Are you or someone you know struggling with clutter and disorganization? Do you feel overwhelmed by the amount of stuff you have in your home? If so, you might be dealing with hoarding, a mental disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. Hoarding is not just a matter of being messy or lazy. It is a serious condition that can have negative impacts on your health, safety, relationships, and quality of life. Hoarding can also pose a fire hazard, attract pests, and create legal problems.
Hoarding can be classified into five levels, each with its own characteristics and challenges. Here is a brief overview of the five levels of hoarding:
Level 1:
This is the mildest level of hoarding. The home is generally clean and functional, but there are some signs of clutter and disorganization. There may be piles of papers, books, clothes, or other items on tables, chairs, or floors. There may be some difficulty finding things or throwing things away. There may be some procrastination or avoidance of dealing with the clutter. The person may feel embarrassed or anxious about their situation, but they are still able to invite guests over and maintain their daily activities.
Level 2:
This level indicates a moderate level of hoarding. There is moderate clutter around the house, and the property is disorganized, but there are still some clear pathways and spaces. There may be some blocked exits, windows, or vents. There may be some evidence of dust, dirt, odours, or mildew. There may be some expired food, broken appliances, or unused items in the kitchen or bathroom. There may be some difficulty using furniture or appliances because of the clutter. The person may feel more stressed or ashamed about their situation, but they still have some social contacts and hobbies.
Level 3:
This level signifies a significant level of hoarding. The home is heavily cluttered and disorganized, with few or no clear pathways or spaces to access rooms. There may be significant problems with sanitation, hygiene, pests, or mould. There may be rotting food, animal waste, or hazardous materials in the home. There are limited visible surfaces and difficulty accessing or using furniture, appliances, or rooms because of the clutter and evident unsanitary conditions. The person may feel overwhelmed or depressed about their situation, and they may isolate themselves from others or neglect their personal care.
Level 4:
This level represents a very severe level of hoarding. The home is extremely cluttered and disorganized, with no clear pathways or spaces, making it difficult to maneuver around the space. There may be no functioning utilities, such as water, electricity, gas, or heating. There may be health risks due to strong odours. There may be animal droppings and dirty dishes and utensils. There may be no access to or use of furniture, appliances, or rooms because of the clutter.
Level 5:
This level denotes an extreme level of hoarding. The home is completely cluttered and disorganized, with no visible floor or walls. The situation is now unsafe, and there is an extreme fire hazard. The amount of garbage is now excessive throughout the house, with life-threatening health hazards and diseases. There may be decomposing food and animal waste, and there may be no access to or use of any furniture, appliances, or rooms because of the clutter. The person may be psychotic, delusional, or incapacitated by their situation, and they may have no contact with anyone.
Click here to download a PDF version
How can we help?
If you or someone you know is struggling with hoarding, there is hope and help available. 1st Hoarding Clean Up specializes in providing compassionate and professional hoarding cleanup services for all levels of hoarding severity. We can help you restore your home to a safe and comfortable condition while respecting your privacy and dignity. Contact us today for a free consultation and estimate.