Hoarding: Why and How to Address

Hoarding is chronic and follows a worsening course that can impact health, housing and more. Here are some tips on how to discuss hoarding with someone.

Contents:


Why is it important to address hoarding?

Hoarding is chronic and follows a worsening course that can:

  • lead to isolation from family and friends and negatively impact health
  • lead to eviction and homelessness
  • create a public health and safety risk
  • create a dangerous environment for first responders during a fire or medical emergency

The Consequences of Clutter

"The Consequences of Clutter—How hoarding disorder affects America’s older adults, first responders, and their communities"

A Report by the Majority Staff of The U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging (2024)


Video training


Other Helpful Tools


← Previous The difference between clutter, collecting and hoarding → Next How you can get help

Last reviewed August 14, 2025