Decluttering can feel like an overwhelming task—especially for those who struggle with hoarding behaviours. Whether you’re dealing with a diagnosed hoarding disorder or simply find it hard to let go of belongings, the effects can be more than just physical. A cluttered home can lead to mental stress, anxiety, and even physical health issues if it becomes unsafe or unsanitary.
Hoarding doesn’t just affect your space—it can impact your entire quality of life. From limiting your freedom to move around your home to making cleaning difficult and isolating you from visitors, clutter can quietly build up and take control.
If you think you may have a hoarding disorder, it’s important to know that you are not alone. Around 2-6% of people have hoarding disorder and are affected by this condition. Speaking with a professional or therapist can help you identify the root causes and begin your journey toward a more manageable, clutter-free lifestyle.
If you’re unsure where to begin, this guide shares practical decluttering tips for hoarders to help you take the first steps, no matter how small. You will need some willpower and self-motivation to overcome your hoarding tendencies. Read on for five decluttering tips for hoarders to get started on your clutter-free lifestyle.
1. Five a Day
Even those without an official hoarding diagnosis can find the process of decluttering overwhelming, so start small. Don’t put pressure on yourself to clear out and organise your entire home in one weekend. Instead, focus on bite-size chunks that feel manageable.
For example, if your wardrobes are overflowing and you wish to declutter your clothes, set a daily goal of removing five items to either sell, donate, or recycle.
By the end of one month, you will have decluttered 150+ items of clothing! The same process can be applied to whatever object is cluttering up your home, be it books, games, ornaments, tools, etc.
Once you’re able to choose five items a day with ease, then up to seven or even ten per day.
Quick Recap:
- Set small and achievable daily decluttering targets, such as 5 pieces a day
- Start with one category (e.g. clothes, books, tools)
- Keep a donation or recycle box handy
2. Consider Using Self-Storage
If your home has become unsafe due to hoarding, using a self-storage facility such as Magenta self storage can be a useful interim step. This can relieve immediate pressure and make your living space safe again.
You don’t have to part with your belongings straight away—move them into storage to create space and give yourself time to work through them gradually.
A self-storage unit shouldn’t be used for gathering and hoarding more belongings, but as a separate space for you to make your home safe and give you the time needed to work through the hoard and come to terms with letting the objects go. Use it to sort, review, and decide what items are truly worth keeping.
3. Tackle One Room at a Time
One of the most effective decluttering tips for hoarders is to take things room by room. Trying to do everything at once can feel exhausting and lead to giving up entirely.
Instead:
- Choose one room to begin with—perhaps your kitchen or bathroom if safety is a concern
- Break the room into zones (e.g. cupboard by cupboard)
- Set realistic goals for each session
Seeing progress in one room can often motivate you to continue, especially as you start to regain usable space and feel more in control of your home.
4. Ask for Help
There is no shame in needing support. Decluttering is emotionally challenging—especially when you’re attached to items that may not be useful but hold meaning or memories.
Ask a trusted friend or family member to help. Ideally, choose someone who is:
- Supportive and understanding
- Honest but kind
- Able to encourage you without pressure
If your hoarding behaviour is deeply rooted, consider speaking with a therapist or professional organiser who has experience in helping hoarders declutter with compassion.
5. Donate or Recycle Items Immediately
Once you have piles of items to give away, donate or recycle, act on it straight away. Don’t let these piles or boxes of goods sit around in your house tempting you to recover them. Ideally, as soon as a box or bag is full, then take it to the charity shop or recycling centre.
When your home is sufficiently decluttered then continue with the same rule. Keep a bag or box in a cupboard to put future unwanted or outgrown items as time goes on, then once full, donate/recycle. This will ensure you stay on top of your household clutter and prevent the task becoming unmanageable.
- Take donations to the charity shop as soon as possible
- Recycle unwanted items on the same day, if you can
- Keep a permanent box in a cupboard for future items
How to Start Decluttering If You’re a Hoarder
If you’re wondering how to start decluttering as a hoarder, begin with these steps:
- Acknowledge the issue – Recognising the problem is a big first step.
- Seek emotional support – Speak with a loved one or therapist.
- Choose a starting point – One room or one type of item.
- Create a plan – Set realistic goals and a timeline.
- Celebrate small wins – Each bag donated is a success.
These hoarding tips are meant to be gentle and achievable. You don’t have to do everything at once—progress, no matter how slow, is still progress.
How to Encourage a Hoarder to Declutter
Supporting someone else through the decluttering process can be challenging. If you’re trying to help a loved one:
- Be patient and non-judgmental
- Offer your time rather than telling them what to do
- Let them take the lead and make the final decisions
- Help organise charity or recycling drop-offs
- Celebrate progress together, however small
Showing empathy and respect goes a long way in encouraging a hoarder to declutter in a way that feels safe and empowering.
Decluttering Tips for Hoarders in the UK
In the UK, there are helpful services and resources for those struggling with hoarding:
- Local councils may offer support through housing or social services.
- Professional organisers with hoarding experience can guide the process.
- Mental health services can help with the emotional side of hoarding.
- Community groups and charities often accept donations and offer non-judgemental support.
Taking that first step to declutter your home—no matter how small—can have a big impact on your mental health, safety, and overall wellbeing.
Final Thoughts
Decluttering for hoarders can be daunting, but it’s absolutely achievable with the right support, mindset, and small consistent actions. Whether you’re dealing with a full hoarding disorder or just trying to reclaim your space, these practical steps can help.
Start small, take your time, and know that each item you let go of brings you one step closer to a clearer, healthier home and mind.
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great tips!
These are such good ideas, thank you. I hadn’t considered using self-storage as a kind of halfway house, and I think it would be really helpful.
Love posts like these,
I must admit I can be a bit of a hoarder I like to hoard all of my clothes and I often think my oldies can be used for when I decorate (which never happens)
I often give my rags away to industrial sites as they often have a big rag bag for their workplace.
Great tips! Thank you.
Oh that’s a great tip about industrial sites needing rags 🙂