Mental Health Fact Sheets

Compulsive Hoarding and Cluttering

Compulsive Hoarding and Cluttering refers to the acquisition and failure to discard a large number of possessions, appearing to be useless or of limited value, in an attempt to decrease stress and anxiety. This serious and prevalent problem can lead to eviction and homelessness. It is often a feature of several psychiatric disorders such as obsessive compulsive disorder and major depression, and can be caused or aggravated by problems associated with increasing age or physical disabilities.

Most of us like to keep possessions that bring us comfort or appear to have value. But when one’s daily activities and quality of life are compromised by an accumulation of these possessions, then a person might have a problem with compulsive hoarding and cluttering.

Please click here to view and purchase MHA-SF recommended books and resources about hoarding and cluttering.

MHA-SF provides regular support groups for people who compulsively hoard and clutter and an annual conference on compulsive hoarding and cluttering.

Could I Have a Hoarding/Cluttering Problem?

Why Do I Keep So Many Things?

What Are Some Consequences of Having Too Much Clutter?

Legal Rights of People Who Hoard and Clutter

Hoarding and Cluttering Resources

Information Resources