Uncontrollable or compulsive hoarding - what is it?

Compulsive hoarding includes some or all of the following:

• People who collect and keep a lot of items, that appear useless or of little value to most people.

• Scattered items of any type that can create chaos in the living spaces that prevent people from using their rooms as they were intended.

• Items can cause distress or hinder day-to-day activities.

• In severe cases such as when there is heavy smoke or structural damage, or security concerns, a pack-out may be required for the contents restoration process to be done properly.
  

What types of items do people hoard?

Most commonly, people tend to hoard everyday possessions, such as paper (mail, newspapers), books, clothing and containers (boxes, paper and plastic bags). There are more serious cases of people who hoard garbage or food, even if it’s rotten. In rarer cases, some people will hoard animals or human waste products.

What are the effects of hoarding?

First and foremost, the health and safety of those living in or near the home, causing health problems, structural damage, fire, and even death are the biggest concerns due to compulsive hoarding.

Hoarding can cause court actions such as evictions that can be expensive, emotionally devastating, and lead to hospitalizations or homelessness.

The ensuing condition of the home and the hoarding behaviors can be overwhelming to family and friends while causing a lot of conflict.

What are the signs of uncontrollable or compulsive hoarding?

• Extremely difficult to get rid of items

• Large amounts of debris in spaces at the office, at home, in the car, or in other spaces (i.e. storage units) that makes it difficult to use furniture or appliances or move around easily

• Loss of important items in the clutter such as money or bills

• Powerful feelings of being overwhelmed by the volume of stuff that has ‘taken over the house or workspace

• To not be able to stop taking any items that are “free”, such as advertising flyers or sugar packets from restaurants

• Constant overbuying or stocking up on items just because they are a “bargain”.

• Keeping visitors, even family or friends away from the home due to shame or embarrassment

• Keeping needed repair people out of the home to make repairs