Videos of extreme cleaning, often involving the decluttering of homes severely affected by hoarding disorder, are gaining significant traction on social media, with many clips being watched millions of times. These online phenomena are increasingly raising awareness about hoarding disorder, a mental health condition characterized by persistent difficulty in discarding or parting with possessions, regardless of their actual value.
According to the NHS, hoarding disorder is a mental health condition where individuals collect a large number of items and find it challenging to dispose of them, even when these possessions negatively impact their daily lives. Experts highlight that the visual nature of these online videos can often lead to judgment, with viewers sometimes mistaking the condition for laziness.
"I think it's really easy to be quite judgmental," said one commentator. "People see footage of these homes online and in documentaries, and it's really easy to judge and think the person's lazy. There's a lot of stigma behind it and a lot of misunderstanding."
The stigma associated with hoarding can be a significant barrier, preventing individuals from seeking necessary help. "This is real life. It's mental health. It's people who are finding themselves living in really unsafe, unsanitary conditions through no fault of their own," the commentator added. The push for greater understanding emphasizes that open discussion is crucial for de-stigmatizing the condition. "The more we can talk about it, the better. The less we judge, the more we can understand, [and that] is only going to be a good thing."
Many individuals who identify as hoarders are engaging with this content, finding solace and connection online. "I get a lot of messages in my inbox saying, 'Thank you so much for your content. That house that you did last week, mine's not dissimilar to that and you're making me feel like I'm not the only one that lives like this'," shared one content creator. For some, viewing these cleaning processes has provided the impetus to seek professional assistance or hire cleaning services. "A lot of people have messaged me and said that, because they've seen my videos, they found the courage to ask for help or maybe hire a cleaner. So it is having a really positive effect."