Breaking the silence on hoarding disorder

4 minute read

Hoarding Disorder is more than having a lot of clutter: it’s a complex psychological condition that impacts the entire family. For children, it can be particularly challenging. Growing up in a hoarded home, family members often experience chronic stress, shame and, in severe cases, neglect and isolation. Normal activities like inviting friends over or finding a quiet place to study can become impossible tasks. The emotional burden of witnessing a loved one struggle with hoarding behaviours can leave lasting effects on a child’s mental health and well-being.

Steff Lee, from Kino Bino animation studio in Leicester, knows these challenges intimately. Growing up with a mother who had hoarding behaviours, Steff experienced first-hand the emotional toll it can take on a household. Her personal journey of understanding, confronting and ultimately accepting her mother's condition inspired her to create "Of All The Things”, an animated film shedding light on living with a parent who hoards.

The causes of hoarding disorder are varied and differ among individuals, ranging from trauma and loss, experiences in childhood and perfectionism. As well as possible links to other conditions such as OCD, anxiety, depression, dementia and neurodevelopmental differences like autism and ADHD. 

The Why Behind "Of All The Things"

The typical portrayal of hoarded homes on television often reduces a complex issue to voyeuristic entertainment, inviting judgement and ridicule. Deeply concerned by this misrepresentation, Steff recognised how such shows contribute to the stigma surrounding hoarding. This widespread shame leads affected individuals to suffer in silence, unable to openly discuss their struggles or seek support.

Determined to change this narrative, Steff aims to offer a more compassionate perspective on hoarding disorder. Her film intends to show how hoarding affects parent-child relationships, how generational trauma impacts coping abilities, and why acceptance is often the best approach to mental health conditions.

With a background in creating health-related animations, Steff felt this medium was perfect for exploring the intricacies of hoarding, allowing for fantastical environments and abstract depictions of hoarded objects.

Collaborating for Change

To bring this vision to life, Steff teamed up with Producer Bella Tomlinson. Bella saw the potential for the film to make a significant impact and recognised that funding would be crucial to its success. Together they secured initial funding from the BFI NETWORK Short Film Fund, helping to kickstart the project.

However, producing a film of this calibre requires substantial resources. In May, the team launched a crowdfunding campaign on Greenlit to gather the additional funds needed to complete production. Their goal is to have the film fully funded by September, allowing them to finish production this winter and premiere the film during Hoarding Awareness Week in May 2025.

Breaking the Silence and Focusing on Relationships

"Of All The Things" aims to spark crucial conversations about this misunderstood mental health issue. By sharing this story Steff hopes to provide a gentle entry point for discussing hoarding disorder, empowering others to speak up without shame or judgement. A deeply human story, the film aims to connect with audiences on an emotional level. It serves as a starting point for conversation, hoping to inspire reflection and discussion about the complexities of hoarding disorder. The hope is for viewers, moved by the narrative, to recognise the importance of open communication in understanding and supporting those impacted by hoarding.

Importantly, the film highlights the need to focus on relationships first and the 'stuff' second. The film illustrates how forced clear-outs of a person's safe space often create friction, anger and resentment, damaging family bonds. Instead, it explores how boundaries can be set whilst maintaining positive relationships. It demonstrates that there can still be constructive outcomes for those affected by hoarding when approached with empathy and understanding.

Why This Film Matters

"Of All The Things" is more than just a personal project: it's a mission to raise awareness and promote understanding. The team believes in the power of storytelling to drive change. By bringing attention to the emotional and psychological aspects of hoarding, they hope to inspire more conversations about supporting those affected.

This project invites society to engage in honest, compassionate discussions about hoarding. It's a call to action, urging us all to be more empathetic and proactive in addressing the issues surrounding hoarding, focusing on the person not the belongings and paving the way for better support systems.

Join the Journey

As "Of All The Things" progresses through production, Steff and Bella invite you to join them. They are still collecting donations through their Greenlit campaign and would greatly appreciate any support. Every contribution brings them closer to completing the film and sharing this important story with the world.

To learn more about the project and to make a donation, visit their Greenlit campaign. Together, we can help bring this film to life and support the many families impacted by hoarding.