What level hoarder am I? (10-Question Assessment)

Answer honestly. This is a practical guide for planning cleanup — not a clinical diagnosis. You'll get an instant result with level-specific next steps.

Complete 10 questions to determine your hoarding level. All questions are required. Use arrow keys to navigate between options and Enter or Space to select.

Hoarding level assessment questions

1. Are all exits (doors/windows) clear and accessible?

Question 1: Exit accessibility

2. Can you use the kitchen for its intended purpose?

Question 2: Kitchen functionality

3. Can you use the bathroom for its intended purpose?

Question 3: Bathroom functionality

4. Can you use the bedroom for sleeping?

Question 4: Bedroom functionality

5. Are there noticeable odors in the home?

Question 5: Odor assessment

6. Do you have pest or rodent issues?

Question 6: Pest presence

7. How many major appliances are broken or non-functional?

Question 7: Appliance condition

8. How difficult is it to discard items?

Question 8: Discard difficulty

9. Is clutter visible outside the home (porch/yard/garage)?

Question 9: Exterior clutter

10. Are there structural/property issues (water damage, broken doors, etc.)?

Question 10: Structural issues

Scoring ranges (max 20): 0–4 Level 1 · 5–8 Level 2 · 9–12 Level 3 · 13–16 Level 4 · 17–20 Level 5

5 Levels of Hoarding: Side-by-Side Comparison

Use this table to understand how severity changes from Level 1 to Level 5 (access, function, sanitation, and property condition).

Comparison of hoarding levels 1 through 5 showing characteristics, costs, and recommended actions
Characteristic Level 1
Minimal		 Level 2
Mild		 Level 3
Moderate		 Level 4
Severe		 Level 5
Extreme
Exits & Access Clear exits One exit affected Multiple exits affected Most exits affected Entry/exit unsafe
Room Function Fully usable Some limitations One+ rooms unusable Most rooms unusable Uninhabitable
Odors / Sanitation None Mild Noticeable Strong Severe
Pests None Occasional Visible activity Infestation common Severe infestation
Property Condition Stable Minor issues Developing damage Significant damage Critical damage risk
Typical Cleanup Range* $500–1,500 $1,500–3,500 $3,500–8,000 $8,000–15,000 $15,000–30,000+
Recommended Action DIY / organizing Professional help soon Coordinated plan Specialized cleanup Urgent intervention
Key insight: Level 3 is the "pivot point" where safety, access, and coordination typically drive cost and timeline.
Request assessment Read level details

*Ranges vary based on volume, access (stairs/elevators), disposal requirements, and safety controls. For a precise estimate, photos help.

Understanding Each Hoarding Level

These descriptions focus on practical conditions that affect cleanup planning: access, room function, sanitation, and property risk.

Minimal Clutter

Safety: Low Function: Normal Sanitation: Normal

What is Level 1 hoarding?

Level 1 is "everyday clutter." Rooms work as intended, exits are clear, and there are no meaningful health or safety concerns.

Key characteristics

  • Exits and walkways remain clear
  • Kitchen/bath/bedroom are functional
  • No significant odors or pests
  • Normal housekeeping is possible
Typical timeline

Ongoing; organizational friction more than hazard.

Typical cost range

$500–1,500 for targeted removal or organizer support.

Recommended action

DIY organizing systems and a simple disposal plan.

Columbus notes

Bulk pickup can handle many large items. Start small and be consistent.

If you're Level 1:

Use a low-conflict approach and a simple routine. The goal is preventing creep into Level 2.

Get the prep checklist

Mild Clutter

Safety: Moderate Function: Reduced Sanitation: Drifting

What is Level 2 hoarding?

Level 2 is where clutter begins to interfere with daily function. You may see blocked areas, mild odors, missed housekeeping, or early pest pressure. Acting here is the cheapest leverage point.

Key characteristics

  • At least one area or exit is partially blocked
  • Some rooms are hard to use as intended
  • Mild odors from trash, dishes, or laundry
  • Early pests (or conditions that attract them)
  • One appliance may be down long-term
Typical timeline

Often 6–18 months of accumulation outpacing removal.

Typical cost range

$1,500–3,500 (often 1–2 days).

Recommended action

Professional help soon; start with kitchen/bedroom to restore function.

Columbus notes

In apartments, coordinate access rules and disposal to avoid conflict.

If you're Level 2:

Don't negotiate with the problem. Pick one high-function room and finish it. Momentum matters.

Request an estimate See cost factors

Moderate Clutter (Pivot Point)

Safety: High Function: Compromised Coordination: Needed

What is Level 3 hoarding?

