Hoarding Cleanup Glossary

Accumulating more animals than one can properly care for, resulting in unsanitary conditions and inadequate care for the animals.

The removal and proper disposal of biological contaminants such as human waste, decomposing food, or pest infestations that pose health risks.

A large collection of items that fill or cover an area in a way that makes it difficult to use or navigate. In hoarding contexts, clutter often interferes with normal activities and safety.

A type of psychotherapy that helps individuals identify and change thought patterns and behaviors. CBT is an evidence-based treatment for hoarding disorder.

A visual assessment tool using photographs showing increasing levels of clutter to help assess the severity of hoarding (rated 1-9).

Moving items from one location to another within the home without actually discarding or organizing them effectively.

An irresistible urge to shop and purchase items, often resulting in financial problems and accumulation of unused possessions.

Local government officials responsible for ensuring properties meet health and safety standards. May become involved in severe hoarding cases.

Difficulty adapting thinking or behavior patterns, making it hard to change established habits or routines.

The process of removing unnecessary items from a space to create order and improve functionality.

Thorough cleaning that goes beyond regular maintenance, often necessary after significant clutter removal in hoarding situations.

Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition - The manual used by clinicians to diagnose mental health conditions, including hoarding disorder.

The process of reducing the amount of possessions one owns, often necessary when moving to a smaller living space.

The continuous accumulation of items beyond what is needed or can be accommodated in available space, often through shopping, collecting free items, or acquiring items from others.

Pathways for exiting a building or room. Blocked egress is a major safety concern in hoarding situations as it prevents escape during emergencies.

Mental skills that include planning, organizing, decision-making, and problem-solving. Deficits in executive function are common in hoarding disorder.

Well-intentioned actions by family or friends that inadvertently support hoarding behaviors, such as providing storage space or money for acquisitions.

A treatment technique involving gradual confrontation with feared situations, such as discarding items, to reduce anxiety.

The total amount of combustible materials in a space. Excessive clutter significantly increases fire load and fire hazard.

Removal of possessions without the individual's full consent or participation, often court-ordered. Generally not recommended as it can be traumatic and lead to rapid reaccumulation.

A persistent difficulty discarding or parting with possessions due to a perceived need to save them, resulting in the accumulation of items that clutter living areas and compromise their intended use.

An approach that focuses on reducing immediate risks and improving safety without requiring complete elimination of hoarding behaviors.

A multidisciplinary team of professionals (social workers, mental health providers, code enforcement, etc.) that coordinates interventions for hoarding cases.

Evaluation of living conditions to identify hazards such as fire risks, blocked exits, structural issues, or health concerns.

The condition of a dwelling being fit and safe for human occupation, with proper sanitation, structural integrity, and functional living spaces.

Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning system. In hoarding situations, these systems may be blocked or nonfunctional, creating health risks.

Awareness of having a problem with hoarding. Poor insight means the person doesn't recognize their hoarding as problematic.

International OCD Foundation - An organization that provides resources, support, and education about hoarding disorder and related conditions.

A counseling approach that helps individuals find their own motivation to change by exploring and resolving ambivalence.

A lifestyle focused on owning fewer possessions and reducing clutter, though not typically a realistic goal for someone recovering from hoarding disorder.

National Alliance on Mental Illness - An organization providing education, support, and advocacy for individuals and families affected by mental health conditions.

The process of arranging items in a systematic way to improve accessibility and functionality of living spaces.

Clear routes through living spaces that allow safe movement. Creating and maintaining pathways is often an early goal in hoarding intervention.

Setting extremely high standards that can lead to indecision and difficulty completing tasks. In hoarding, perfectionism can prevent organizing or discarding.

Items that belong to an individual. Respecting ownership and autonomy over possessions is important in hoarding interventions.

Personal Protective Equipment - Safety gear such as gloves, masks, and protective clothing worn during cleanup to prevent exposure to contaminants.

Unwanted presence of insects, rodents, or other pests, often occurring in hoarding situations due to food waste and clutter providing harborage.

A specialist who helps individuals create organizational systems. Some specialize in working with hoarding disorder.

A return to previous hoarding behaviors and clutter levels after a period of improvement or cleanup.

The return of clutter after a cleanup, common without ongoing mental health treatment and support.

Intensive mental health treatment provided in a residential setting, sometimes recommended for severe hoarding disorder.

Temporary relief for caregivers of individuals with hoarding disorder, allowing them to rest and recharge.

Extremely unsanitary living conditions characterized by dirt, poor hygiene, and environmental neglect. May or may not occur with hoarding.

A psychological assessment tool that measures beliefs and thoughts related to saving and discarding possessions.

Emotional attachment to possessions based on memories or associations. Excessive sentimentality can contribute to difficulty discarding items.

The process of categorizing items into groups (keep, donate, discard, recycle) as part of decluttering efforts.

Failure to meet one's own basic needs for hygiene, nutrition, medical care, or safe living conditions.

A gathering of individuals facing similar challenges who meet to share experiences and provide mutual support.

Physical deterioration of a building's integrity, which can result from excessive weight of possessions or moisture problems in hoarding situations.

An approach to treatment that recognizes the impact of trauma and emphasizes safety, trustworthiness, and collaboration.

The proper disposal of trash, recyclables, and unwanted items according to local regulations and environmental standards.