Subtle Red Flags of a Potential “Extreme Clutter” Situation

The show Hoarders often depicts severe, high-level clutter, but did you know there are actually five levels of clutter? Level 1 is subtle and usually goes unnoticed until it gradually progresses into a more serious situation. Clutter exists on a spectrum, and understanding the early signs is key. With early intervention, education, and empathy, clutter can be addressed before it poses risks to an individual’s health and safety.

Important Note: Only trained medical professionals can diagnose hoarding disorder. Using the term “hoarder” without a formal diagnosis can be stigmatizing and hurtful. That’s why, at Simply Pearly, we prefer the term' extreme clutter' whenever possible, to reduce stress, embarrassment, and stigma.

Flag 1: Taking Free Stuff

A common habit for individuals dealing with extreme clutter is acquiring free items and materials. These can include brochures, magazines, newspapers, napkins, disposable utensils, or items left out for curbside pickup. If someone consistently collects free items at every opportunity, it may indicate they are an excessive acquirer.

Flag 2: Strong Efforts to Keep Others Out

If a loved one or longtime friend never invites you over, always suggests meeting elsewhere, or avoids having you visit their home, it may be a gentle signal that something is happening behind the scenes. Sometimes, they might even allow you in, but quickly pass by certain areas or avoid showing particular rooms while you are there. These behaviors don’t always indicate a serious problem, but they can sometimes reflect struggles such as extreme clutter or hoarding. The person may feel embarrassed, overwhelmed, or not yet ready to share what’s going on in their entire home or individual living spaces.

Flag 3: Multiple Storage Units

If someone has a reasonably sized home for their family but still rents additional storage units, it could be a potential concern. While storage units can be used for legitimate reasons—such as moving, renovating, storing a deceased loved one’s belongings, or business inventory—having multiple units without a clear purpose may signal extreme clutter that exceeds available space at home.

Flag 4: Overly Talks About Stuff

Extreme clutter situations often involve an obsessive focus on possessions. Previously, this behavior was thought to be strongly linked to Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) because of the obsessive component and compulsion to acquire items regardless of perceived value. Today, clutter-related issues are recognized as their own condition, requiring unique approaches and treatment. If a friend, neighbor, or loved one frequently goes on about their belongings, it could be a subtle warning sign of a larger underlying issue.

Flag 5: Overflowing Garages

Garages packed from wall to wall or floor to ceiling are classic indicators that the rest of the home may also be cluttered. Garages often serve as dumping grounds for items that no longer fit inside the house. When garages lose their functionality, they can create hazardous conditions, including:

• Improperly stored chemicals

• Restricted access to water heaters

• Blocked exits in emergencies

  
  

Without awareness or intervention, garage clutter can eventually spill into yards or vehicles, further increasing risk.

Conclusion:

Recognizing these subtle red flags early can make a huge difference in addressing clutter before it escalates to an extreme situation. With compassion, education, and early support, individuals can regain control of their living spaces while maintaining dignity and safety.