The five stages of hoarding are more than simply collecting possessions at an accelerating rate. We are speaking here of a recognized mental health condition. Hoarding that we see in action during our hoarder home clearances.
Original Illustration by Avery Associates
Hoarding is a progression, not just a single event. A hoarder’s home becomes increasingly more cluttered, making daily life an increasing challenge. Friends are often first to notice theses trends as clutter accumulates. So what should they do, if anything, about this?
We believe that understanding the five stages of hoarding, could help friends realise when they need to provide gentle support. Trying to force an issue seldom works, especially when it comes to a compulsive hoarder!
Hoarding Phase One: Mild Hoarding
The first stage of hoarding is quite often difficult to distinguish from ordinary clutter. The hoarder’s home remains safe and functional, although there are signs that possessions are beginning to accumulate.
Newspapers, clothing, books, or household items may fill cupboards, spare rooms, and even garages. Friends may notice that rooms seem untidy more often than before.
The hoarder may postpone cleaning, or make excuses about the state of their home. They may also begin buying items that they already own, or struggle to throw away things that most people would discard.
At this stage of hoarding, the individual usually continues to work, socialise, and maintain relationships without any major disruptions.
Hoarding Phase Two: Moderate Hoarding
As the second of five stages of hoarding begins, clutter overflows from cupboards into main living areas. Tables, chairs, and kitchen counters may become difficult to use, because they are covered with more possessions.
Cleaning becomes more challenging too. Some parts of the home may receive little attention. Visitors could notice unpleasant odours, overflowing rubbish bins, and even blocked paths through rooms.
A hoarder may become reluctant to invite anyone inside. They may prefer to meet friends elsewhere as they conceal what is happening.
Friends might also see their anxiety increase as they discuss tidying or disposing of surplus belongings. Even items with little or no practical value may seem to be an impossible challenge, at this second of five stages of hoarding.
Hoarding Phase Three: Significant Hoarding
At this stage the clutter begins to interfere more seriously with daily living. Entire rooms could become unusable, and access to important areas such as kitchens, bathrooms, or bedrooms may be restricted.
You might also spot that your hoarding friend rarely welcomes you at home anymore, once they reach the third of five stages of hoarding. They may prefer phone calls to receiving you personally in their home.
Their own hygiene and housekeeping may also deteriorate, after their clutter makes everyday housekeeping routines difficult.
Visible signs can also include stacks of possessions reaching waist height, blocked windows, broken appliances that remain unrepaired, or even evidence of pests.
Hoarding Phase Four: Severe Hoarding
Severe hoarding at stage four of the five stages of hoarding, introduces more-concerning health and safety risks. Narrow pathways may become the only routes through rooms if they do allow you to visit.
Fire hazards increase too, after exit routes become blocked. While damaged plumbing or electrical systems still remain broken.
If you manage to enter the property you may notice mould, strong odours, insect infestations, or rodent activity. Structural damage may also become apparent as heavy piles place stress on floors or walls.
Your hoarder friend will probably become socially isolated at this point. They may avoid family gatherings, ignore phone calls, and react defensively if anyone suggests professional help. Everyday activities such as cooking, bathing, or sleeping in a bed may no longer be practical.
Hoarding Phase Five: Extreme Hoarding
The final stage of hoarding can develop into an emergency situation. The home may no longer be safe to occupy, on account of severe clutter, sanitation problems, and / or structural damage. Essential services such as electricity or running water may have stopped working too.
Your friend may experience dramatic weight loss, declining health, poor personal hygiene, and even increasing confusion.
Emergency services, housing authorities, or social workers may need to intervene, especially after complaints from neighbours or other concerns about your friend’s welfare.
At this stage, your friend could well be unable to resolve the situation themselves. Professional assistance usually involves working alongside cleaning professionals, medical practitioners, and community support services.
The goal is not simply to clear a hoarder’s home, which we have been doing for decades, but also to address the emotional issues that caused the hoarding.
A Compassionate Response By A Caring Friend
Hoarding is not the result of laziness or carelessness. Most people who hoard experience genuine distress at the very thought of discarding possessions.
Criticism, arguments, or forcing your friend to clear their home is unlikely to produce lasting results, and may even damage your relationship.
Rather persuade them, now you understand the five stages of hoarding, to seek help from a healthcare professional. Professional help is often the most effective first step.
Your early support could offer the best chance of preventing mild hoarding from progressing to the more serious stages, at which point a partial, or complete cleaning and clutter clearing service, may be the only option.
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