What is Hoarding Disorder?
Hoarding is a serious condition that involves the obsessive collection of personal items or trash because there is a perceived need to keep them. Emotional, physical, financial, and legal consequences can result from this irrational compulsion to save and store things of no real value. These consequences not only affect the hoarder but have rippling consequences for all the people in the hoarder’s life.
Did you know? According to the American Psychiatric Association (APA), 2.6% of Americans suffer from hoarding disorder. It was officially added to the DSM-5 in 2012 as a recognized mental health condition.
The National Study on Compulsive Disorganization developed a scale to define the levels of hoarding to help professionals and family members understand the hoarding situations with which they are confronted.
There are 5 stages of hoarding, with progressive stages being more severe than the previous. Understanding these levels can help in early intervention and deciding when professional hoarding cleanup services are necessary.
The 5 stages of hoarding are:
- Level 1: The Least Severe Level with Few Indicators
- Level 2: Noticeable Object Collection and Embarrassment with Visitors
- Level 3: Odors, Poor Hygiene, and Narrowed Hallways
- Level 4: Structural Damage, Sewage Issues, and Unusable Rooms
- Level 5: Fire Hazards, No Electricity or Running Water and Accumulated Human Feces
Is your loved one showing signs of hoarding? Learn about the 7 Warning Signs Someone You Love Has a Hoarding Problem
The 5 Stages of Hoarding
| Stage | Common Indicators | Health & Safety Risks |
|---|---|---|
| Stage 1 Severity: Minimal Clutter | Home appears tidy, all exits accessible, but storage spaces are overflowing. | No immediate risks, occasional misplaced items or excessive shopping habits. |
| Stage 2 Severity: Mild Clutter | Clutter accumulating in areas, some difficulty organizing. Walkways remain clear, but excess items pile up in rooms. | Increased fire hazards near heat sources. Dust and allergen buildup begin. |
| Stage 3 Severity: Moderate Clutter | Clutter begins blocking exits or key areas, odors present, and pest infestations begin. Some rooms are difficult to use properly. | Rodent/insect activity, sanitation issues arise, mold growth, fire hazards increase. |
| Stage 4 Severity: Severe Clutter | Structural damage, mold presence, severe sanitation issues. Multiple rooms become unusable. Exits may be completely blocked. | High risk of respiratory issues, fire hazards, toxic mold exposure, and bacterial infections. Biohazards like animal/human waste present. |
| Stage 5 Severity: Severe Clutter | House is unlivable: no running water or electricity, severe biohazards, blocked exits, and extreme structural damage. | Life-threatening health risks: airborne bacteria, toxic mold, severe fire hazards, and potential structural collapse. Emergency intervention required. |
Level 1: The Least Severe Level with Few Indicators
At this stage, hoarding goes beyond simple collecting. While the home may appear clean and functional, signs of excessive accumulation are present. Cabinets, closets, and storage areas are overfilled, making it difficult to organize personal belongings.
This is the least severe level of hoarding, but it goes beyond simple collecting because objects and belongings are not organized and displayed. There are few indicators that this level of hoarding is occurring because the condition may be hidden due to a lack of visible clutter, although most appropriate storage areas in the house are jam packed with items. Cabinets, closets, storage sheds and bookshelves are filled to the max. The individual that is a level 1 hoarder finds throwing items away difficult and does an unreasonable amount of shopping for items that are not needed.
Common Signs of Level 1 Hoarding:
- Light clutter with no major obstructions
- No noticeable odors
- All doorways and staircases remain accessible
- No more than three areas with managed animal waste
- Frequent shopping for unnecessary items
What You Can Do:
- Start decluttering with one area at a time
- Reduce excessive shopping habits
- Seek organization assistance before clutter becomes overwhelming
Level 2: Noticeable Object Collection and Embarrassment with Visitors
When a hoarder has reached level 2, they begin avoiding visitors due to embarrassment, stress or anxiety regarding their hoarded items. Clutter accumulates in walkways and living areas, making cleaning more difficult. This level is when typical hoarding characteristics start to become noticeable.
Common Signs of Level 2 Hoarding:
- At least one blocked exit
- One major appliance is out of order
- The ventilation system has been malfunctioning for at least six months creating rooms with no cooling or heating due to clutter
- Clutter has accumulated in walkways and is noticeably excessive in one or more rooms
- There is limited housekeeping due to inaccessibility, and light mildew exists in bathrooms or kitchens
What You Can Do:
- Recognize that embarrassment is a common sign of hoarding disorder
- Work on clearing one room at a time
- Consider professional organization services to prevent further escalation
Feeling Overwhelmed? Our trained professionals can assist with hoarding cleanup at any stage. Call now!
Level 3: Odors, Poor Hygiene and Narrowed Hallways
At this stage, hoarding becomes highly noticeable and can impact hygiene, mental health, and physical well-being. Individuals often justify their living conditions and may resist help.
At this level, hoarders typically have very poor personal hygiene and are suffering from emotional distress. These two situations often contribute to weight control issues. A level 3 hoarder will become extremely defensive of their living situation when confronted and often rationalizes their living situation because they cannot see the dangers present within their home.
Common Signs of Level 3 Hoarding:
- Clutter and household items accumulating outside of the home
- Two or more household appliances have been in disrepair for six months
- One area of the home shows light structural damage
- There is an excessive number of pets
- Living spaces have been neglected and cannot be tidied up
- A visible rodent, flea or spider infestation
- Narrowed hallways
- At least one unusable bedroom or bathroom
- Accumulation of excessive dust and dirty clothing
- Extremely soiled flooring
- Strong odors from waste buildup
What You Can Do:
- Intervention is crucial – talk to the hoarder with compassion
- Address sanitation and repair needs immediately
- Consider professional intervention for cleanup and organization
Level 3 hoarding poses health risks. Get expert assistance today! Call 866-726-2316.
