Hoarding Awareness Week: Understanding, Compassion & Support
Hoarding Awareness Week is a time to shine a light on an often misunderstood and deeply personal condition—hoarding disorder. At Neetz Declutter & Organise, we believe in approaching this subject with compassion, understanding, and respect for those who live with hoarding behaviours and the loved ones who support them.
What Is Hoarding?
Hoarding is more than just clutter. It's a complex mental health condition that makes it difficult for someone to part with possessions—regardless of their actual value—because of a perceived need to save them. This often leads to excessive accumulation and a living space that becomes unsafe, unhygienic, or unusable.
Hoarding can be triggered or worsened by trauma, grief, anxiety, or other life events, and it's not simply a case of being "messy" or "disorganised." Labelling or judging someone with hoarding tendencies can be deeply damaging and often leads to shame, isolation, and fear.
Why Awareness Matters
Raising awareness helps shift the conversation around hoarding from criticism to compassion. It's crucial that we:
Break the stigma associated with hoarding disorder.
Help friends, families, and communities understand what their loved ones may be going through.
Promote the fact that help is available, and with the right support, progress is possible.
The journey to overcoming hoarding behaviours is rarely quick or easy—but change is possible with patience, trust, and the right approach.
A Specialised, Person-Centred Approach
At Neetz Declutter & Organise, I specialise in working with individuals who hoard or who struggle with chronic disorganisation. I understand that decluttering can feel overwhelming—even terrifying—for someone with hoarding tendencies. That’s why I offer:
Judgement-free, compassionate support
Tailored plans to go at a pace that feels right for you
Collaboration with mental health professionals and support networks, where appropriate
Guidance for family members who want to help without causing harm or distress
My goal is not to "clear out a house," but to help people rebuild confidence, gain control, and make empowering choices about their belongings and their space.
You're Not Alone
If you or someone you love is living with hoarding disorder, know that you're not alone, and you're not beyond help. There is a growing network of organisations and professionals who are here to walk alongside you.
I highly recommend visiting Hoarding Disorders UK, a charity that offers invaluable information, advice, and support to those affected by hoarding.
This Hoarding Awareness Week, let’s lead with empathy. Let’s open our hearts, homes, and conversations to better understand what hoarding really means—and how we can help.
If you're ready to take the first gentle step towards reclaiming your space, get in touch with me at Neetz Declutter & Organise.
