Clutterers Anonymous is a self-help organization for individuals who have difficulty managing clutter to regain control over their lives. As its name suggests, the organization utilizes the 12-step model of recovery originated by the founders of Alcoholics Anonymous. The group serves those who self-identify as having difficulties with clutter or who may even be hoarders. The organization charges no dues and does not accept any type of outside funding. Participants in the organization may use Clutterers Anonymous as their only source of help or may combine meeting attendance with other types of treatment for hoarding.
As is true of many 12-step groups, Clutterers Anonymous holds meetings for its members in which they are able to discuss their challenges with others and receive support in their recovery. Groups meet in many geographical locations, although they may not be as accessible as anonymous groups that have a larger membership, such as Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous. Individuals who do not have access to a local meeting may choose to participate in a Clutterers Anonymous phone meeting, which uses conference call technology. Support is also available for individuals who wish to start a group in their area. The organization uses the literature of Alcoholics Anonymous as well as literature produced by and for Clutterers Anonymous members.
The 12-step model of recovery generally identifies the source of addictive or compulsive behavior as being spiritual in origin. While members of the organization may choose to share tips for housekeeping and managing clutter, that is generally not the focus of the organization. Instead, by reading and actively attempting to work with the 12 steps of recovery, members can begin to identify the deep spiritual and psychological reasons for their cluttered existence and their insistence on holding onto objects and possessions that are either useless or for which they have no room in their home.
Those who choose to become members of Clutterers Anonymous are asked to maintain confidentiality of all information shared within meetings as well as the identity of meeting participants. Consistent with the 12-step model, a Clutterers Anonymous member will typically partner with a more experienced member, known as a sponsor, in order to establish an accountable relationship and to get one-on-one support as needed. In time, as the member continues in the recovery process, he or she may be expected to become a sponsor to other new members.