Clutter Hoarding Scale

Structure & Zoning

All door, stairs and windows accessible; plumbing, electric and HVAC operational; fire and CO2 detectors installed and functional.

Animals & Pests

Normal animal control (behavior/sanitation); approved number of animals; no evidence of rodents and insects.

Household Functions

No excessive clutter; all rooms properly used; appliances functional; good housekeeping and maintenance.

Health and Safety

Safe, sanitary; no odors; medication control OK.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

OPTIONAL

Structure & Zoning

1 major exit blocked; 1 major appliance or HVAC device not working for longer than one season; some plumbing or electrical systems not fully functional; fireor CO2 detectors non-existent or non-functional.

Animals & Pests

Animals: Evidence of inappropriate animal control; visible or odorous pet waste; visible pet fur/hair/feathers; light to medium evidence of common household pests/insects.

Household Functions

Clutter beginning to obstruct living areas; slight congestion of exits, entrances, hallways and stairs; some household appliances not functional;
inconsistent housekeeping and maintenance

Health and Safety

Diminished appropriate sanitation; odors from dirty dishes, food prep, laundry, toilets; mildew present; medication control questionable.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

LIGHT PPE

Medical or work gloves; caps (baseball or poly bouffant); first aid kit; insect repellent; hand sanitizer.

Structure & Zoning

Outside clutter of items normally stored indoors; HVAC device not working for longer than one season; fire or CO2 detectors non-existent or non-functional; one part of home has light structural damage (occurring within past six mos.)

Animals & Pests

Animal population exceeds local regulations; inappropriate animal control; inadequate sanitation; audible evidence of pests; medium level of spiders; light insect infestation such as bed bugs, lice, fleas, roaches, ants, silverfish, spiders, etc.

Household Functions

Clutter obstructing functions of key living areas; building up around exits, entrances, hallways and stairs; at least one room not being used for intended purpose; several appliances not functional; inappropriate usages of electric appliances and extension cords; substandard housekeeping and maintenance; hazardous substances in small quantities.

Health and Safety

Limited evidence of maintaining sanitation (heavily soiled food prep areas, dirty dishes, mildew); odors obvious and irritating; garbage cans not in use or overflowing; dirt, dust and debris; dirty laundry throughout the house; Rx and OTC medications hazardous control (re children, pets, mentally impaired)

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

MEDIUM PPE

Face masks or N95 respirator masks; eye protection; gloves; disposable coveralls; poly caps; work shoes/boots; first aid kit; hand sanitizer, insect repellent.

Structure & Zoning

Excessive outdoor clutter of items normally stored indoors; HVAC devices not working for longer than one season; CO2 detectors non-existent or non-functional; structural damage to home lasting longer than six months; water damaged floors; damaged walls and foundations, broken windows, doors or plumbing; odor or evidence of sewer backup.

Animals & Pests

Animal population exceeds local regulations; poor animal sanitation; destructive behavior; excessive spiders and webs; bats, squirrels, rodents in attic or basement (audible and visible); medium insect infestation

Household Functions

Diminished use and accessibility to key living areas; several rooms cluttered to the extent they cannot be used for intended purposes; clutter inhibits access to doorways, hallways and stairs; inappropriate storage of hazardous/combustible materials; appliances used inappropriately; improper use of electric space heaters, fans and extension cords.

Health and Safety

Rotting food, organic contamination; expired, leaking cans or bottles, buckled sides and tops; dishes and utensils unusable; no linens on beds; sleeping on mattress, chair or floor; infestation of bedding and/or furniture; medications Rx and OTC medications easily accessible to anybody.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

FULL PPE

Face masks or N95 respirator masks; safety goggles, medical or industrial grade latex or nitrile gloves; heavy duty work gloves; disposable coveralls; caps, work shoes/boots; first aid kit; hand sanitizer; insect repellent; headlamp or flashlight

Structure & Zoning

Extreme indoor/outdoor clutter; foliage overgrowth; abandoned machinery; ventilation inadequate or nonexistent; HVAC systems not working; water damaged floors, walls and foundation; broken windows, doors or plumbing; unreliable electrical, water and/or septic systems; odor or sewer backup; irreparable damage to exterior and interior structure.

Animals & Pests

Animals at risk and dangerous to people due to behavior, health and numbers; pervasive spiders, cockroaches, mice, rats, squirrels; raccoons, bats, snakes, etc.; heavy infestation of insects such as bed bugs, lice, fleas, cockroaches, ants, silverfish, etc.

Household Functions

Key living spaces not usable; all rooms not used for intended purposes; entrances, hallways and stairs blocked; toilets, sinks and tubs not functioning; hazardous and primitive use of kerosene, lanterns, candles, fireplace/woodstove as primary source of heat and/or light.

Health and Safety

Human urine and excrement present; rotting food; organic contamination; cans or jars expired;, leaking or buckling; dishes and utensils buried or non-existent; beds inaccessible or unusable due to clutter or infestation; pervasive mold and/or mildew; moisture or standing water; Rx and OTC medications easily accessible to anybody; presence of expired Rx.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

FULL PPE REQUIRED

N95 respirator mask or mask with organic filter(s); safety goggles; medical or industrial grade latex, or nitrile gloves; heavy duty work gloves; disposable coveralls, poly caps, work shoes/boots; first aid kit; hand sanitizer; insect repellent; headlamp or flashlight