Hoarding usually starts off more or less harmless. We have all kept things for a rainy day, that one shirt our mom gave us, or that participation ribbon from sixth grade. A few odds and ends here and there is not a huge problem to anyone, but once it becomes a few odds and ends everywhere, the story changes.

Hoarding cleanup is needed when a home has too much clutter, and “spring cleaning” never happens, or donation bags sit empty. For families and individuals dealing with hoarding situations, it can be detrimental to their health, safety, and well-being. The more these situations build, the harder they become to manage alone.

Regardless of if hoarding has resulted from emotional attachment, trauma, anxiety, or other mental health challenges, handling those situations usually requires compassionate and professional care.

For our community in North Carolina, PuroClean Emergency Property Restoration provides the discreet, patient, and compassionate hoarding cleanup service that these situations need.

Hoarding situations

What is Hoarding?

A hoarding disorder, in short, is the immense difficulty or inability to part with any possessions. This could present as holding onto a piece of paper or an old shoe that’s too small.

There is no innate problem with keeping sentimental items, but keeping items can become a problem when they interfere with:

Hoarding doesn’t discriminate, and is usually a problem that grows over time

The 5 Levels of Hoarding

The five descriptions below illustrate increasing clutter and property hazards; they are not a medical diagnosis or a standardized clinical staging system. A qualified mental health professional can assess hoarding disorder. Cleanup addresses the property but does not replace mental health treatment.

Level one: Minimal

At stage 1, clutter is present in a home or property, but is manageable. The house or property is still functional at level 1.

This could include:

Even when clutter is limited, seek support if discarding possessions causes distress or interferes with daily life. Early help can address concerns before conditions become unsafe.

Level 2: Moderate

Clutter is more noticeable in a house or property, and a slight decrease in home functionality may be happening

This could include:

Blocked hallways or reduced access already create safety concerns. Keep exits clear and seek appropriate cleanup and mental health support rather than waiting for conditions to become more severe.

hoarding cleanup in a home

Level 3: Significant

There is hardly an area in the home without clutter, and health and safety risks have multiplied

This could include:

Level 3 is often when a hoarding situation requires professional intervention. At PuroClean, we understand how overwhelming situations like these can be, and we are committed to helping. We can safely dispose of items, offer mold remediation services, and address all property concerns with you.

Level 4: Severe

At level 4, homes may become unfit to house individuals.

This could include

Once a situation progresses to level 4, remediation teams will require proper personal protective equipment and biohazard remediation tools to safely restore an area.

Level 5: Extreme

A level 5 situation poses significant risks to occupants, fire responders, and anyone who may be involved with the building.

This could include:

In the most severe of cases, hoarding cleanup should not be attempted alone. If you or a loved one is experiencing level 5 hoarding, you need to call PuroClean today. Our technicians will provide you discreet remediation, giving you the patience and the safety you need.

puroclean hoarding infographic

Hoarding situations can be embarrassing, harmful, and overwhelming. Our IICRC certified technicians are here for you and your family, to solve this problem alongside you. Regardless of if you need decluttering support or biohazard and hoarding cleanup services, we are here to help our North Carolina community.