Symptoms of hoarding may include …

• Finding it difficult to get rid of, or part with possessions, immaterial of the value others may give to them.
• The individual will experience a strong desire to save items and feel distress when getting rid of items. These items fill up and clutter the home or workplace to such an  extent that a kitchen can’t be used to cook in or sleep in the bedroom.
• Symptoms may also be accompanied by excessive collecting, buying or sometimes stealing of items that are not needed or for which there is no space to put them.
• Some sufferers will have a good understanding of why they began hoarding and recognise that they need help. Others will be convinced that their hoarding is normal and won’t seek help, causing distress to family and friends. Councils may be forced to intervene when possessions become more visible in areas, such as gardens and porches because neighbours can become affected.
• It may be useful to use the ‘Clutter Image Rating’ tool where you will be shown pictures of clutter and you can choose which ones match your situation.
  You can download a copy from www.hoardingdisordersuk.org or www.helpforhoarders.co.uk.

If you need help dealing with your hoarding, I offer a hoarding clearance service to help you to sort through your belongings so that you can create more living space in your home. If you feel that you need specialist support and advice, Help For Hoarders and the NHS are good starting points. At Clear Out Clutter, I offer a wide range of organising services from help with moving home to office decluttering. A range of packages are available to suit most budgets and needs.