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Overview
Clutter can block exits.
CBT helps.
When to get medical care
Call 911Thoughts of harming yourself or others: call or text 988, or call 911 if you're in danger.
Get care todayFire or safety hazards.
See a doctor soonClutter affecting life.
Causes
Causes include anxiety and genetics.
OwieClear has pages on 1 condition that can cause trouble throwing things away. Each shows how soon to get care.
Common causes
- HoardingSee a doctor if it doesn't get better
Strong difficulty throwing things away, leading to clutter that fills living spaces and can make the home unsafe.
What you can do at home
- Start small.
- Get support.
Medicines
CBT.
At the doctor
An evaluation.
Questions you may be asked
- Clutter
The exam
A physical exam.
Tests
- Screening
Prevention
Get help.
- Seek support
Check your symptoms
Most symptoms have more than one possible cause. The symptom checker looks at all of your symptoms together, plus your age, and shows how soon to get care.
Sources
Last updated 2026-11-13.