The five levels
Where is the home today?
Organisers and support workers describe homes on a five-level clutter–hoarding scale. It rates the home, not the person. Find the level that looks closest. It does not need to be exact, and you can choose “Not sure” when you book.
Not sure which level it is?
Eight quick questions, about two minutes. Nothing is saved.
- I
Lived-in
Level I in detail →What it can look like
- Doors, halls and stairs are clear
- Every room can be used for what it is for
- Clutter builds up but gets dealt with
How we help
Usually not who we are for. A single virtual session can help if one area has got away from you.
- II
Slipping
Level II in detail →What it can look like
- One exit or a room is partly blocked
- Surfaces and floors are covered in places
- Some appliances or areas are no longer used
- Visitors are put off or avoided
How we help
Virtual sessions or in-home visits. A few focused sessions often turn it around.
- III
The turning point
Level III in detail →What it can look like
- A room can no longer be used for its purpose
- Paths are narrow through stacked items
- Kitchen, bathroom or bed are hard to use
- Light odour, dust, or a pest problem starting
How we help
The core of our work. A weekly virtual pack, with in-home visits where we cover the area. Progress is one zone at a time.
- IV
Serious
Level IV in detail →What it can look like
- Several rooms unusable, exits blocked
- Pests, mould, or water and structural damage
- Spoiled food, strong odour, or animal waste
- Health or safety of people in the home at risk
How we help
Virtual support for the person and family while pest control, cleaning or repair trades make the home safe. Hands-on sorting comes after.
- V
Severe
Level V in detail →What it can look like
- Home is unsafe or close to unlivable
- Utilities off, or major structural or fire risk
- Council, landlord, or agency already involved
How we help
Virtual support for the person and family alongside the agencies and trades involved. We do not work alone on site at this level.
Safety comes first
At Levels IV and V, we start with virtual support. Pest control, biohazard cleaning, repairs and rubbish removal are separate trades. Hands-on sorting starts once the home is safe to work in.
If anyone is in immediate danger, call 000.
Not sure which level?
Send photos or a video walkthrough with a free discovery call request. We will tell you what we see and what a realistic plan looks like.
Based on the Clutter–Hoarding Scale® developed by the Institute for Challenging Disorganization. Descriptions on this page are a plain-language summary, not an assessment or diagnosis.