Here at Apex Property Clearing and Recycling, we’ve had the honor of working with people from all walks of life. Our work often brings us into homes affected by hoarding disorder—and we’ve seen firsthand how misunderstood this condition can be.
May 12th–16th is National Hoarding Awareness Week, a time dedicated to education, empathy, and understanding of the disorder. In honor of this week, we want to break down the common misconceptions about hoarding disorder and shine a light on the real experiences of those who live with it. Spoiler alert: it’s not always what you see on TV.
Hoarding disorder is a mental health condition. It’s not about being lazy. It’s not about being dirty. And it’s certainly not a decision someone makes on purpose. Many times, it’s a coping mechanism, a response to trauma, or a way of feeling safe in a world that doesn’t always feel safe.
Often, those living with hoarding disorder are incredibly thoughtful, intelligent, and caring individuals. They may excel professionally or in personal relationships—yet inside the privacy of their home, they struggle to manage an overwhelming amount of belongings. This disconnect between public perception and private experience is where stigma thrives and where empathy must step in.
7 Misunderstandings That Need Clearing Up
Understanding starts with listening. And when it comes to hoarding disorder, these are the things people often get wrong:
1. “They’re just messy or lazy.”
Not true. Hoarding is complex and emotionally charged. Most people dealing with hoarding disorder want things to be different, but they just feel stuck.
2. “It always looks like it does on TV.”
TV shows often depict extreme hoarding situations for shock value, but not all cases look the same. Hoarding exists on a spectrum. Some homes might look tidy on the surface, while entire rooms are inaccessible. Others may have piles of belongings that still allow for day-to-day function. Just because it doesn’t match the stereotype doesn’t mean someone isn’t struggling.
3. “They should just throw things away.”
If only it were that simple. For many struggling with hoarding disorder, discarding items is tied to emotional distress and anxiety. What looks like clutter to one person might represent memories, identity, or grief to someone else.
4. “It’s all about stuff.”
It’s not. It’s about trauma, control, loss, and anxiety. The collecting of items is a symptom and not the cause. Hoarding often begins after a major life event, such as a death, a divorce, or a traumatic loss of security.
5. “They don’t care how they live.”
Many do care deeply, but fear of judgment often keeps them from reaching out for help. Many people feel intense shame and hide their homes from even the people closest to them.
6. “They choose this life.”
Hoarding disorder isn’t a choice. It’s a mental health condition that deserves compassion. No one wakes up and decides to live in a cluttered space. It’s often a painful reality that develops over time.
7. “They’ll never change.”
Healing from hoarding disorder is certainly possible. With patience, support, and the right help, progress can happen, and it looks different for everyone. There are countless success stories—slow, steady progress that leads to regained space, peace of mind, and confidence.
Stigma Builds Walls. Compassion Builds Bridges.
At Apex, we’ve learned that the way you show up matters. When someone invites us into their home, they’re not just asking for a cleanout. They’re asking for care, trust, and respect. We know the courage it takes to pick up the phone and ask for help when shame and fear have been constant companions. That’s why we make it a priority to lead with understanding.
We take time to understand what matters most to our clients, no matter their struggles. We coordinate with family, caseworkers, and mental health professionals when needed. And most of all—we listen.
Because behind every pile is a person. And behind every item is a story.
7 Misunderstandings That Need Clearing Up
Support isn't always loud. Sometimes, it looks like this:
Sitting quietly and letting someone decide what stays
Making sure each item is sorted with care
Creating a path forward, one small step at a time
Being a presence and not a pressure
Taking breaks when the process becomes overwhelming
Validating emotions rather than pushing them aside
That’s our approach. We don’t just clear properties. We help clear the way for healing.
Every cleanout is different. For some, it’s a single-room project. For others, it’s a full-home effort that spans days or weeks. No matter the size, what matters most is the human connection. We believe healing happens when people are treated with dignity every step of the way.
How You Can Make a Difference
You don’t need to be an expert to show compassion. If someone in your life is struggling with hoarding disorder, your presence and empathy can go a long way.
Here are a few small but powerful ways you can help:
- Offer support, not shame – Let them know you care without judgment.
- Use kind, nonjudgmental language – Avoid labeling or criticizing.
- Be willing to listen – Sometimes, the most healing thing we can do is hear someone out.
- Avoid jokes or labels – Avoid jokes or labels – Hoarding is something that shouldn't be joked about. It's painful and isolating.
- Encourage professional help and community resources – Therapists, support groups, and organizations like ours can provide guidance.
Why National Hoarding Awareness Week Matters
National Hoarding Awareness Week is about stories and spreading the word about this disorder. It’s about honoring the courage of those who reach out for help and breaking the silence that stigma creates.
We encourage everyone reading this to take some time to learn, reflect, and share. Whether you repost an article, have a conversation with a friend, or offer support to someone who might be struggling—you’re helping build a more compassionate community.
Apex is Standing with People & Families Affected by Hoarding Disorder
Everyone deserves a fresh start—and that dignity should never be negotiable. If you or someone you love is facing the challenges of hoarding disorder, please know you are not alone. There is help, and there is hope. When you’re ready, Apex can help!
From all of us at Apex Property Clearing and Recycling, thank you for letting us be part of the story.
If you’re looking for resources or support related to hoarding disorder, reach out to local mental health providers or contact Apex directly. We’re here to walk alongside you.