stage presents an increase in the hoarder’s attachment to their possessions, along with a corresponding decline in their quality of life and the safety of their living environments. There are commonly five stages of hoarding:

Stage 1: Initial Clutter

The first stage of hoarding is often the hardest to identify as it closely mimics the average person’s living space with slightly more clutter. 

  • Individuals at this stage may have a few stacks of newspapers, a “junk” drawer with various items, or rooms that are beginning to accumulate possessions that are seldom used. 
  • Importantly, the clutter isn’t severe and does not significantly interfere with everyday life or the functionality of the home and therefore does not yet invoke a sense of alarm among loved ones.

Stage 2: Mild Hoarding

  • By the second stage, clutter is more noticeable, and rooms may contain surplus items that are rarely needed. 
  • The functionality of certain areas begins to diminish. For example, a bedroom might be filled with stacks of books and clothes that are seldom organised. 
  • Individuals in this stage might buy items they don’t need or duplicate items they already own. 
  • Deteriorating hygiene might also be noticed at this stage.

It is crucial at this initial stage for individuals or their loved ones to recognise these early warning signs. Early intervention can prevent progression to more severe stages, and enlisting the help of a professional hoarder cleanup service at this stage can be one effective way to manage the situation.

Big mess in an over stuffed suburban garage.

Stage 3: Moderate Hoarding

  • This stage is marked by a visible increase in clutter, enough to disrupt lifestyle and daily activities. Key living spaces are rendered unusable, and there might be a significant narrowing of pathways in the home. 
  • Sanitation begins to decline even more, and mild odour may become apparent. 
  • During this stage, the consequences of hoarding behaviour are more evident, potentially straining relationships with family and neighbours.

Engaging professional hoarder cleanup at this stage is critical to preventing further escalation. Specialists in hoarding cleanup not only clear the clutter but are also trained to handle potentially hazardous situations like mould presence or structural damage, thereby ensuring the safety and well-being of the inhabitants.

Stage 4: Severe Hoarding

In the fourth stage, the quality of life deteriorates sharply.

  • Clutter invades virtually all living spaces, utilities may be disconnected, and appliances might be unusable. 
  • There could be significant pest issues and severe sanitation problems. 
  • The risk of injuries, structural damage to the property, and legal ramifications like eviction notices increase substantially.

At this critical stage, specialised hoarder cleaning service providers are not just recommended, but essential. They are equipped to handle extreme cleaning tasks with the necessary tools and understanding of the disorder’s psychological aspects. Their intervention can help mitigate the risks to health and safety posed by severe hoarding.

Stage 5: Extreme Hoarding

  • The final stage of hoarding is critical, where the home is completely uninhabitable. 
  • Serious health risks, such as rodent infestations, mould, and airborne pollutants, are prevalent, and the house may be under threat of condemnation. 
  • Personal hygiene is severely compromised.
  • There is often a total breakdown in family and social relationships.

In such cases, comprehensive cleanup and recovery services provided by professional hoarder cleanup companies are indispensable. During this stage, professionals might be the only ones capable and prepared to perform deep cleaning and sanitising processes that accompany extreme hoarding.

Hoarder Cleaning Services in Perth

Understanding the stages of hoarding is pivotal for timely intervention and support. 

The role of professional hoarder cleanup services extends beyond just cleaning and organising a space, but also to preserve the dignity and emotional well-being of the individual. Kleen Slate Services offers professional and affordable hoarder cleaning services in Perth. Call us directly for assistance 08 9500 7999.

Lewis Harriman

Lewis Harriman is an award winning entrepreneur. His business, Kleen Slate Services was named Business of the Year at the 2019 RKCC Mineral Resources Regional Business Awards. Certified by the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration, he provides Methamphetamine property testing and decontamination cleaning, all property restoration services, trauma and crime scene forensic clean-up, as well as range of cleaning services to domestic, commercial and industrial properties. He is a strong advocate for supporting local business, being members of BNI, Rockingham Kwinana Chamber of Commerce and Rockingham Business Sundowners.