Tips for Hoarding Clean up Process
Hoarding is a growing problem in our society. People who hoard tend to accumulate large amounts of items and refuse to get rid of them, even if they don’t use them or need them.
This can cause serious problems for the hoarder and their loved ones. If you are struggling with hoarding, it is important to get help from a professional. In this guide, we will discuss the tips for hoarders’ clean-up process.
What is Hoarding?
Hoarding is the excessive collection of items, to the point where it interferes with daily life. Hoarders often feel a strong emotional attachment to their belongings and find it difficult to get rid of them.
Hoarding disorder is a mental health problem that can cause physical, emotional, and financial problems. If you or someone you know is struggling with hoarding, it is important to get help from a mental health professional.
What are the Consequences of Hoarding?
Hoarding can have serious consequences for the hoarder and their loved ones. It can also have devastating consequences for a person’s physical health, emotional health, financial status, as well as their relationships.
Some of the consequences of hoarding include:
• Health and safety hazards
• Fire hazards
• Rodent and insect infestations
• Loss of housing
• Job loss
• Social isolation
What are the Reasons for Hoarding?
There are many reasons why people hoard. For some people, their reasoning is rooted in cautiousness. They do it because they feel like they need to have everything, just in case they might need it someday. For others, it is out of frugality or sentiment. They do it because they don’t want to waste anything, or because they think the items have sentimental value.
This kind of behavior can even stem from fear or anxiety. People might hoard things because they are afraid of getting rid of something that could be important. No matter what the reason is or where it stems from, hoarding can have a negative impact on your life.
The Clean-Up Process
If you are struggling with hoarding, it is important to get help from a professional. A professional can help you develop a plan to declutter your home and get rid of the excessive amount of items. Here are some steps to follow during the cleaning process:
Things you need:
- A professional organizer
- Sorting bins
- Trash bags / heavy-duty trash bags
- Recycling bins
Step One: Sort through your belongings
The first step is to sort through your belongings. This can be a difficult and emotional task. It is important to take your time and go through each item one by one. As you sort through your belongings, ask yourself these questions:
- Do I use this item?
- Do I need this item?
- Is this item in good condition?
- Does this item have sentimental value?
Step Two: Get rid of the clutter
Once you have sorted through your belongings, it is time to get rid of the clutter. You can do this by donating items to charity, selling items online, or throwing items away.
If you are having trouble getting rid of your belongings, a professional organizer can help you. They will work with you to develop a plan to declutter your home and get rid of the excessive amount of items.
Step Three: Organize your remaining belongings
After you have gotten rid of the clutter, it is time to organize your remaining belongings. This can be done by using sorting bins and labeling each bin with a specific category. For example, you can have a bin for clothes, a bin for books, and a bin for toys.
A professional cleaning company can also help you with this step. They will work with you to develop a plan to organize your belongings, and create a space that is functional and comfortable for you.
Step Four: Maintain your decluttered home
Once you have decluttered your home, it is important to maintain it. This can be done by setting up a weekly cleaning schedule and sticking to it. You could also make a rule that for every new item you bring into your home, you must get rid of one item.
The Benefits of Hoarding Clean-Up
A clean and orderly home can be extremely beneficial for anyone, not just for hoarders. Some of the benefits include:
- Increased physical and emotional health
- Increased living space
- Improved relationships
- Job stability
- Reduced anxiety and stress levels
Make Sure You Have the Right Supplies
One of the most important things you can do when beginning the process of cleaning up a hoarder’s home is to make sure you have the right supplies. This means having plenty of garbage bags, gloves, and cleaners on hand.
You’ll also need some storage containers to put items in as you sort through them. If possible, try to find some with lids to keep out dust and pests.
What Not to Do When Cleaning Up a Hoarder's Home
When you’re helping a hoarder clean up their home, it’s important to know what NOT to do. Here are some tips:
Don't just throw things away
Many hoarders have a deep emotional attachment to their belongings, no matter how useless they may seem to you. Instead of throwing things away, work with the person to figure out what can be donated, sold, or recycled.
Don't expect the job to be done overnight
Cleaning up a hoarder’s home is a long and difficult process, and it’s likely to take several weeks or even months. Be patient and keep working at it until the job is done.
Don't get angry or frustrated
Cleaning up a hoarder’s home can be frustrating and overwhelming, but it’s important to stay calm and patient. Getting angry will only make the job more difficult.
Hoarding Dangers
Many people think of hoarders as people who are messy and have a lot of stuff. But hoarding is much more than that; it’s a mental disorder that can pose serious risks to the person and those around them.
Hoarding can lead to health hazards such as mold, dust, and pests. Hoarding can also cause fires if items are blocking exits or electrical outlets. Lastly, hoarding can create an unsafe living environment for children and pets.
What Does a Hoarder's House Smell Like?
If you’ve never been inside a hoarder’s house, you might be wondering what it smells like. The truth is, it can vary depending on the individual and the severity of their hoarding. However, there are some common smells that you might encounter.
One of the most common smells in a hoarder’s house is urine. This is often because hoarders are unable to keep up with the cleaning and end up with urine stains on their furniture, carpets, and clothing. Not only that, the excess of clutter and trash can lead to pests such as rodents infesting the home, which can further contribute to this odor.
Another common smell in a hoarder’s house is garbage. This is because people with this mental health condition often have difficulty throwing away anything, which can lead to piles of garbage that can attract vermin.
Finally, hoarders often have a musty smell due to the lack of ventilation in their homes. This can be caused by the person’s refusal to open windows or doors, or by the person’s inability to clean properly.
How Does a Hoarder's Mind Work?
Hoarding is a complicated disorder that can be difficult to understand. If you’re trying to help a loved one who suffers from hoarding, it’s important to know how their mind works. Here are some things to keep in mind:
- Hoarders tend to see value in everything - This can include things that most people would consider junk. They may believe that an item will be useful someday, or that it has sentimental value. They often have a hard time making decisions because they don't want to get rid of anything. They may feel like they need to keep everything ‘just in case’.
- Hoarders have trouble letting go of things - It can be very difficult for them to get rid of anything, even things they don't use. They may feel like they're getting rid of a part of themselves, or that they're making a mistake.
- Hoarding is a way to cope with anxiety - For some people, hoarding is a way to deal with anxiety or stress. It may make them feel safer or more in control. Hoarding can also be a way to distract from difficult emotions or situations.
If you’re trying to help someone who hoards, it’s important to be patient and understand that they may not be able to make decisions quickly. It’s also important to respect their belongings, and to not try to force them to get rid of anything.
Frequently Asked Questions
1
What is the fastest way to deep clean a hoarder's house?
The fastest way to clean a hoarder’s house is to hire a professional cleaning service. They will have the necessary equipment and experience to quickly and safely clean up the hoard.
2
Do I need to make a hoarding cleaning checklist?
Yes, it is a good idea to make a checklist of the areas you need to clean and the tasks that need to be completed. This will help you stay organized and on track.
3
Can I use cleaning supplies like a vacuum cleaner, mop, and buckets for hoarder cleanup?
Yes, you can use these items to clean up a hoarder’s house. However, you may want to consider hiring a professional cleaning service to do the job for you.
4
Should I call a professional assistance company for help with a hoarder?
If you are feeling overwhelmed or unsafe, then it is best to call a professional assistance company. They will be able to provide you with the resources and support you need to safely clean up the hoard.
The hoarding cleanup process can be difficult, but there are ways to make it easier. Be patient, understanding, and offer help and support to anyone suffering from this mental health condition.
If you are at risk of developing a hoarding disorder, get help from a professional. With the proper understanding and assistance, you can successfully clean up a hoarder’s house.