Wondering what hoarding is or if you or a loved one have it? In short, it is a condition where individuals compulsively collect items or trash due to a perceived need to keep them. It’s recognized as a mental health disorder, and its severity is measured in five progressive stages, from light clutter to unsafe, uninhabitable conditions.
This guide walks through each stage, explains what to look for, the associated health risks, and how to take the next step toward help.
What is Hoarding Disorder?
Hoarding disorder is a serious mental health condition that causes individuals to collect items to such an extent that it becomes an obsession. The other part of this disorder is that people with it experience severe anxiety when discarding these items. Over time, this type of behaviour can lead to unsafe living conditions, social isolation, and even legal or financial troubles.
Did you know? Hoarding disorder was officially recognized as a mental health condition in 2013 with its inclusion in the DSM-5. According to the American Psychiatric Association (APA), approximately 2.6% of Americans live with it.
In order to identify the severity and plan interventions, mental health professionals often use a five-level scale (based on the National Study on Compulsive Disorganization).
Why understanding the stages matters
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to dealing with the results of hoarding. However, mental health professionals, hoarding cleanup specialists, and social workers often refer to a five-level scale to assess the severity.
Each level has its own risks, challenges, and cleanup needs, along with therapy and treatment for the affected individual. It is widely believed that the earlier hoarding is identified, the easier it is to manage.
Is your loved one showing signs of hoarding? Learn about the 7 Warning Signs Someone You Love Has a Hoarding Problem
The 5 Levels of Hoarding
We already mentioned that there are five levels of hoarding. And below, we present a table, also called the severity scale, with warning signs to look out for.
| 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: Extreme 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. |
Let’s look at each of these levels in more detail below.
Level 1 hoarding: Minimal clutter and early warning signs
At this stage, hoarding goes beyond simple collecting. The home might look relatively clean and functional, but signs of excessive accumulation are present. Storage spaces, closets, cabinets, sheds, are filled to the brim, and organization becomes difficult. The person may regularly shop for items they don’t need and struggle to part with even the most minor belongings.
At Level 1, the condition may not be obvious to outsiders, but emotional attachment to possessions and early compulsive buying patterns often exist.
Common Signs of Level 1 Hoarding:
- Light clutter with no major obstructions
- Storage spaces are overflowing
- No strong odors or sanitation concerns
- All exits remain accessible
- Frequent shopping for unneeded items
What you can do:
- Start decluttering one area at a time
- Encourage reduced shopping habits
- Offer organizational support
Level 2 hoarding: Cluttered living spaces and social withdrawal
At this stage, clutter has spread from storage areas into living spaces. Walkways begin to narrow, and cleaning becomes difficult. Many people experiencing Level 2 hoarding begin to avoid visitors due to embarrassment, stress, or anxiety about the condition of their home.
Shame often becomes a barrier to seeking help at this level, which can lead to increasing isolation.
Common Signs of Level 2 Hoarding:
- At least one exit is partially or fully blocked
- Major appliance is broken or unused
- Ventilation issues (e.g. heating or cooling obstructed for 6+ months)
- Light mildew in bathrooms or kitchens
- Clutter in walkways or living areas
What you can do:
- Address clutter one room at a time
- Speak with compassion—avoid judgment
- Involve an organization professional
Feeling Overwhelmed? Our trained professionals can assist with hoarding cleanup at any stage. Call now!
Level 3 hoarding: Strong odors, pests, and health hazards
At this stage, hoarding becomes highly noticeable and can affect the person’s physical health, mental wellbeing, and day-to-day living. Individuals may rationalize the clutter and resist outside help, often becoming defensive when approached.
Level 3 often marks the point where hygiene and pest issues begin to pose serious health concerns. Emotional distress is common, and intervention becomes more urgent.
Common Signs of Level 3 Hoarding:
- Hoarded items are now accumulating outside the home
- Two or more household appliances are broken and unrepaired
- One area shows early signs of structural damage
- Excessive number of indoor pets
- Visible rodent, flea, or spider infestation
- Narrowed hallways or blocked access
- At least one unusable bedroom or bathroom
- Strong odors, soiled flooring, and accumulated waste
What you can do:
- Compassionate intervention is crucial
- Work with mental health professionals
- Begin cleanup in manageable phases
Level 3 hoarding poses health risks. Get expert assistance today! Call 866-726-2316.
Level 4 hoarding: Structural damage, sewage, and biohazards
By this point, the home becomes hazardous. The person may go without bathing or healthcare, and multiple rooms are unusable.
Common Signs of Level 4 Hoarding:
- Structural damage (6+ months old)
- Severe mold and mildew
- Backed-up plumbing or sewage
- Rotting food and excessive waste
- Multiple pest infestations
- Two or more exits blocked
What You Can Do:
- Act quickly for safety
- Contact a hoarding cleanup specialist
- Work with therapists and social services
Dangerous hoarding conditions require professional remediation. Call 866-726-2316 for expert biohazard cleanup.
Level 5 hoarding: No utilities, severe fire hazards, and crisis conditions
Homes at this stage are often uninhabitable. Hoarders may deny the severity and require multi-agency intervention.
Common Signs of Level 5 Hoarding:
- Severe structural damage
- No electricity or water
- Human and animal waste
- Clutter covering all surfaces
- Fire hazards from exposed heat sources
What You Can Do:
- Contact emergency biohazard cleanup specialists
- Ensure personal safety first
- Begin therapy within 72 hours
Emergency hoarding cleanup available 24/7! Call 866-726-2316 today.
Hoarding Is a Mental Health Issue, Not Just a Cleanup Job
Many people think hoarding is about laziness or messiness. It’s not. It’s deeply connected to trauma, anxiety, grief, and sometimes neurological conditions. That’s why cleanup alone isn’t the full solution. Emotional support, therapy, and community connection are essential.
Support options to explore:
- Cleanup and therapy collaboration
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
- Peer support groups
- In-home therapy and coaching
Real-Life Example: Watch a Real Transformation in Action
These real-life cleanup videos offer a clear look into how professional hoarding cleanup is done—step by step. In the first episode, our team helps a client sort through a heavily hoarded home, making sure important items are preserved and anything unnecessary is either donated or removed. The follow-up episode shows the final stages of the cleanup, demonstrating how a trained team can restore a home to safe, livable conditions in just a few days. These cases highlight the importance of a structured, compassionate approach to hoarding recovery.
Is Hoarding Cleanup Covered by Insurance?
In some cases, homeowners insurance may provide support for cleanup services. This is especially true when the property has experienced damage due to related issues like fire, plumbing failures, or pest infestations.
What you should know:
- Covered situations: Your provider may be able to assist if hoarding has led to structural problems, water damage, or mold.
- Limitations: General cleaning for mental health-related clutter is not typically included unless tied to property damage.
What to do next:
- Review your policy documents for exclusions related to neglect or ongoing conditions
- Contact your insurer directly (e.g. State Farm, Allstate, etc.)
- Document all signs of damage before starting any cleanup process
Pro tip: Our team can support you with the documentation your insurer might request. Just ask us how.
Find Hoarding Cleaning Help Near You
We offer hoarding cleanup services in over 20 states. To find a Spaulding Decon hoarding cleanup team nearest you: Search by Location (United States)
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.
Speak with one of our trained hoarding intervention specialists. We’ll walk you through next steps, and if needed, connect you with a mental health partner in your area.
Free consultation: 866-726-2316
Levels of Hoarding Links
- Level 1 Hoarding Explained
- Level 2 Hoarding Explained
- Level 3 Hoarding Explained
- Level 4 Hoarding Explained
- Level 5 Hoarding Explained
