Self-Test: Is Your Clutter and Disorganization Out of Control?

Most of us are somewhat messy, but hoarding is a serious condition linked to anxiety and obsessive compulsive behavior that affects approximately 2 to 5 percent of the population. Take this quiz to understand where you fall on the messiness to hoarding spectrum.

Question 1 of 8
Question 1 of 8
Current Score:
Your Score

When I get something new, I find a permanent place for it.

You must complete the question in order to continue
  • Immediately. I can't stand to have things out of place.
  • Almost never. I put it somewhere with the other new stuff to deal with later.
YOUR ANSWER : Immediately. I can't stand to have things out of place.
CORRECT ANSWER : Almost never. I put it somewhere with the other new stuff to deal with later.
Piling things — intending to put them away at an unspecified “later” date — is a classic symptom of hoarding.  Hoarders tend to move things from pile to pile, but shy away from finding a permanent place for them.
NOTE: This test is not intended to diagnose or to replace the care of a health care professional. If you are concerned about your messiness, please seek professional assistance.