The 5 Stages of Hoarding and When to Get Help

6/25/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Richardson Hoarding Cleanup Services

A hoarding situation is a delicate matter that is difficult to discuss with loved ones. If you or someone you know is living with a hoarder, you aren’t alone.

1 in 20 Americans lives in mild to moderate hoarding conditions, while 1 in 50 homes qualify as a severe hoarding environment.

Gathering information is a step in the right direction toward a better living situation. Please read through all 5 stages of hoarding and find out how SERVPRO of Richardson can help.

What is Hoarding?

Put simply, hoarding is an accumulation of objects, animals, or trash. It’s caused by neglect, compulsion, or a bit of both. It causes any and all parts of a home to be unlivable.

Life in a hoarding environment can cause problems relating to physical wellness, emotional health, relationships, financial, legal, and other aspects of life.

What Causes Hoarding?

Hoarding is symptomatic of underlying psychological issues such as OCD, ADHD, or depression/anxiety. Some have said it can be linked to a personal history of poverty (but this hasn’t been clinically proven).

Common Signs of Hoarding

Reality-TV displays the more extreme side of it, but there are 5 stages of hoarding that lead up to this. So, what are the first signs of hoarding? 

Levels of Hoarding

Experts found that hoarding is on a spectrum. Understanding the problem in-depth (by identifying the different types) aids in the treatment of underlying mental health issues. 

Read on to learn about the 5 stages of hoarding.

Level 1 Hoarder

The beginning stage of hoarding is the mildest. In the home of a Level 1 hoarder, you may find:

• Some signs of animals/animal waste (pets or pests).
• No strong odors.
• Moderate clutter.
• Mostly healthy and sanitary conditions from regular housekeeping.
• Some gathering of items collected compulsively (but the movement is not blocked around doorways and pathways).

In this phase, compulsive collecting begins but hasn’t yet become a health issue.

Level 2 Hoarder

At this stage, the accumulation of items creates a blocked doorway or exit along with more signs of neglect. This level includes:

• Increased clutter (to the point of blocking or narrowing the pathways).
• Appliances or HVAC in disrepair for 6 months or more.
• Mildew in the bathroom or kitchen.
• Moderate pet odor.
• Pet waste.
• Litterbox is used three times and hasn’t been scooped or refreshed.
• Several pets including fish, birds, or reptiles.
• Signs of rodents.
• Trash can overflow.
• Dirty food prep stations.

Level 2 brings about social withdrawal due to anxiety, depression, or being too embarrassed to allow guests.

Level 3 Hoarder

Midway through the hoarding scale, there is increased clutter, more disrepair, and advanced neglect. Here’s what is found at this stage:

• Visible clutter outside (such as broken appliances and old furniture).
• More broken appliances than at level 2.
• Light structural damage to the home.
• Unmanageable or illegal amount of pets.
• Neglected cages, tanks, or litter boxes for animals.
• Signs and sounds of rodent pests.
• Fleas
• Spiders/spider webs.
• More than one blocked doorway or narrow passageways through the home.
• One bathroom or bedroom is unusable. 
• Substances or spills remain on the floor.
• Dirty laundry pileup.
• Noticeable odor.
• Overflowing trash cans.

At level 3, personal neglect is also evident. Those living in the home may not be bathing for several days, at or reaching obesity, and eating a poor diet. 

The occupants are also avoidant or defensive when others try to talk about the state of the living conditions.

Level 4 Hoarder

At this stage, the environment has reached toxic levels. Some or all of these listed are found in Level 4 hoarding situations:

• Mold and mildew throughout the home.
• Structural damage has gone 6 months without repair.
• Pets counts are in excess of the legal amount (by at least four). 
• At least three areas have visible animal waste.
• Unusable bedrooms/bathrooms.
• Presence of rotting food in the kitchen, fridge, and other rooms.
• Very old canned goods.
• All dishes and utensils are dirty and can’t be used.
• Bug infestation in beds (including lice).
• Beds without linens.
• Several spiders and spider webs.
• Bat or rodent sounds and signs.
• More than one exit blocked.
• Flammable materials stored indoors.

Personal neglect is advanced at this stage with many weeks without bathing, the onset of more severe mental issues, and escapism (living in the past or grandiose dreams of the future).

Level 5 Hoarder

Conditions of a level 5 hoarder home are considered to be unlivable. There is an increased concern for the personal welfare of the residents. Such extreme conditions are:

• Severe structural damage to the home or broken walls.
• Lack of electricity or running water (leading to human waste collection in buckets).
• Fire hazards.
• Rodent sightings (or other wild animals getting inside.)
• Excessive clutter in bathrooms or kitchen (blocking the path).
• Pet counts are in excess of the legal amount (by at least four). 
• Human waste is seen or smelled.
• Rotting food around the house or inside a broken refrigerator.

At this stage, the home may be abandoned with the residents away most of the time or staying elsewhere. 

The higher the level of hoarding the more likely it is that a resident has severe depression or other mental health problems. NAMI is available Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. to assist those who need guidance on how to best help loved ones. Call NAMI at 800-950-NAMI (6264) or call 211 for Dallas area resources.

The International OCD Foundation also offers tips on how to approach those affected by hoarding.

Contact Us for Hoarding and Biohazard Cleanup 

Our SERVPRO of Richardson biohazard cleanup team understands the sensitive nature of hoarding situations. We’re ready to restore hoarding homes back to healthy environments.

We provide hoarding cleanup services and odor remediation with dignity and respect. 

We work with you to come up with a recovery plan for your specific needs. During our free consultation, we offer ways to service the residence while respecting a resident’s privacy (such as overnight cleaning). 

We’re here to answer your call 24/7. Reach out to us at (972) 690-1414 or fill out our quick and easy contact form anytime!