Hoarding Clean Up & Animal Hoarding Clean Up

The first level of hoarding is the least severe. The residence of a level one hoarder may include:

• Light amounts of clutter and no noticeable odors
• Accessible doors, windows and stairways
• Safe and sanitary conditions with no odors

Hoarding level one involves few signs that an individual has a hoarding disorder. The lack of clutter might hide the condition, but the individual may still have difficulty discarding items and shop excessively for objects they do not need.

Hoarding level two is slightly more severe, with at least one household appliance, such as a stove, not functioning and at least one major exit to the house blocked. Compared to level one hoarding, level two hoarding occurs when clutter begins to build up in the home. Housekeeping becomes inconsistent, involving an odor from dirty dishes and a lack of cleaning. Additional signs of hoarding level two include:

• Visible animal waste or odor from waste
• Some evidence of household pests
• Congestion in household entrances, exits, hallways and stairways
• Carbon monoxide detectors non-functional
• Some presence of mildew

People within hoarding level two may avoid inviting people to their house or feel embarrassed by their home’s state. This level of hoarding may cause anxiety or a depressed state and lead to the person withdrawing from social interaction.

Residences within hoarding level three have visible clutter outside their home because items that are usually indoors have made their way outdoors. Multiple household appliances are non-functional, and one area of the house has light structural damage. The number of pets exceeds regulations, and animal control and sanitation are inadequate. Other characteristics include:

• Clutter makes certain areas of the home unusable, and at least one space in the home, such as a bathroom, is not functional.
• Heating and air-conditioning devices are not usable for more than one season.
• Evidence of improper sanitation, such as overflowing garbage cans, dirt and debris throughout the house, and obvious, irritating odors.
• There is a light bug infestation and/or moderate evidence of spiders in the home.

A person within this level often has poor personal hygiene and weight issues due to an unhealthy diet. An individual in this level of hoarding may become dismissive or angry when approached by friends or family members about the state of their home.

Residences within hoarding level four have noticeable mold and mildew throughout the building, structural damage that is at least six months old, odors and sewage buildup, and evidence of water damage, damaged walls or broken windows. The number of pets in the home exceeds regulations, and animal sanitation is poor. There is so much clutter in the home that doorways, hallways and stairs are inaccessible. The following are additional indicators of hoarding level four:

• Rotting food in the home
• Expired cans and bottles
• No usable dishes and utensils
• Infestation of beds and furniture
• Excessive presence of spiders and webs
• Hearing bats and other rodents in the attic and walls
• Flammable substances stored in the living room

People within hoarding level four tend to have poor hygiene and may not bathe for weeks. These individuals often have worsening mental health and focus their emotional energy on grandiose plans or nostalgic memories.

A 2015 study published by the American Psychiatric Association found that mental health conditions like depression, ADHD, and generalized anxiety disorder are common among individuals with hoarding disorder. Study results showed that obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and social anxiety were common among men with hoarding disorder. In general, those who rise to hoarding level four are likely to experience another mental disorder.

Hoarding level five, the most severe type of hoarding disorder, involves severe structural damage to the residence. Broken walls, no electricity or running water, fire hazards, and visible rodents and other non-pet animals are a few of the characteristics of homes within hoarding level five. Other signs include:

• Clutter filling bathrooms and kitchen, to the point that no rooms are usable
• Animals at the property present a risk to people due to their poor health and behavior
• Heavy infestation of spiders, rodents, bed bugs, fleas, cockroaches etc.
• Noticeable human feces
• Rotting food on surfaces and inside a non-working refrigerator

People within hoarding level five often do not live at their residence because of the clutter. Instead, they may stay at a friend or family member’s house. They may also discharge their waste into bottles or buckets that remain inside the home. Individuals within this level of hoarding usually have noticeable symptoms of depression. At this stage of hoarding, people often find themselves involved in legal proceedings to condemn their properties.