Signs & Symptoms of Hoarding Disorder May include:
- Persistent inability to part with any possession, regardless of its value
- Excessive attachment to possessions, including discomfort letting others touch or borrow them or distress at the idea of letting an item go
- Cluttered living spaces, making areas of the home unusable for the intended purpose, such as not being able to cook in the kitchen or use the bathroom to bathe
- Letting food or trash build up to unusually excessive, unsanitary levels
- Keeping stacks of newspapers, magazines or junk mail
- Difficulty managing daily activities because of procrastination & trouble making decisions
- Moving items from one pile to another, without discarding anything
- Difficulty organizing items, sometimes losing important items in the clutter
- Shame or embarrassment
- Limited or no social interactions
The Difference Between Hoarding Disorder and Collecting
Hoarding disorder differs significantly from collecting. People who collect items like stamps or model cars intentionally seek out specific objects, organize them meticulously, and display them with care. While collections can be large, they typically do not result in the clutter, distress, or impairments associated with hoarding disorder.
Hoarding, on the other hand, can create serious safety risks. Excessive clutter often blocks exits and entrances, making it difficult for occupants to evacuate during emergencies and delaying first responders from entering the structure. Rooms filled to the ceiling with unstable stacks of belongings can collapse, potentially trapping firefighters or others trying to navigate the space.
Even when firefighters force open inward-opening doors to enter a home, the clutter can make it challenging to exit quickly, especially if a firefighter is in distress. The excessive accumulation of materials presents a double threat for first responders: fire prevention becomes harder, and firefighter safety is compromised. Many fire departments report severe fires, injuries, and even fatalities linked to compulsive hoarding behavior. These conditions not only endanger the residents but also pose risks to neighbors and the surrounding community.
In some cases, local fire departments are called to address the issue directly. With studies estimating that 3–5% of the population may be compulsive hoarders, it’s crucial for fire departments to understand how to handle these situations effectively. Training and awareness can help mitigate the dangers posed by hoarding and improve safety for both residents and emergency personnel.
People with hoarding disorder typically save items because:
They believe these items will be needed or have value in the future- They feel safer when surrounded by the things they save
- The items have important emotional significance — serving as a reminder of happier times or representing beloved people or pets
Hoarding Cleanup
Levels of Hoarding
The accumulation of excessive clutter in a home can pose serious health and safety risks. Restoring homes affected by hoarding to a safe, clean, and livable environment is a responsibility we take very seriously. At Mold Solutions & Inspections, we handle every hoarding cleanup with compassion, discretion, and unmatched attention to detail. Our goal is to provide assistance in hoarding situations without judgment, so you never have to feel embarrassed or ashamed, no matter the condition of the property.
Understanding the level of hoarding in a home is crucial to assessing the severity of the situation, determining the potential costs, and identifying associated risks. Below are the five levels of hoarding, as defined by the National Study Group on Compulsive Disorganization:
- Hoarding Level 1
The home is considered safe and sanitary. All doors and stairways are accessible, there is light clutter, no noticeable odors, and no more than three locations with animal waste. - Hoarding Level 2
Dirty food preparation surfaces, overflowing garbage bins, and noticeable pet waste on floors. Signs of mildew in kitchens and bathrooms, light odors, two or more rooms affected by clutter, HVAC systems malfunctioning for over six months, and at least one blocked exit. - Hoarding Level 3
Clutter spreads both inside and outside the home, creating structural damage. Strong, pervasive odors are present, and some rooms are completely unusable due to the clutter. - Hoarding Level 4
Several rooms are barely livable, with mold and mildew present throughout the home. Animal waste is widespread, kitchens and bathrooms are nearly unusable, sewer problems are evident, and social isolation often becomes an issue. - Hoarding Level 5
The most severe level, with substantial structural damage, overwhelming foul odors, and non-functional basic utilities like electricity and running water. Severe pest infestations and excessive trash accumulation make parts of the home inaccessible, requiring extensive restoration.
At Mold Solutions & Inspections, we are experienced in addressing hoarding cleanup at all levels, ensuring the property is restored safely and efficiently. Our team of trained professionals approaches every situation with care, maintaining the highest standards of privacy and respect for those involved. Trust us to help you or your loved ones reclaim a safe and healthy living environment.
Why Choose Us
Frequently Asked Question
Collectors look for specific items and often organize or display their collection. The items people collect are likely to have real or sentimental value that can be explained to others. A collection may take over a living or work space but does not cause the emotional distress or interfere with personal functioning.
Junk companies believe just that, everything is junk. Whereas, professionally experienced hoarding cleanup companies can organize and sort through the clutter with the hoarders themselves, showing compassion and patience, while also finding valuables that could have been just trashed. This can make the process much easier and alleviate unneeded stress.
Unfortunately in many cases the answer is no. In fact, a growing trend with insurance companies across the nation is cancel policies of hoarding homes once this fact is discovered. This is why our specialists conduct hoarding cleaning projects with the utmost professionalism, courtesy, and privacy.