Hoarding is a collecting disorder in which people have a compulsive need to keep things and find it very difficult to throw things away. It is not about someone who simply has a lot of stuff, but about people who find it extremely difficult to throw things away, with the result that their entire home becomes crammed full. In practice, it often starts off quietly and gradually gets worse, until sometimes the whole house is full. <\/p>\n\n
Hoarding almost always has a psychological or emotional cause. It is also extremely difficult for someone with hoarding to resolve this problem entirely on their own. It must therefore always be taken seriously, and the resident must be helped in a respectful and calm manner. <\/p>\n\n
In my work as a house clearance specialist, I come across this regularly. For example, we see homes where rooms can no longer be used and where pathways have been created between piles of belongings. This can lead to unsafe and unhealthy situations. We regularly help by removing surplus items to make the home liveable again. <\/p>\n\n
In cases of hoarding, there are certain signs that are almost always present:<\/p>\n\n
Hoarding is a complex problem. For someone affected by it, it is often very difficult to resolve the issue entirely on their own. That is why outside help is often necessary. It is also important not to wait too long before seeking help, as hoarding can have an impact on the resident\u2019s health and safety. Examples of this include: <\/p>\n\n
Helping a hoarder requires a careful approach. Simply popping round to help tidy up is often not enough. To resolve the situation, it is often necessary for the resident to discuss their situation with family or a professional. In this way, the resident can gain an understanding of the problem in a supportive manner, whilst also working towards a solution. This solution often involves tidying up and getting rid of belongings step by step. <\/p>\n\n