Are you or a loved one struggling with hoarding-like behaviours or wondering if you need a hoarding clean up in Edmonton? Are you unsure of how severe the situation is or what level it may fall under? If so, you’re not alone. 

Hoarding is a deeply complex issue that affects an estimated 2% to 6% of the Canadian population. It can feel uncomfortable, isolating, and overwhelming to manage, especially when facing it alone. At Grimebusters, we believe that knowledge and awareness make a significant difference. Join us as we delve into the five levels of hoarding—including how we can help! Read on!

Hoarding Level 1

This is the initial stage of hoarding, where mild clutter and everyday items begin to pile up. At this point, you may find clothes, books, and other everyday items scattered about or piled up. Door and entryways are fully accessible, with a clear path between rooms. Odours are also minimal, with little to no food waste present. Although the space is typically still generally functional, it’s not entirely without issues. 

This is generally the most challenging stage to identify as a hoarding issue. For many people, this is just the start of what turns out to be more severe hoarding issues. As a result, this first hoarding stage may look no different from standard clutter. 

Hoarding Level 2

At hoarding level two, a greater quantity of items begins to amass and accumulate in the home. This is where countertops, tables, and storage become filled the the brim and become unusable. While rooms remain relatively open, clutter may begin to form along the walls and floors. This is also the stage where odours become more noticeable. Rotting food, overfilled trash bins, pet waste, and mold combine to create lingering odors that are no longer as easily remedied.

Hoarding Level 3

This is generally where hoarding behaviour begins to ramp up significantly. Piles of clothes, belongings, and other items are no longer restricted to the tabletops and corners of rooms. At this point, this accumulation begins to pile up nearly anywhere in the home, including showers or bathtubs. With this level of clutter accumulation, rooms become more difficult to navigate. Movement will often be restricted to narrow paths between piles of clutter.

At this point, entire rooms or spaces may no longer be functional or accessible. It’s common for one or more rooms to be dedicated solely to storage. 

Hoarding Level 4

Level four hoarding poses a significant risk of severe damage to a home’s structure and the health of those residing there. At this level, severe biohazards are typically widespread throughout the home. Pests like mice and insects are often present. At this point, damage from these pests, mold, water damage, and other factors may have caused structural damage to the home. This damage may be permanent and require professional remediation. Without remediation, these contaminants can cause lasting and sometimes permanent damage. 

Hoarding Level 5

Level five hoarded homes are the most severe, characterized by highly hazardous conditions throughout the home. These homes are highly unsafe both during emergencies and day-to-day living. Extensive clutter, like old appliances, stacks of paper, and tangled electrical wiring, can create fire hazards. These piles often obstruct essential home systems, such as vents and electrical panels. Broken and unusable appliances, both small and large, will also be present at this stage. At this stage, there may also be an excessive number of pets, often above legal limits. 

Level five hoarded homes require immediate, urgent intervention. Contact a hoarding remediation specialist right away for hoarding clean up in Edmonton. 

Take Back Your Space with Grimebusters

Hoarding, at any level, isn’t something anyone should have to manage on their own. Between the physical risks of biohazards and the emotional toll involved, hoarding clean up in Edmonton is best handled with a trained remediation expert by your side. 

Let Grimebusters help. For more than 30 years, we’ve provided home remediation, biohazardous cleaning, and hoarding clean up in Edmonton. We’re your local heavy-duty cleaning experts—and are here to support you every step of the way. Reach out to us today to schedule your hoarding clean up in Edmonton.