Hoarding vs. Squalor

People often mistakenly think squalor and hoarding are the same mental health disorder. The distinction may seem minor, but it is important to understand the difference.

HoardingSqualor
Not always associated with squalorAlmost always associated with hoarding
Accumulated over timeMay include rotten food, animal or human waste, foul odor
Hygenic home with large volume of clutterHighly unsanitary conditions
Public health issues for occupantPublic health issues for occupant and neighbors

Hoarding

Clothes filling bedroom

Stack of books

Squalor

Bedrooom filled with trash

Unsanitary Bathroom