Closest published match
HomeGuide, Clutter & hoarding severity levels, published September 2024, re-checked October 2026.
Hoarding Severity Self-Assessment Quiz
This checks the property's condition only. It is not a diagnosis of hoarding disorder, a recognized mental health condition that only a qualified clinician can identify, and it is not a professional inspection.
Check anything below that describes what you're seeing today, and see which of the five levels on the Institute for Challenging Disorganization's Clutter-Hoarding Scale, as published by HomeGuide, it most closely matches.
What this quiz does not do
It does not diagnose hoarding disorder. It does not inspect the property in person, so treat a Level 4 or 5 result as a reason to get a professional walkthrough, not a final determination. It does not estimate how long a cleanout takes or how soon a company can start, because we don't hold data on either. And it does not recommend a specific type of company on its own.
Nothing above checked yet, which matches the published Level 1 baseline:
- Minor but not excessive clutter
- Doorways and stairways still accessible
- Appropriate number of pets
- No unpleasant odors
Based on what you checked:
This describes the property only. It is not a diagnosis, and not an estimate of cleanout duration or scheduling.
See the full published description of this level and what it means for cost and crew. See a published cost range for a property at this level.
How this quiz works
Every item above is HomeGuide's own published wording for one of the five clutter and hoarding severity levels, the same table our severity guide reproduces in full. Selecting the highest level with a checked item is our own way of combining them into one match, not something HomeGuide's page itself prescribes. Nothing here is a formula published by HomeGuide or anyone else.
If you're running this quiz because a parent or relative is moving rather than because of a deceased estate, our senior downsizing checklist covers the steps around that move, not just the condition of what's inside the property.
Once you have a level, our own cleanout timeline estimator gives a planning range for how many days the clearing work itself might take, for Level 1 to 3; at Level 4 or 5 it explains why it shows no range.
Frequently asked questions
Is this a diagnosis of hoarding disorder?
No. Hoarding disorder is a recognized mental health condition, and only a qualified clinician can diagnose it. This tool only compares what you check about the property's physical condition (accessibility, odors, pests, appliances, waste) against the Institute for Challenging Disorganization's five-level Clutter-Hoarding Scale, as published by HomeGuide. It says nothing about a person's mental health, and a Level 4 or 5 result is not a mental health finding of any kind.
How is my result calculated?
Every item you can check is HomeGuide's own published wording for one severity level. Your result is the highest level with a checked item. Taking the highest match is our own way of combining the items into one answer, not something HomeGuide's page itself prescribes.
HomeGuide, Hoarding Cleanup Cost, published September 2024, re-checked October 2026.
Does this tell me which type of company to call?
No, this tool doesn't recommend a company type on its own. Once you know your level, our severity guide explains what changes at each one.
Does this tell me how long a cleanout will take, or how soon someone can start?
No. This tool describes the property's condition only. We don't hold data on cleanout scheduling or how long an actual cleanout takes, so this tool doesn't estimate either one.
Is anything I check here sent anywhere?
No. Everything runs in your browser and nothing you select is transmitted. Estate Cleanout Help is an independent information resource, not a cleanout or remediation company, and isn't affiliated with any company named on this site. If you separately use the get-quotes form on this site, only what you enter there is shared, with a company serving your area.
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