Clutter Image Rating
The International OCD Foundation Hoarding Centre created a series of nine pictures of rooms in various stages of clutter, from completely clutter-free to very severely cluttered. People can just pick out the picture in each sequence that comes closest to the clutter in their own living room, kitchen, and bedroom. In general, clutter that reaches the level of picture # 4 or higher impinges enough on people’s lives that we would encourage them to get help for their hoarding problem.
Clean and Tidy. This is a normal, healthy living space. The room is organized, with all items in their designated places. Surfaces and floors are clear, and the room is fully usable for its intended purpose.
Minimal Clutter. Some items may be out of place, such as a few newspapers on a table or a small stack of books on the floor. However, the space remains functional, with no significant obstruction to pathways or furniture. This level is typical for many homes and doesn’t indicate a hoarding problem.
Mild Clutter. Clutter begins to accumulate on surfaces and floors, making it slightly more difficult to move around. The intended use of some furniture might be mildly impacted. For example, a chair may have a pile of clothes on it, but the room is still generally accessible and safe.
Moderate Clutter. At this level, clutter starts to significantly impede the function of the room. Pathways become narrower, and some furniture may be unusable. The room is no longer an ideal living space, and it’s recommended to seek professional help for hoarding at this stage.
Significant Clutter. The room’s use is now seriously impaired. Moving around requires navigating around piles of belongings, and access to furniture or appliances is difficult. The space is becoming a storage area rather than a living space, with clear signs of distress and impairment for the person living there.
Severe Clutter. The room is no longer usable for its original purpose. Piles of clutter are high, often requiring climbing over objects to pass. Pathways are very narrow and difficult to navigate. This level presents increased health and safety risks, including potential fire hazards and difficulty with egress.
Extreme Clutter. This is a highly dangerous environment. The room is unusable, and access is severely limited or impossible. The sheer volume of possessions creates a significant risk of collapse, injury, and fire. The space is no longer a suitable living area and may pose a danger to neighbors or first responders.
Very Extreme Clutter. The level of clutter is life-threatening. The room is completely inaccessible, and there is a high risk of being trapped or injured by shifting items. The environment is unsanitary, with potential for pest infestations and structural damage to the home.
Uninhabitable and Dangerous. This is the most severe level of hoarding. The room is completely overwhelmed by possessions, making it a clear danger to anyone entering. The home is uninhabitable, and the conditions are a significant public health and safety concern. At this stage, multi-agency intervention is often required to address the situation.
