For People Who Hoard
If items in your home are causing distress, difficulty, or safety concerns — help is available. There is no shame in reaching out.
Are the number of items in your home causing distress or difficulty using the rooms in your home?
Do they pose a health and safety concern for those living in or near your home?
Are you overwhelmed by decisions on what to keep or let go?
There are many resources available to assist with understanding hoarding disorder and help is available.
Organizations
Support Organizations
A platform offering virtual support groups and resources for individuals dealing with hoarding disorder. Provides access to online communities where people can connect in a safe and supportive environment, share experiences, and find encouragement.
Visit websiteAn organization dedicated to supporting individuals impacted by hoarding disorder. Offers resources, education, and advocacy, including support groups, training, and consultations for individuals, families, and professionals.
Visit websiteA nonprofit dedicated to education, research, and strategies for addressing chronic disorganization, including hoarding disorder. Offers training programs, publications, and a robust support network.
Visit websiteA dedicated resource center focused on hoarding disorder, providing comprehensive information about diagnostic criteria, treatment options, and support resources for individuals, families, and professionals.
Visit websiteOffers comprehensive resources and support for individuals dealing with hoarding behaviors, their families, and service providers. Emphasizes harm reduction, safety, and person-centered care with risk assessment scales and educational workshops.
Visit websiteSelf-Assessment
Assessment Tools
These tools help individuals and professionals assess the degree of clutter and determine appropriate levels of support.
ICD Clutter-Hoarding Scale
Institute for Challenging Disorganization
A detailed framework for assessing household clutter and hoarding using five levels (Level I Green/Low through Level V Red/Severe), evaluating structural integrity, animal and pest control, household functionality, and health and safety.
Clutter Image Rating (CIR)
International OCD Foundation
A visual scale used to assess the degree of clutter in a household. Includes a series of photographs representing different levels of clutter, ranging from minimal (Level 1) to severe hoarding (Level 9), helping clinicians and individuals gauge severity.
Uniform Inspection Checklist (UIC)
Center for Hoarding and Cluttering
A comprehensive inspection tool designed to assess and track safety and sanitation in environments affected by hoarding. Based on housing codes, fire safety, and health guidelines, with measurable progress markers to guide intervention.
10 Steps to a Safer, Healthier and More Comfortable Home
Wellington-Guelph Hoarding Response
A structured checklist divided into two sections: evaluating the severity of clutter in a living space, and assessing potential risks including health and safety hazards. A comprehensive tool for professionals and teams working to intervene in hoarding situations.
Community
Support Groups
An online platform dedicated to providing resources and support for individuals affected by hoarding disorder. Connects people with peer support networks, forums, resources, and virtual support options.
Interested in MNHTF hosting a peer-led Buried in Treasures Workshop?
Contact UsProfessional Help
Find a Therapist
These directories can help you find a licensed mental health professional who specializes in hoarding disorder.
Theravivie.com
A comprehensive online directory connecting individuals seeking mental health support with licensed therapists, counselors, and psychologists, with educational content on mental health topics.
Find a therapistPsychology Today Therapist Finder
A comprehensive directory of mental health professionals searchable by location, specialty, and treatment method. Also features articles, blogs, and resources on mental health and self-improvement.
Find a therapistMental Health Match
An online platform designed to help individuals find the right therapist using a personalized matching system. Connects users with licensed mental health professionals based on preferences, goals, and specific concerns.
Find a therapistAPA Psychologist Locator
The American Psychological Association's locator tool for finding licensed psychologists. The APA is a leading scientific and professional organization representing psychology in the United States.
Find a therapistMN Elder Justice
Providing support and resources for older adults and their loved ones.
Reading List
Recommended Books
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
Tracy McCubbin
Animal Welfare
Animal Hoarding
Animal hoarding is when a person is housing more animals than they can adequately and appropriately care for. Minimal standards for care and needs of the animal are not met related to their nutrition, sanitation, shelter, and/or veterinary care. There may be several reasons why someone begins to accumulate animals and it may be incredibly difficult for someone to part with an animal.
Animal Humane Society Pet Helpline
If you need assistance or help with caring for your pets and animals in Minnesota, please reach out.
952-HELP-PET (952-435-7738)Visit Animal Humane SocietyASPCA — Animal Hoarding Resources
Additional information on animal hoarding is available through the ASPCA, including definitions, warning signs, and how to help.
Visit ASPCAReady to take the next step?
MNHTF can connect you with resources, answer questions, and point you toward the right support. Reach out — we're here to help.
Disclaimer: The Minnesota Hoarding Task Force ("MNHTF") does not provide services directly. MNHTF provides resources and information regarding the general subject of hoarding. In doing so, MNHTF does not endorse, recommend, warrant or assume any legal liability for the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any information, apparatus, product, or process.