5 Signs of a Hoarding Problem

Many people with loved ones who struggle with hoarding issues may not realize that there is a problem. Unfortunately, until hoarding becomes severe, you might overlook some early indicators. Left unaddressed, it can lead to significant challenges with excess clutter, potential pest infestations, and safety hazards.

Recognizing some of the early indications of hoarding problems can help you identify when your loved one might need help. These are a few common indications that someone might have a problem with hoarding.

1. They Can't Find Their Belongings

What you might think of as absentmindedness could actually be an indication of an underlying problem. When your loved one is frequently misplacing things, losing items in the clutter of their home, and missing appointments because they can't find the paperwork with the information, that could indicate that they have a hoarding problem.

Often the items they hoard take over their space significantly, causing them to miss place or cover up items. Many people with hoarding issues start keeping everything out in the open so they can see all of their things. This adds to the problem because it creates piles, stacks, and obstructions that increase the risk of losing things.

2. They Won't Throw Anything Away

Throwing things away isn't just difficult for someone with a hoarding problem; it can be physically painful and anxiety-inducing. The fear that they might need that item someday and find themselves without it could lead your loved one to refuse to throw anything away.

If you have tried in the past to clean up countertops or the table and had your efforts halted because they didn't want you to throw anything out, that could be a sign of concern. The longer their resistance continues, the worse the conditions become in their home.

3. They Overbuy or Shop Impulsively

Have you noticed that you are constantly seeing something new in the house every time you go to visit your family member? Often those new items might seem useless or unnecessary despite their insistence that they must have them.

You might notice piles of shipping packages and frequent deliveries as well. For those with severe problems with hoarding and impulse buying, this can lead to financial challenges, including overextending their credit or missing important payments. When you see signs like this, it is important to consider intervening and getting help for your loved one's condition.

4. They Stall or Stop Your De-Cluttering Efforts

For people with hoarding problems, the clutter can add up quickly. Piles throughout the house might pose safety concerns. If you have made an agreement to start de-cluttering the house only to have them stop you partway or delay the process, that's another indication that they are struggling with an impulsive condition.

It can be a difficult and even traumatic experience for those moving things around, throwing things away, and de-cluttering a hoarder’s home. If you find that your loved one constantly resists your efforts, it might be time to bring in external help.

5. They Stop Letting You Visit

In severe cases, hoarders will refuse visits from family members, friends, and even service contractors. They refuse to permit visitors so that others do not see the condition of their house. Even when they know that it is wrong, hoarding is a compulsive condition that they do not have control over.

When you need to clean out a loved one's home as a result of hoarding issues, it's often best to leave it to a professional. At All Clear Clean Out & Junk Removal Services, we understand your needs and can help you restore the space and eliminate all of the clutter and waste. Contact us today.