Over the past several years, we have worked with a wide range of clients who struggle with hoarding behaviors—both young and old. The items they accumulate vary widely. Some clients hold onto books in overwhelming quantities. Others collect high-end kitchenware, often still in excellent condition but never used. And some accumulate more unexpected items, such as plastic containers, paper bags, or everyday packaging that slowly builds into overwhelming volume.
What I find myself most curious about is not what people choose to keep, but what leads them to begin keeping so much in the first place. That origin story is often unknown to us, and in most cases, it is not ours to define. Instead, our role is to support clients as they navigate the deeply emotional process of downsizing.
One thing I have consistently observed when working with individuals who struggle with hoarding is the sense of panic that can emerge during the process. Many clients begin with enthusiasm and a sense of relief at finally getting started. However, as their belongings are sorted, packed, and prepared for donation, liquidation, or disposal, that initial momentum can quickly shift.
Panic often sets in, followed by anger, anxiety, or sadness.
It is not uncommon for a client to become convinced that something important was packed “in error,” prompting requests to reopen boxes or search through already-sealed items. In more than one case, I have experienced moments where a client insisted that a moving truck be unpacked because they believed a treasured item had been taken—such as a china set that was, in fact, safely packed and accounted for.
In another instance, a client ordered additional PODS containers even after repeatedly stating their intention to reduce their belongings. As we continued working, the emotional attachment to individual items became more apparent. A simple statement such as, “I really need these last lamps because I haven’t taken any,” can occur even when multiple similar items have already been set aside.
These moments are not unusual. They are part of the emotional complexity of letting go.
When people learn what I do, one of the most common questions I hear is: “How do you stop someone from hoarding?”
The truth is, that is not our role.
We are not there to “fix” or control behavior. We are there to support clients through the downsizing process in a way that respects both their autonomy and their emotional experience. Downsizing is rarely linear, and it does not look the same for every person.
Hoarding itself is a complex mental health condition, and it can present in many different ways. Compassion, patience, and structure are often far more effective tools than pressure or judgment.
At its core, this work is not about removing things.
It is about helping people move forward—at their own pace, in their own way—while acknowledging that every object often carries meaning far beyond its physical form.