Hoarding disorder is stigmatised and people who hoard feel vast amounts of shame. This podcast began life as an audio diary, an anonymous outlet for somebody with this weird condition. That Hoarder speaks about her experiences living with compulsive hoarding, she interviews therapists, academics, researchers, children of hoarders, professional organisers and influencers, and she shares insight and tips for others with the problem. Listened to by people who hoard as well as those who love them and those who work with them, Overcome Compulsive Hoarding with That Hoarder aims to shatter the stigma, share the truth and speak openly and honestly to improve lives.
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This episode, I’ve pulled together the best mental health advice from every guest I spoke to over the past year - academics, therapists, organisers, and people with lived experience. Each of them shared a personal habit or practice that genuinely helps them cope or keep on top of their wellbeing, and I add a couple of my own strategies too.
Whether you’re navigating hoarding, supporting someone who is, or just looking for affordable ways to protect your own mental health, stick around for a mix of practical, honest tips to try for yourself.
Special Episode Format: Compilation of Guest Advice
Throughout the year, every guest was asked about habits or practices supporting their mental health.
Guest Contributions: Mental Health Habits and Practices
Harriet Impey (Episode 172)
Mindfulness and meditation, especially mindful self-compassion (inspired by Kristin Neff).
Practical examples: Being present, guided meditation, practicing non-attachment, and self-reflection on letting go of unhelpful arguments.
Dr Jan Eppingstall (Episodes 174 & 204)
Practicing gratitude to counterbalance negativity bias.
Unsubscribing from unwanted emails to reduce anxiety and overwhelm.
Interacting with pets for grounding and emotional well-being - petting animals as a stress reliever.
Visiting places where animals are accessible (e.g., city farms, pet shops, animal cafes).
Jasmine Sleigh (Episode 175)
Importance of good sleep for mental health.
Value of pleasurable activities like reading, and the paradox of sometimes resisting enjoyable activities (self-sabotage).
#206 Finding connection and community when hoarding feels isolating
Hoarding disorder can feel deeply isolating, and finding genuine connection isn’t always straightforward.
In this episode, I talk about building community - both through hoarding-specific peer groups, online spaces, as well as simply nurturing friendships outside the home.
I share practical ways to reconnect, set boundaries, and remind yourself that you deserve care and companionship, whatever your home looks like.
The Relationship Between Hoarding and Isolation
How hoarding and isolation often accompany each other
Feelings of shame and concern about being misunderstood
Secrecy around hoarding, even from friends
Impact of loneliness on motivation and self-worth
The fundamental human need for connection
Finding Community: Hoarding-Specific Support
Benefits of speaking with others who “get” hoarding
Relief and authenticity in hoarding-focused communities
Misunderstandings and stigma around hoarding in general society
Shared language and understanding in dedicated groups
Types of Hoarding Communities
Peer support groups (both for people who hoard and for their loved ones)
Differences between in-person and online groups
Dehoarding accountability Zoom groups run by the host
Therapy groups led by professionals
Online forums, social media groups, and subreddits
Choosing a Support Group and Overcoming Barriers
The process of finding the right group for your needs
#205 How to recover without burning out: using pacing to find your dehoarding rhythm
Getting on top of hoarding disorder isn’t about powering through in one big go. It’s all about slowing down, pacing ourselves, and making sure our approach is actually sustainable, both for our bodies and our minds.
In this episode, I talk honestly about the risks of burnout and emotional overload when we try to rush the process, and why giving ourselves permission to work in small, manageable steps is key.
I’ll share practical ways to set our own pace, spot the warning signs of pushing too hard, and celebrate the progress we make - even when it’s slower than we’d like.
The Nature of Recovery from Hoarding Disorder
Recovery isn’t a race or a sprint
Pressure to fix things quickly—internal and external
On this episode, I’m joined by Dr Jan Eppingstall to unpack how our possessions connect with our sense of identity and self-concept, and why letting go can feel so threatening for those of us who hoard.
We talk through how objects hold meaning, memories, and dreams for the future, and what it looks like to build a stronger sense of self without clinging to things.
If you’ve ever felt like discarding something meant losing a part of yourself, you definitely want to listen to this one. We break down exactly why that fear happens and where to start.
A plant pot associated with negative experiences.
Discussion of emotional and aesthetic reasons for keeping vs. discarding.
Objects “glowering" at us.
Identity and Self-Concept in Hoarding
Definition of identity and self-concept.
Possessions and Sense of Identity
The psychological process of possessions intertwining with identity.
How this differs from typical sentimental attachment.
Retention itself (rather than use or display) as a meaning-making act in hoarding.
The difference between identity (roles, characteristics, life story) and self-concept (beliefs about self, worth, and abilities).
Typical patterns seen in people with hoarding disorder: fragmented identity, externalised identity via objects.
Psychological Fusion Between Identity and Possessions
The concept of "identity objects" — how discarding items feels like losing part of oneself.
#203 How to declutter when you can't reach your shelves
If you’re facing the frustration of knowing where your things belong but just can’t access your shelves or cupboards because there’s too much in the way, this episode is for you. I break down why piling things up with good intentions doesn’t actually solve anything, why decluttering comes before organising, and share honest strategies for making actual progress when your home feels overwhelming.
Barriers to Organising Due to Inaccessible Shelves
E.g. wanting to keep clothes but can’t access the wardrobe
Emotional impact: frustration and the cycle of blocked organisation
Layers and spread of clutter that block storage areas
The Vicious Cycle of Clutter and Organisation
How inaccessible shelves lead to piles that further compound the problem
The emotional fallout: self-blame and shame
Reframing the struggle as a symptom of hoarding disorder’s progression, not personal failure
Coping Strategies & Common Pitfalls
Temporary solutions (bags/boxes for items meant for inaccessible areas) and associated risks (forgetting what’s inside)
The “out of sight, out of mind” issue
Overestimating the capacity of designated spaces for stored items
Imperfect Progress and Starting Where You Are
Importance of starting without perfect access or planning
Emotional and practical aspects of starting with what’s immediately available
The danger of over-planning and the value of taking imperfect action
Building Momentum: Small Steps and Accessibility
Clearing even small spaces leads to broader clearing efforts
In this episode, I talk about the idea of "acting as if" - taking action before you fully believe you can, and using that to chip away at compulsive hoarding behaviours.
I share stories from my own life, including how channelling others’ confidence helped me move through paralysing shyness, and how small steps can help shift thinking around possessions and habits.
It’s all about behaving your way to progress, even when your feelings haven’t caught up yet. Listen in to find out more, including how to go about it without burning out or being retraumatised.
Introduction to "Acting As If"
Explanation of the “acting as if” concept: taking action before you truly believe in it
Shyness in childhood, learning to appreciate autumn)
Psychological Basis for "Acting As If"
Theory that action creates motivation
Contrast with waiting for motivation or readiness
Clarification: distinction from toxic positivity
Application to Hoarding Disorder
Connection between repeated cycles and hoarding behaviour
How new actions create evidence and lead to belief changes
Importance of breaking cycles of hoarding through behaviour change
Practical Strategies for Acting As If
Imagining how another person (someone without hoarding disorder) would act
Acting as if items are already gone to help with psychological closure
Acting as if you trust the process or expert advice
Acting as if you deserve a nicer home and greater self-worth
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