Hoarding information for service providers

Excess clutter can create unsafe or unhealthy living conditions.

Risks may include:

• trips and falls
• blocked exits and pathways
• increased risk of fire
• difficulty using cooking, heating or other appliances safely
• difficulty for emergency services to enter or move through the home.

Small changes can help reduce these risks:

• install and test smoke alarms
• keep exits and pathways clear
• make sure utilities are connected and working safely
• avoid naked flames including candles or incense burners
• keep at least one metre clear around heaters, appliances and cooking areas
• unplug appliances when they are not being used.

Fire safety information

Hoarding or severe clutter can increase fire risks. Information and resources are available to support our community to improve fire safety.

Hoarding and fire risk handout(PDF, 1MB)

More information:

• Smoke alarms
• Fire ready in Maroondah
• Hoarding | Fire Rescue Victoria
• Fire Risks of Hoarding | Country Fire Authority

Decluttering can take time, and small steps can make a difference.

Some practical tips:

• Start small. Set aside a short amount of time each day to work on decluttering. Start with 5 minutes and gradually increase the time when you feel ready.
• Focus on one area at a time. This could be as small as one drawer or a corner of a benchtop.
• Only handle things once. Decide what to do with an item when you pick it up. Where possible, find its new home rather than putting it back to deal with later.
• Keep sorting simple. Use a small number of categories, such as recycle, rubbish and donate.
• Aim to remove more than comes in. Over time, this can help reduce the amount of clutter.

Professional decluttering and cleaning services may also be able to help. Look for a service with experience supporting people affected by hoarding or severe clutter.

Disposing of unwanted items

Important: Throwing away a person's belongings without their agreement can cause significant distress and should be avoided.

Council has information and services to help with unwanted items:

• How to dispose of unwanted items
• A to Z of waste disposal guide
• Hard rubbish and bundled prunings 

If there is an immediate risk to someone's health or safety, call triple zero (000).

Council's Positive Ageing team can support people with complex needs, including hoarding. They can also help connect people with other services and support.

Support services can help people understand their needs, improve living conditions and make gradual changes over time.

To speak to the Positive Ageing team, call Council on 1300 88 22 33.

Making Space support group

Making Space is a support group for people experiencing excess clutter and its associated challenges.

For more information, see Making Space support group.

Other local services

Other local services can help with challenges that may arise alongside hoarding or severe clutter:

• Emergency Services
• Accommodation and housing
• Family violence and sexual assault services
• Financial assistance
• Legal support

If there are serious health or safety risks, services will consider what action may be needed to help keep people or animals safe.