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Tips to Overcome Compulsive Hoarding

From the shows How Clean Is Your House? and Inside the Secret Lives of Hoarders

Hoarding can take years to overcome, says Dr. David Tolin, director of the Anxiety Disorders Center at The Institute of Living at Hartford Hospital. He offers these tips to those who may be feeling overwhelmed by the task of cleaning their homes:


  1. Just because you can think of a use for an object, doesn't mean you need to keep it.
  2. More is not necessarily better.
  3. Categorize items into piles.
  4. Don't overthink.
  5. Learn to get past some of the imperfections—it's ok to make mistakes.
  6. Follow the "OHIO" rule: Only Handle It Once.
  7. Be brave.
  8. Understand what you're afraid of, and recognize when your fears are irrational.
  9. Be patient.
  10. Keep the ball rolling.
  11. Be strict with yourself.
  12. Know when to ask for help.


More From Dr. Tolin

What is compulsive hoarding?
Why do people hoard?
Do you have a compulsive hoarding problem?
Can compulsive hoarding be treated?


More Information
You can find resources on compulsive hoarding and its treatment at these websites:
Free materials from Dr. Tolin on compulsive hoarding: www.instituteofliving.org/
ADC/compulsive_hoarding.htm
Clinical Trial: www.clinicaltrials.gov/show/NCT00073346
Obsessive Compulsive Foundation: www.ocfoundation.org
The Institute of Living: www.instituteofliving.org/adc

Some of this information was adapted by Dr. David Tolin from Steketee & Frost (2003), Clinical Psychology Review, 23, 905-927

TALK WITH OTHERS
My husband hoards a bit—he's definitely a piler—but now we're in a bigger house and he has his own "room" for his stuff. I can't even go in there; it drives me crazy to think about it.
— stephlind
Join the discussion!

RELATED LINKS
How clean is your house?
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