Stages of Hoarding

@raalkivictorieux, Master Ra’al Ki Victorieux

Discover the 5 stages of hoarding and their impact on mental well-being. Learn about clutter-related psychological conditions and organizations providing support. #Hoarding #MentalHealthAwareness https://wp.me/p3JLEZ-4qR

Welcome to the world of organization and decluttering, where we delve into the unique and insightful scale developed by the National Study Group on Chronic Disorganization. Whether you are a professional organizer, someone seeking to understand these stages, or simply curious about the topic, join us on a journey through the five distinct stages of hoarding. From the light and moderate stages to the challenging and unsafe conditions, we will explore the characteristics and implications of each stage, shedding light on this important aspect of living spaces.

The Scale developed by the National Study Group on Chronic Disorganization presents V stages. of hoarding:

I. Light

Standard household with a low level of clutter. No noticeable odour. All doors and stairways are accesible.

II. Moderate

Moderate clutter on floors and surfaces. Possible evidence of household rodents. Full garbage cans. Dirty food preparation surfaces. Household requires professional organizers.

III. Large

Large quantity of clutter on most surfaces. Rooms becoming difficult to access. Full to overflowing garbage cans. Pet waste on the floors. Odours throughout the house. Limited visible surfaces. Unsanitary conditions. Household requires organizers and possibly mental health providers.

IV. Difficult

Difficulty maneuvering around the space. Dirty dishes or utensils. Presence of bugs and rodents. Strong odours. More than one blocked room or exit. Very few visible surfaces. Household needs help from a team of service providers, including cleaners.

V. Unsafe

Unsafe room conditions. Noticeable human or pet feces. Rotting food. Excessive garbage throughout the space. Impossible to navigate around clutter. Extreme fire hazard. No visible surfaces. Help is needed from a range of agencies, including social services and fire safety.

The Impact of Clutter

Clutter in living spaces is a widespread issue that can significantly impact individuals’ quality of life and Habitability. From Challenging Disorganization to extreme hoarding, clutter can create physical, emotional, and psychological challenges for those affected. Not only does clutter lead to a lack of organization and difficulty in finding and managing possessions, but it can also contribute to heightened stress and anxiety levels.

Statistics

• According to a survey conducted by the National Association of Productivity and Organizing Professionals (NAPO), 54% of Americans feel overwhelmed by the amount of clutter they have, and 78% have no idea what to do with it.
• The average American home contains 300,000 items, highlighting the prevalence of clutter in modern society.
• Studies have shown a correlation between clutter and increased levels of cortisol, a stress hormone, in individuals living in cluttered environments.

Principal Psychological Conditions Related to Clutter

In order to assess if a person has a clutter problem, organization specialists use The Quality of Life Scale (QOLS): Reliability, Validity, and Utilization

1. Hoarding Disorder: This condition involves the excessive acquisition of items and the inability to discard them, leading to debilitating clutter.
2. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): Individuals with OCD may exhibit hoarding behaviors as a result of obsessive thoughts and compulsive rituals.
3. Anxiety and Depression: Clutter has been linked to increased levels of anxiety and depression, as the chaos and disorganization can have a negative impact on mental well-being.
4. ADHD: People with ADHD may tend to purchase items impulsively, accumulating unnecessary items and clutter. Additionally, the hyperactive and distractible nature of ADHD can make it challenging for individuals to stay focused on tasks, leading to unfinished projects and cluttered workspaces.
   

Organizations Helping People in Clutter Situations

• The Institute for Challenging Disorganization (ICD): Provides resources and support for both individuals and professionals dealing with chronic disorganization and clutter.
• National Association of Productivity and Organizing Professionals (NAPO): Offers assistance through professional organizers and productivity specialists to help individuals declutter and organize their living spaces.
• Feng Shui specialist: They map out the energy rhythms that are natural for your habitat, and make suggestions as to how a person (or group of people) would decorate, rearrange or build to optimize those rhythms. You can read our article about Marie Diamond

Conclusion

Clutter is not simply a matter of untidiness; it can have profound effects on an individual’s mental and emotional well-being. Seeking support from professional organizations and understanding the psychological conditions related to clutter are crucial steps in addressing this pervasive issue. By acknowledging the prevalence of clutter and its psychological implications, we can work towards creating environments that promote organization, mental clarity, and overall well-being.

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