Hoarding disorder is a serious mental condition that affects millions of people worldwide. Its main symptom is an excessive accumulation of possessions and the inability to discard them, even if they are no longer needed or wanted. Hoarding can cause significant distress and impairment in daily functioning. It can also pose a serious health and safety hazard.

If you know someone who is struggling with hoarding disorder, you may be wondering how to help them. While hoarding is a complex and challenging condition, there are some steps that you can take to support your loved one and help them overcome their disorder.

Understanding the condition and its causes will help you to better understand and support your loved one. Some reliable sources of information include:

The International OCD Foundation (IOCDF) provides a wealth of information on hoarding disorder, including definitions, statistics, causes, and treatments.

The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) also provides information on hoarding disorder, including the signs and symptoms, causes, and treatments. 

The Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA) offers information on hoarding disorder, including its definition, causes, symptoms, and treatment options. 

The Mayo Clinic provides an overview of hoarding disorder, including the signs and symptoms, causes, and treatment options. 

The International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11) lists hoarding disorder as a separate diagnosis, you can access the criteria and the classification on the website

Clearing out a hoard can be overwhelming, so it’s important to break the task down into smaller, more manageable steps. Instead of trying to declutter the entire house in one day, break the task down into smaller, manageable chunks and focus on one area at a time.

Helping someone with a hoarding disorder set goals for cleaning can be a challenging task, but making a plan can help to ensure that the process is manageable and achievable. The first step is to work with the person to identify their cleaning goals, which can then be broken down into smaller, more manageable tasks. This can help to prevent the person from becoming overwhelmed and feeling discouraged.

Once the goals are identified, it's important to set deadlines for each task to help the person stay on track and motivated. Identifying the resources that will be needed, such as cleaning supplies, storage containers, and additional support from friends or family is also important to ensure that the person has everything they need to successfully complete their cleaning goals.

By helping the person make a plan and breaking down their goals into achievable tasks, you can provide the support they need to successfully manage their hoarding disorder and create a more comfortable living environment.

Before beginning the decluttering process, address any safety hazards, such as clearing pathways and noting any fire hazards or structural issues. Some items may be bio-hazardous, so please consult a local biohazard clean-up crew to assist with proper cleaning and disposal. 

A dumpster rental is also a great solution for hoarders to declutter their homes. Not only is it a cost-effective solution, but it also provides a safe and easy way to dispose of large amounts of items. If you think a dumpster rental would be a good solution for you and your loved one, feel free to contact us for support with your hoarding cleanout.

Hoarding disorder is a complex condition that often requires professional treatment. Encourage your loved one to seek help from a mental health professional who is trained in treating hoarding disorder.

The International OCD Foundation (IOCDF) maintains a directory of mental health professionals who specialize in treating hoarding disorders. 

The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) provides information on how to find a mental health professional who can help with hoarding disorder. 

The Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA) offers a directory of mental health professionals who specialize in treating anxiety and mood disorders, including hoarding disorders. 

Hoarding disorder is a chronic condition, so it’s important to continue to support your loved one even after they have made progress in overcoming their disorder. Offer to check in with them regularly and offer encouragement and support as needed.

Preventing hoarding from recurring after a home has been decluttered can be a challenging task, but there are steps that can be taken to avoid it. Here are a few tips on helping someone avoid hoarding again:

Hoarding disorder is a complex condition but can be overcome with the right resources and support. With time and effort, individuals with HD can improve their quality of life. Encourage your loved one to seek professional help and support them in their efforts to declutter their home and maintain their progress.

Please note that this article is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you or someone you know is struggling with hoarding disorder, it is important to seek help from a qualified mental health professional.