Severe clutter threatens the health and safety of those living in or near the home, causing health problems, structural damage, fire, and even death. It is not only a danger to those living in and around the home, but the clutter can also be a hazard to firefighters and other first responders. Because of theses dangers, enforcement of fire and housing codes can be used to help mitigate and abate the problem.
Each municipality treats the problem differently, either using fire, property maintenance or health codes. Involving a local government may give individuals access to assistance or resources.
Mutual Support for HD is a platform that offers virtual support groups and resources for individuals dealing with various mental health challenges, including hoarding disorder (HD). The website provides access to online communities where people can connect in a safe and supportive environment, share experiences, and find encouragement. Its virtual groups often focus on specific topics, helping members work together to address challenges and improve their mental health.
Center for Hoarding and Cluttering is an organization dedicated to supporting individuals impacted by hoarding disorder. It offers resources, education, and advocacy to address the challenges associated with hoarding behaviors. CHC provides services such as support groups, training, and consultations for individuals, families, and professionals, aiming to foster understanding and promote effective strategies for managing hoarding and improving overall well-being.
Institute for Challenging Disorganization is a nonprofit organization dedicated to education, research, and strategies for addressing chronic disorganization, including hoarding disorder. It offers resources for individuals, families, and professionals, including training programs, publications, and a robust support network. The ICD aims to empower people to create sustainable organizational solutions and improve their quality of life while raising awareness about the challenges of disorganization and its related conditions.
International OCD Foundation offers a dedicated resource center focused on hoarding disorder. This platform provides comprehensive information about the condition, including diagnostic criteria, treatment options, and support resources for individuals, families, and professionals. It aims to raise awareness and understanding of hoarding disorder, promoting effective interventions and support strategies.
Wellington-Guelph Hoarding Response offers comprehensive resources and support for individuals dealing with hoarding behaviors, their families, and service providers. It emphasizes harm reduction, safety, and person-centered care. WGHR provides tools like risk assessment scales, educational workshops, and e-learning modules tailored to address hoarding challenges. Their services include free community presentations, annual workshops with expert speakers, and collaboration with local agencies to create multidisciplinary support teams
Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) Adult Protection Services provides resources and support to safeguard vulnerable adults from abuse, neglect, and exploitation. Through education, reporting systems, and intervention services, it works to ensure the safety and well-being of at-risk adults across Minnesota.
Senior LinkAge Line is a free, statewide resource in Minnesota that provides information and assistance for older adults and their families. It helps navigate services related to health care, housing, financial support, and more. With personalized guidance, the Senior LinkAge Line connects individuals to local resources to enhance their quality of life and promote independence.
Disability Hub MN is a free, statewide resource designed to help Minnesotans with disabilities and their families access services and support. It offers personalized guidance on topics like health care, housing, employment, transportation, and advocacy. The Hub connects individuals with the right resources and empowers them to make informed decisions about their care and independence.
Center for Hoarding and Cluttering – Uniform Inspection Checklist
The Center for Hoarding and Cluttering offers a comprehensive inspection tool called the Uniform Inspection Checklist (UIC), designed to assess and track safety and sanitation in environments affected by hoarding. It emphasizes a harm-reduction approach and aims to support individuals, families, and professionals in addressing both physical and psychological aspects of hoarding. The checklist is based on a variety of standards, including housing codes, fire safety, and health guidelines, and provides measurable progress markers to guide intervention. It is adaptable for use by both trained professionals and other parties involved in hoarding situations.
The Institute for Challenging Disorganization – The ICD Clutter- Hoarding Scale
The Clutter–Hoarding Scale® by the Institute for Challenging Disorganization (ICD) provides a detailed framework for assessing household clutter and hoarding. It uses five levels of assessment, ranging from Level I (low) to Level V (severe), with specific categories to evaluate the environment, including structural integrity, animal and pest control, household functionality, and health and safety.
- Level I (Green – Low): This represents a standard household with no significant issues. All systems (plumbing, electrical, HVAC) are functional, and there is no clutter obstructing household functions.
- Level II (Blue – Guarded): Here, a major exit is blocked, and some systems are not functioning properly. There may also be minor issues with animals or pests and slight clutter in key living areas.
- Level III (Yellow – Elevated): At this stage, clutter significantly obstructs household functions, and some rooms may not be used for their intended purposes. There is also evidence of pests or sanitation issues.
- Level IV (Orange – High): More severe clutter and potential structural damage are present. The situation requires a collaborative team of service providers, such as pest control or mental health professionals, to address the issues.
- Level V (Red – Severe): This level indicates extreme hoarding, where multiple systems are non-functional, and health and safety are at risk. The environment may be dangerous and requires immediate intervention.
This scale helps professionals determine the degree of support needed in hoarding situations, with Level III often being a tipping point where deeper intervention is necessary.
The International OCD Foundation – Clutter Image Rating Scale
The Clutter Image Rating (CIR) tool, available on the International OCD Foundation’s website, is a visual scale used to assess the degree of clutter in a household. It helps clinicians and individuals gauge the severity of clutter by comparing photographs of different living spaces at various stages of clutter. The tool includes a series of images, each representing a different level of clutter, ranging from minimal clutter (Level 1) to severe hoarding (Level 9).
Each image depicts a household space with varying amounts of clutter, which helps those affected by hoarding disorder recognize where their environment falls on the scale. It can also guide professionals in determining appropriate interventions.
Wellington-Guelph 10 Steps to a Safer, Healthier and More Comfortable Home
The Hoarding Response Checklist from the West Greater Toronto Hoarding Response is a tool used to assess and guide intervention for hoarding situations. It is divided into two sections: the first helps evaluate the severity of the clutter in a living space, and the second assesses the potential risks associated with the hoarding behaviors, including health and safety hazards.
This checklist is a comprehensive tool for professionals and teams working to intervene in hoarding situations. It provides structured guidelines to ensure that all critical factors are considered in the assessment, from structural issues to sanitation, safety, and health.
MassHousing is an independent, nonprofit agency in Massachusetts dedicated to supporting affordable housing opportunities. It provides financing for affordable rental housing, homeownership loans, and resources for housing developers and communities. Through its programs, MassHousing works to ensure safe, sustainable, and equitable housing options across the state
Network For Hoarding Professionals – to become a part of this group, email Mary Coalson at [email protected]
The Hoarding Connection of Cuyahoga County is a collaborative network focused on addressing hoarding disorder through education, outreach, and coordinated community response. It provides resources for individuals, families, and professionals, including support groups, training, and intervention strategies. The organization works to foster understanding and develop solutions that improve the well-being of those affected by hoarding.
- Buried in Treasures, 2nd Edition. David F Tolin, Randy O. Frost, and Gail Steketee, 2014
- Stuff: Compulsive Hoarding and the Meaning of Things Randy O Frost and Gail Steketee, 2011
- Making Space Clutter Free, Tracy McCubbin, 2019
- Make Space for Happiness: How to stop attracting clutter and State Magnetizing the Life You Want, Tracy Mccubbin
- Digging Out: Helping Your Loved One Manage Clutter, Hoarding and Compulsive Acquiring, Michael A. Tompkins, Tamara Hartl, Randy O. Frost (forward) and Gail Steketee (forward)
- The Hoarding Handbook, A Guide for Service Professionals, Christiana Bratiotis, Gail Steketee, Christina Sorrentino Schmalisch, 2011
