Hoarding
While many people collect items, hoarding is different. It is a mental health condition that usually involves a strong emotional attachment to possessions, making it extremely difficult to part with them – even if they have little or no material value.
Over time, this leads to excessive accumulation, severe clutter and blocked living spaces. This is the most common form of hoarding – physical object hoarding. In some cases, individuals may also hoard animals or digital data.
Animal hoarding
Animal hoarding occurs when a person accumulates more animals than they can properly care for, often without recognizing the harm it causes. This may include neglecting animals’ basic needs—such as food, shelter, medical care and clean living conditions. There is no specific number of animals that defines hoarding; rather, it’s about the inability to provide adequate care. Animal hoarding is becoming an increasingly important public health concern in the UK.
Data hoarding
Research into digital hoarding is still evolving, however it occurs when you make and keep a large number of digital files. This could be emails, text messages, photos, videos or documents. Studies show that people can form strong attachments to digital possessions and that the compulsion to collect is similar to object hoarding.
why is hoarding a mental health condition?
While many people collect items, hoarding is different. Hoarding can become problematic when:
- With object hoarding, the clutter interferes with daily functioning – for example, the person can no longer use their kitchen, bathroom or entire rooms within their household.
- It causes significant emotional distress or reduces quality of life – for instance, the person becomes distressed when others try to help and relationships are impacted as a result.
Although hoarding can affect anyone, it is more commonly seen in individuals who may be vulnerable, such as those who are older, single, unemployed, experiencing financial hardship or living with physical or cognitive challenges.
how does hoarding impact mental health?
Hoarding can influence people’s life in many ways, ranging from physical health to relationships and even increasing the risk of suicide. Below we explore some factors:
Physical health risks
Cluttered living spaces can pose serious safety hazards, such as increased risk of tripping and falling. In some homes, blocked access to essential services or unhygienic conditions (e.g. spoiled food or pest infestations) may also affect physical health.
Obsessive Compulsive Behaviour
Hoarding can sometimes occur as a symptom of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). In these cases, it is driven by intrusive thoughts and compulsive behaviours – such as fears of harm, contamination or making the ‘wrong’ decision – meaning that discarding items can become very distressing. While hoarding was historically considered part of OCD, it is now recognised as a separate mental health condition, that can co-occur with OCD.
Mental health risks
Mental health challenges frequently co-occur with hoarding disorder. Studies show that up to two-thirds of individuals who hoard also experience depression and anxiety. Research also shows that some people who hoard may experience traits related to personality disorders, such as avoidance, dependence or schizotypal traits. Moreover, individuals diagnosed with conditions related to schizophrenia have often shown hoarding behaviours early in life.
Social isolation and loneliness
People who hoard often experience shame and fear of judgement, which can lead to withdrawal from friends, family and social activities. Stigma around hoarding can discourage individuals from seeking help and may reinforce the loneliness felt.
Trauma
Many individuals with hoarding disorder have histories of trauma, loss or significant life stressors. Hoarding behaviours may serve as coping mechanisms for overwhelming emotional experiences.
Increased risk of suicide
The emotional burden of hoarding – including isolation, hopelessness and coexisting mental health conditions – can heighten suicide risk.
I think I might be hoarding
how to support myself
Below we explore how you can take care of your mental health if you think you are hoarding:
Acknowledge the impact
Recognising that hoarding is interfering with your life, making the most of relationships and wellbeing is an important milestone. It means you’re ready to reflect and maybe take action, even if it feels overwhelming. It’s important that you do it at your own pace. Taking small steps will lead to steady improvements over time.
Seek professional support
You don’t have to do this alone. Many professionals understand hoarding and can work with you to introduce helpful first steps that may include:
- Talking with your GP
- A mental health helpline (see options at the bottom of this page)
- Online support groups for hoarding
Talk about it with someone you trust
If possible, open up to someone. Just saying “I’m struggling with letting go of things and it’s affecting my life” can relieve some of the emotional pressure.
how do I support someone who hoards?
Supporting someone who has mental health issues, including hoarding, can be challenging, but sometimes just your presence is enough. Below we look at some small things you can do for the person:
Be present and patient
Often, people who hoard feel ashamed, overwhelmed or afraid to ask for help. Simply showing up, listening, offering your time or just being there is enough.
Avoid forced cleanouts
Forced ‘deep cleans’ often backfire. It is estimated that 97% of individuals relapse after a non-consensual cleanout and many experience trauma, anxiety or worsening hoarding as a result.
Listen without judgement
Hoarding is deeply stigmatised. People who hoard are often aware that their environment causes distress, but criticism or ‘just throw it away’ advice may shut down trust.
Here are some questions you can use, which may help them open up:
- “Would you like to tell me more about this item?”
- “What feels hard about parting with this?”
- “Is there anything you’d like support with right now?”
Support them in getting help
Hoarding is a complex issue and often requires a coordinated, multi-agency response.
You can help by:
- Encouraging or helping them access mental health support.
- Reaching out to housing associations, social care or community-based decluttering services.
- Assisting with appointments, paperwork or transportation if needed.
support
Our Advice and Support Service is open Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm (closed for lunch between 12.30pm and 1.30pm), where advisers can signpost you to local support that most fits your needs, including our Change Mental Health services. We offer initial advice on money worries and help to deal with emergencies.
Contact 0808 8010 515, email us at advice@changemh.org or fill out the enquiry form on the Advice and Support Service page.
other support
Clutter Chat Charity
Glasgow based and online meet-up giving support, encouragement and inspiration for dealing with life’s material clutter.
Email clutterchat@gmail.com for details on how to attend the groups.
Hoarding Disorders UK
Hoarding Disorders UK is a not-for-profit Community Interest Company with the aim to provide practical hands-on support as well as expert advice to those affected by hoarding.
They hold Tuesday and Thursday online support groups. Anyone affected by hoarding or who knows someone who hoards is welcome to attend a support and advice group.
Hoarding UK
They offer help and zoom group sessions. You can get in contact with them to get help using this form.
Housing Options Scotland
Housing Options Scotland help disabled people, older adults and members of the Armed Forces community to find their right home in the right place. Have done some case work with hoarding disorder.
You can use this form and will be contacted within six weeks by one of our expert Housing Options Brokers. They will be able to give you information and expert advice that is tailored to you.
