When Clutter Becomes Chaos: Understanding Hoarding Disorder
How Therapy Can Help You Take Back Your Space, and Your Peace of Mind
At first glance, hoarding might look like simple clutter: a hallway filled with boxes, piles of books, or shelves overflowing with keepsakes. But hoarding isn’t about laziness or messiness. It reflects deeper emotional and psychological struggles that deserve compassion, not judgment.
What Is Hoarding Disorder?
Hoarding disorder is a recognized mental health condition marked by persistent difficulty discarding possessions, regardless of their actual value. Many individuals experience intense distress at the thought of letting go for a variety of reasons: fear of making the wrong choice, fear of future need, or deep emotional attachments to belongings. For example:
Someone may keep old letters or clothing from a loved one because discarding them feels like losing a memory.
For those who’ve experienced scarcity, holding onto items can ease anxiety and reinforce the habit of saving things “just in case.”
For those who’ve faced trauma or loss, collecting and keeping objects can create a sense of control or safety when life has felt unpredictable or painful.
Over time, however, accumulated possessions can overwhelm living spaces, interfere with daily functioning, and even create safety hazards.
Why It Happens
Hoarding often stems from a combination of emotional, biological, and environmental factors. Some individuals struggle with decision-making or fear making the “wrong” choice, while others associate possessions with safety or identity, especially following trauma or loss.
Hoarding frequently coexists with other conditions such as anxiety disorders, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Research also points to differences in brain regions related to decision-making and emotional regulation, as well as possible genetic influences.
Recognizing the Signs
Common signs of hoarding disorder may include:
Living spaces are too cluttered to use as intended
Significant distress when attempting to discard items
Avoidance of visitors due to embarrassment
Relationship strain or safety hazards caused by clutter.
How Therapy Can Help
Recovery takes time, but it is possible. At Advanced Counseling, we use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), an evidence-based approach proven to help individuals manage hoarding behaviors. In therapy, clients learn to understand the emotions driving the behavior, develop organizing and decision-making skills, and reduce anxiety and shame.
Five Small Steps Toward Change
Start small. Begin with one drawer or one category, such as magazines or clothing.
Use a three-box system: Discard, donate, or “maybe.” If you haven’t used or touched something in a year, consider letting it go, but it’s okay to use the “maybe” box if you’re unsure.
Set a timer. Work for 10–15 minutes, then stop. Short, consistent efforts add up.
Celebrate small victories. Every bit of progress counts.
Reach out for help. You don’t have to face this alone.
We’re Here to Help
If hoarding is affecting your home, health, or peace of mind, our clinicians offer compassionate, trauma-informed care to help you reclaim your space and your life. We honor your right to set the pace and work in a way that feels safe and manageable for you. Reach out today to speak with a licensed professional about your needs.
Monique M. Schofield, M.A., PCLC
Reference
Steketee, G., & Frost, R. O. (2014). Hoarding and Clinical Treatment. Oxford University Press.