Level 3 is where "clutter" becomes a planning and safety problem: blocked paths/exits, rooms that can't be used, noticeable odors, pests, and developing property damage. Cleanup typically requires a coordinated plan.

Key characteristics

  • Multiple blocked areas or unsafe pathways
  • At least one room unusable
  • Noticeable odors across the home
  • Visible pest activity
  • Exterior clutter often present
  • Appliances/fixtures failing or non-functional
Typical timeline

Often 1–3 years of accumulation compounding.

Typical cost range

$3,500–8,000 depending on access, volume, and conditions.

Recommended action

Coordinated cleanup plan; prioritize exits, kitchen/bath, and safe pathways.

Columbus notes

In multi-unit buildings, access rules and disposal scheduling are critical.

If you're Level 3:

This is where "waiting" becomes expensive. Restore safe access first, then function, then sanitation.

Call/Text for urgent assessment Request a written estimate

Severe Clutter

Safety: Critical Sanitation: Hazard PPE: Likely

What is Level 4 hoarding?

Level 4 typically includes significant hazards: unsafe exits, heavy contamination risks, strong odors, infestations, and meaningful property damage. DIY attempts are often unsafe and ineffective.

Key characteristics

  • Many exits blocked or unsafe
  • Kitchen/bathroom largely unusable
  • Strong odors, contamination risk
  • Infestation common
  • Property damage present (water, mold risk, structural concerns)
  • Fire hazards likely
Typical timeline

Often 3–5+ years of compounding conditions.

Typical cost range

$8,000–15,000+ depending on hazards and repairs.

Recommended action

Specialized cleanup with safety protocols and controlled disposal.

Columbus notes

Stakeholder coordination matters (landlord, family, executor). Documentation helps.

If you're Level 4:

Don't "try a weekend." Get a controlled plan and restore safe access first.

Call/Text for emergency response See hoarding cleanup services

Extreme Clutter

Safety: Life-threatening Habitable: No Urgency: Immediate

What is Level 5 hoarding?

Level 5 indicates uninhabitable conditions and extreme risk: unsafe entry/exit, severe infestation, utilities failing, and serious contamination or structural risk. Intervention is urgent.

Key characteristics

  • No safe pathways; entry/exit may be dangerous
  • Utilities may be off or unsafe
  • Severe infestation
  • Serious contamination risk
  • Major property damage or structural risk possible
  • Legal/stakeholder involvement is common
Typical timeline

Often 5–10+ years with compounding hazards.

Typical cost range

$15,000–30,000+ (hazards + repairs can expand scope).

Recommended action

Urgent intervention with strict safety protocols and possible relocation planning.

Columbus notes

Documentation, disposal planning, and stakeholder coordination are critical.

If you're Level 5:

If someone is in immediate danger, call emergency services. Otherwise, call for urgent cleanup planning.

Call/Text for urgent help Emergency cleanup services

Pricing factors that change the cleanup cost

Level matters — but pricing is driven by what slows labor, increases disposal, or adds safety controls.

Volume & density

More material + tighter packing = more labor and more disposal.

Access challenges

Stairs, long carries, elevators, narrow halls, and parking limits add time.

Sorting requirements

Keep/donate/trash decisions slow everything down unless rules are clear.

Hazards & PPE

Contamination risk, pests, and strong odors require safety controls.

Disposal type

Standard disposal vs. specialty handling changes fees and logistics.

Repairs after cleanup

Damage, moisture, or flooring issues can expand scope after removal.

Want a realistic range fast?

Send photos of main rooms + hallways + exits. We'll reply with a plan, a cost range, and a timeline.

Request a written estimate See the full cost guide

What should I do based on my hoarding level?

Stop guessing. Use the level to pick the right response and avoid expensive backtracking.

If Level 1

Install a simple system (before it drifts)

  • Use a checklist and a weekly reset routine
  • Define "homes" for categories and enforce limits
  • Use bulk pickup for large items
Get the prep checklist
If Level 2

Get help soon (cheapest leverage point)

  • Start with kitchen/bedroom to restore daily function
  • Set rules: keep zones, donate vs. trash, decision-maker
  • Schedule disposal and prevent re-accumulation
Request estimate
If Level 3

Urgent: build a coordinated plan

  • Prioritize safe exits and clear pathways
  • Coordinate stakeholders (family/PM/landlord)
  • Plan disposal and safety controls before starting
Call/Text for urgent assessment
If Level 4

Specialized cleanup (DIY is usually unsafe)

  • Safety controls and PPE are typically required
  • Expect disposal coordination and possible repairs
  • Documentation helps stakeholders and next steps
Call/Text for emergency response
If Level 5

Immediate intervention

  • If someone is in danger, call emergency services
  • Plan for urgent cleanup logistics and possible relocation
  • Expect stakeholder involvement and strict safety controls
Call/Text for urgent help

Frequently Asked Questions About Hoarding Levels

Practical questions people ask when they're trying to plan next steps.