Level 4: Structural Damage, Sewage Issues and Unusable Rooms
At Level 4, hoarders may completely neglect personal hygiene and self-care. Individuals who have reached this level of hoarding often go weeks without bathing. They usually are suffering from a mental health crisis and cannot see that their situation is dangerous or unsanitary. Homes often contain mold, structural damage, and severe clutter buildup, making them hazardous to live in.
Common Signs of Level 4 Hoarding:
- Noticeable mold and mildew throughout the home
- Structural damage to the home that is at least six months old
- Sewage issues due to clogged plumbing
- At least three areas with excessive and aging animal waste
- Multiple rooms have become unusable
- Spoiled and rotting food in kitchen areas
- Fleas, lice, bed bugs, rodents and other major pest infestations
- More than one exit is blocked
What You Can Do:
- Immediate action is needed to restore safety and livability
- Contact a hoarding cleanup specialist
- Work with mental health professionals to support emotional needs
Dangerous hoarding conditions require professional remediation. Call 866-726-2316 for expert biohazard cleanup.
Level 5: Extreme Hoarding: Fire Hazards, No Electricity or Running Water and Accumulated Human Feces
At this stage, hoarding makes the home completely unlivable. Major fire hazards, structural damage, and biohazard conditions exist. Individuals often deny the severity of their situation.
This is the most severe type of hoarding, and individuals at this level may not be able to live in their own home, nor can their home be salvaged for future habitation. Human and animal waste is often collected in containers that cannot be disposed of down the toilet yet remain in and around the home.
Common Signs of Level 5 Hoarding:
- Severe structural damage to the home (broken walls, collapsed ceilings)
- Broken or crumbling walls
- Accumulated human and animal waste
- Major fire hazards throughout the home such as paper accumulation around open flames
- No electricity or running water due to severe neglect
- Clutter covering every surface, hallway, and room
- A noticeable accumulation of human and animal feces
- Most spaces in the home are inaccessible
What You Can Do:
- Professional cleanup services are required for biohazard removal
- Contact mental health professionals for support
- Ensure the safety of the individual before cleanup begins
Emergency hoarding cleanup available 24/7! Call 866-726-2316 today.
Effects of Hoarding on Health & Safety
Hoarding is more than just clutter – it can lead to serious health risks, including:
- Respiratory problems from mold, dust, and bacteria buildup
- Fire hazards due to excessive paper or flammable materials
- Insect and rodent infestations
- Mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and isolation
The effects of hoarding go beyond the mess that has arisen. As a hoarder progresses through the levels of hoarding, there are serious safety concerns regarding sanitation and safety. Not only are the hoarders themselves a victim in these situations, the loved ones and neighbors of the hoarder are as well. While hoarding can impact all ages and demographics, it is often seen in older individuals.
In severe cases, individuals become reclusive and isolate themselves from friends and family. Unintended death can result from the unsafe conditions created by a hoarding situation. While the hoarding levels presented help to identify different levels of severity inherent in the condition, each persons specific situation will be different. Hoarding is serious, and it must be handled in the right way.
Take Action Today!
Hoarding situations escalate over time, and early intervention is the best way to prevent catastrophic conditions. If you or a loved one is struggling with hoarding at any stage, help is available.
At Spaulding Decon, our trained biohazard remediation professionals know how to clean up a hoarder’s home and we understand the emotional attachment that exists to the belongings.
Our teams can create custom cleanup plans while working with mental health professionals to ensure that your loved ones get the help and support they need during the difficult cleanup process.
Call Spaulding Decon now at 866-726-2316 for expert hoarding cleanup services.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hoarding Cleanup
The cost of hoarding cleanup depends on the severity of clutter, size of the property, and level of hazardous material removal needed. Prices start at $500 for minor cleanup and can exceed $5,000 for severe cases. Call 866-726-2316 for a free estimate.
The cleanup process varies based on the amount of clutter and level of damage. A small cleanup may take a few hours, while a severe case could take multiple days. We offer customized cleanup plans for each situation.
Yes. We prioritize privacy and discretion by arriving in unmarked vehicles, and our staff wears plain uniforms with no service descriptions. If asked, we simply state we are conducting remodeling or maintenance work.
In most cases, homeowners insurance does not cover hoarding cleanup. However, if the property has damage due to mold, pests, or structural hazards, there may be some coverage options. We also offer financing options to make cleanup more affordable.
Junk removal companies only dispose of items without sorting or considering valuables. Our professional hoarding cleanup service helps organize, sort, and preserve valuable belongings before disposal. We specialize in compassionate cleanup, not just junk removal.
Our team meticulously documents, photographs, and separates valuable items, sentimental belongings, and essential documents before disposal. We ensure nothing of value is lost during the cleanup process.
Yes. We are certified in biohazard remediation and safely remove mold, animal waste, human waste, expired food, and hazardous materials.
We offer hoarding cleanup services nationwide, with teams available in all major cities and surrounding areas. Check availability in your area.
Yes! We provide same-day and emergency hoarding cleanup in most locations. If you’re dealing with an urgent biohazard, fire risk, or severe clutter situation, call us immediately at 866-726-2316 for 24/7 assistance.
📞 Still have questions? Call Spaulding Decon today at 866-726-2316 for expert hoarding cleanup services!
Levels of Hoarding Links
- Level 1 Hoarding Explained
- Level 2 Hoarding Explained
- Level 3 Hoarding Explained
- Level 4 Hoarding Explained
- Level 5 Hoarding Explained
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