How to Help a Parent with Hoarding
Hoarding is more than just clutter — it’s a serious mental health issue that affects entire families. If your parent struggles with hoarding, knowing how to help them can feel overwhelming. Here’s a step-by-step guide to offering support in a compassionate and effective way.
🧠 Understand the Root Cause
Hoarding disorder often stems from trauma, grief, anxiety, or depression. It’s not laziness. Understanding this can help you approach your parent with empathy rather than judgment.
🤐 Avoid Shaming or Forcing Cleanup
Comments like “Just throw it out!” or “This is disgusting” can shut down communication. Instead, try phrases like:
- “I’m here to support you.”
- “Would it be okay if we looked through one small area together?”
- “How do you feel about this item?”
🧭 Offer Support, Not Ultimatums
Helping someone with hoarding is a journey. Focus on progress, not perfection. If safety is an issue (fire hazards, blocked exits), frame your concern around health and well-being, not blame.
📱 Use Tools That Empower
Our free mobile app includes motivational tools, daily goals, and clutter rating features your parent may find helpful.
🛟 Consider Professional Help
If your parent is open to it, consider these services:
- Hoarding Support Cleaning Services
- Private Membership Support
- Therapists with experience in hoarding and OCD
🧪 Take the Hoarding Self-Assessment Quiz
Sometimes, sharing a quiz can open a non-threatening conversation. Try our Hoarding Self-Assessment Quiz together.
💬 Final Thoughts
Helping a parent with hoarding takes patience, love, and the right resources. You’re not alone — and neither are they.
Ready to take action? Start small. Celebrate progress. And explore the Declutter Tips section for inspiration.