ICD® Clutter–Hoarding Scale®

The Institute for Challenging Disorganization^® (ICD^®) developed the Clutter–Hoarding Scale^® (C–HS^®) as an observational guideline tool for assessing solely the residential environments. The scale focuses exclusively on environmental severity and functional impact, independent of psychiatric diagnosis. It is designed to support both non-clinical and clinical professionals in assessing safety, sanitation, and usability in residential settings.

The C–HS assesses various types of dwellings. It focuses on the condition of the interior space and its functionality. This tool is not meant for clinical diagnosis or to evaluate an individual’s behavior or tendencies. The five scale levels measure different amounts of clutter, ranging from spaces with minimal clutter (Level I—green) to spaces with extreme clutter (Level V—red).

ICD Class Revisiting the C–HS

This class will provide an overview of the Clutter–Hoarding Scale and is available to Premium Subscribers in our ICD Class Vault.

Chronic disorganization may not go away, but it can get easier.

ICD®, a 501(c)(3) non-profit educational organization, is pleased to be able to offer the Clutter to Hoarding Scale to you at no charge. Please consider making a tax-deductible donation of $5, $10 or $25 to help ICD continue to offer this document free of charge and fulfill its mission to provide education, research, and strategies to benefit people challenged by chronic disorganization.

ICD grants permission to copy, reprint, and transmit all or parts of the Clutter to Hoarding Scale (“C–HS”) for educational, not-for-profit purposes, provided credit is given to the ICD. Requests for permission to quote, copy, reproduce, or redistribute all or parts of the C–HS for commercial purposes should be submitted in writing to www.challengingdisorganization.org