Hoarding is a complicated disorder that often involves more than just clutter. It can be caused by a number of factors, including genetics, trauma, mental illness, and social isolation.

Without an understanding of these issues—and how they might relate to your loved one—your attempts to help may not work out as you expect.

One thing you should understand about hoarding is that it’s not simply “too much stuff.”

There are many other factors that contribute to the severity of the situation.

If you want your loved one’s situation to improve in any way you need to address the mental health issues they are experiencing first.

The best way to do that is with professional help.

Some people develop hoarding behavior after a traumatic life experience such as sudden unemployment, illness, or the death of a loved one.

Your loved one might be trying to cope with a tragedy by keeping everything that reminds them of the person they have lost.

Others may be afraid of being unprepared for the next event by saving all their possessions “just in case” they need those things again one day. Or, they may be afraid of what could happen to them if they need something in the future and do not have it.

This anxiety creates a condition known as disposophobia—the extreme distress hoarders feel whenever they throw something away.

Forcing a hoarder to clean up can only do more harm. You need to be patient and supportive.

If you want to help a hoarder clean, you have to encourage them to stop hoarding first.

Cleaning a hoarder’s home won’t do any good if they continue to compulsively collect things after you leave. Decluttering the home would be impossible if they keep bringing new items inside every time you get rid of something.

Before you start cleaning, you must address the cause of the hoarding behavior.

Helping a hoarder clean also means supporting them as they learn the decision-making skills they need to undo years and years of unhealthy habits.