Hoarding: Declutter your home, declutter your mind | Tenant news

Clutter can creep up quietly, gradually taking over your home and making it hard to, find what you need, to move around or even relax.

When clutter is unaddressed, it can turn into hoarding, which can impact your safety, health, and peace of mind.

Knowing where to find guidance and support can help you reclaim your space and create a calmer, safer home environment.

What is hoarding?

Hoarding is when someone keeps more items than they can use or store safely.

It isn’t just untidiness – it can be a coping mechanism for stress, anxiety, or past trauma.

People may hold onto everyday things like papers, clothes, books, boxes, or household supplies, often in large amounts, because they feel attached or worry they might need them later.

Effects of hoarding

Hoarding can affect your life in a number of ways, for example, you might struggle to find the things you need, which could cause problems like missing bills or losing important letters.

Some people avoid letting others into their home, which can mean repairs are not done or visitors stay away. Over time, this can lead to housing issues or feelings of isolation.

Too much clutter can make it difficult to move around your home and use rooms. It can also make everyday tasks like cooking, washing, or using your bathroom more difficult to do safely and comfortably. The dangers of hoarding can be significant because blocked corridors or pathways may prevent you from leaving quickly in an emergency.

Hoarding doesn’t just affect your home; it can also affect your relationships and how you feel. You might avoid friends or family out of embarrassment or frustration, which can increase loneliness and lower confidence.

It can also lead to feelings of being overwhelmed or anxious, making it hard to reach out for help.

In a recent BBC article, a tenant in north Bristol living with hoarding disorder, described the emotional impact of her condition. She said: “I feel my environment has always been out of control. It's an extremely distressing and limiting condition and has a massive impact on every aspect of my life.”

After receiving support from the charity Making Space, she said: "It has not only helped me clear space but also make a home, and I now look forward to a more sociable and less anxiety-ridden future."

How to find support

Hoarding can be challenging, but support is available to help you manage it. You don’t have to handle it alone.

Reaching out for help is an important step in taking control of your home and improving your day-to-day living.

There are organisations and services that understand hoarding and can offer guidance, and practical advice. They include:

• Mind –  www.mind.org.uk
• Hoarding UK – www.hoardinguk.org
• Hoarding Disorders UK –  www.hoardingdisordersuk.org
• Hoarding Support – www.hoardingsupport.org.uk
• Making Space – www.makingspace.co.uk.

 

Your Neighbourhood Coordinator or Manager can also advise on any home improvements or adaptations you might need.

If you’re unsure who your Neighbourhood Team are, contact our Customer Services Team at Habinteg Direct on 0300 365 3100 or email direct@habinteg.org.uk to find out.

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