Resources
Hoarding and home safety
A practical, non-judgemental look at how a home affected by hoarding can become unsafe, and the small steps that can make the biggest difference.
Why it matters
Safety first, one step at a time
When belongings build up, some of the biggest risks come from simple things: a blocked route, a heater too close to a pile of papers, a boiler nobody can reach. The good news is that small, targeted changes can make a real difference long before the whole home is sorted.
This page isn’t about judging anyone’s home. It’s about the practical areas worth thinking about first.
Areas to think about
How hoarding can affect safety at home
Exits and pathways
Being able to get to the front and back doors, and out of a window if needed, matters most of all. Narrow paths, blocked hallways and cluttered stairs make it harder to leave quickly in an emergency.
Fire risk
Large amounts of paper, fabric and cardboard can catch light easily and help a fire spread. Keep belongings well away from cookers, heaters, candles and anywhere people smoke, and avoid overloaded sockets and extension leads. Make sure there’s a working smoke alarm. Your local fire and rescue service may offer a free home fire safety visit.
Kitchens and bathrooms
Being able to cook safely, store food properly, wash and use the toilet are basic to health and dignity. Getting these rooms working again is often one of the first goals.
Sleeping safely
A bed that can be reached and used, with a clear route from it to the door, makes a big difference to rest, comfort and safety at night.
Heating and electrical access
Boilers, fuse boxes, meters and stopcocks need to be reachable, both for everyday use and for safety checks and repairs. If you rent, your landlord will usually need access for gas safety checks.
Trips and falls
Uneven piles, loose items on the floor and stacked belongings that could topple all raise the risk of falls, particularly for older people or anyone with mobility difficulties.
Access for emergency services
Paramedics may need room to bring in equipment or a stretcher, and firefighters need to be able to move through the home. A clear route from the front door helps everyone.
Hygiene and sanitation
Where food waste, damp or pests become an issue, health can be affected. These are practical problems with practical solutions, and they’re nothing to be ashamed of.
Manageable first steps
Small changes that make a difference
Clear one route
Make a safe path from where you sleep to the front door.
Check your smoke alarm
Test it, and replace the battery or alarm if it doesn’t sound.
Give heat some space
Move belongings away from heaters, the cooker and any open flame.
Reach the essentials
Make sure the boiler, fuse box and stopcock can be reached.
Keep a phone close
Keep a phone, keys and any medication somewhere easy to reach.
If there’s an immediate danger, such as a fire or someone injured, call 999.
Getting help
When it feels like too much to do alone
If the home has reached a point where these steps feel impossible, or cost is stopping you getting practical help, Hoarder Help Fund may be able to support you. Help for you explains what that support may look like.
If you’re not sure whether you qualify, that’s okay. Tell us what’s happening and we’ll talk it through with you.
Worried about safety at home?
Tell us what’s happening. We’ll listen and talk through what help may be possible.