What is the ICD hoarding scale?
The ICD Clutter-Hoarding Scale is a practical framework often used by professional organizers and cleanup teams to describe severity based on access, room function, sanitation, and property condition. It isn't a psychological diagnosis.
How accurate is a self-assessment?
It's a starting point. Many people underestimate blocked exits or sanitation risks because they've adapted to them. Photos of main rooms, hallways, and exits make estimates and planning far more accurate. In Columbus multi-unit buildings, documentation also helps coordinate with property managers.
Can a Level 4 home be restored to livable conditions?
Often, yes — depending on damage. Cleanup can restore access and function, but repairs (flooring, moisture, pest damage) may be needed afterward. Long-term stability usually requires ongoing routines and support. In Columbus, we've restored dozens of Level 4 properties to safe, habitable conditions.
How long does cleanup take at each level?
Rough planning ranges: Level 1 (hours), Level 2 (1–2 days), Level 3 (2–4 days), Level 4 (4–7+ days), Level 5 (multi-day to multi-week depending on hazards and repairs). Timeline depends heavily on access, volume, and safety requirements. Columbus properties with elevator or parking restrictions may add time.
Will insurance cover hoarding cleanup?
Usually not for gradual accumulation. If a covered loss occurred (for example, a sudden water event), parts of the resulting damage may be covered. Documentation helps separate scope. Some Columbus landlords have policies that cover tenant-caused damage in specific circumstances.
How fast can you start if I have an inspection deadline in Columbus?
For most situations, we can start same-day or next-day. Single-room cleanups often complete in 4-8 hours. Multi-room situations take 1-3 days depending on level. If you have an inspection deadline, tell us when you call and we'll prioritize your schedule. We've handled dozens of lease-violation situations throughout Columbus apartments and rental properties. Call 614-810-0000.
What Columbus neighborhoods do you serve?
We serve all of Columbus and surrounding suburbs including Dublin, Westerville, Worthington, Upper Arlington, Bexley, Gahanna, Grove City, Hilliard, Grandview Heights, Powell, Delaware, and Lewis Center. We also serve neighborhoods like German Village, Short North, Clintonville, Campus Area, and Brewery District. Our 30-mile service radius covers the entire Columbus metro area. Call 614-810-0000.
Do I need to be present during the cleanup?
For Level 1-2, presence is optional after we establish clear decision rules (keep/donate/trash). For Level 3-5, someone should be available for questions, especially for sorting decisions and sensitive items. Many Columbus property managers coordinate cleanup while tenants are relocated. We document everything with photos for transparency. Call 614-810-0000 to discuss your specific situation.

Columbus Hoarding Cleanup Service Area

iDry Columbus serves the entire Columbus metro area with a 30-mile service radius (48,280 meters) from downtown Columbus.

Downtown & Close-In

  • German Village
  • Short North
  • Clintonville
  • Campus Area
  • Brewery District

North Columbus

  • Dublin
  • Westerville
  • Worthington
  • Powell
  • Delaware

West & East Columbus

  • Hilliard
  • Grove City
  • Upper Arlington
  • Grandview Heights
  • Bexley
  • Gahanna

Throughout the Columbus metro area, we've handled cleanup situations in apartments, single-family homes, multi-unit buildings, and commercial properties. Our crews understand local access rules, disposal requirements, and neighborhood contexts.

Related Resources

Use these next if you're trying to plan cost, reduce conflict, or decide what to do first.

Common questions Get estimate
Professional hoarding cleanup services in Columbus showing crew working discreetly Services
Hoarding Cleanup in Columbus, OH
Discreet crew, controlled workflow, documentation, coordination.
Hoarding cleanup cost breakdown showing pricing factors Pricing
Hoarding Cleanup Cost Guide
Cost drivers, realistic ranges, and what changes the number.
Hoarding cleanup preparation checklist for planning Planning
Hoarding Cleanup Prep Checklist
Reduce conflict, prep photos, and speed up the estimate process.
Clutter versus hoarding educational comparison Education
Clutter vs. Hoarding: What's the Difference?
Quick signs, clear comparison, and next steps — without judgment.

Request a Level-Specific Assessment

Send photos of main rooms + hallways + exits. We'll reply with a level, plan, range, and timeline.

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