Hoarding Cleanup: How The Process Works

Hoarding is a serious issue. Not only for the hoarder but for their loved ones as well. Maybe you live with a hoarder. Maybe you know a hoarder who needs help. Maybe you are the hoarder. Or maybe you inherited a house that once housed a person who couldn’t throw anything away. 

No matter the circumstances, when it comes to houses that have that much stuff in them, the task of cleaning them out can be overwhelming at least. 

There are all levels of hoarding, from too much clutter to nests of mice living in the bedroom. No matter what stage of disarray a home is in, there is a way to get it all out. A bit of clutter is not a big deal, but when the mess is just too much, it’s smart to hire professionals who can come at it from an outsider's perspective. 

The following is the best approach to handling this situation. 

Step One: Assess 

As we’ve mentioned, there are all levels of hoarders. Some of the easier jobs can be done on your own, but you’ll likely need a dumpster. Other situations are better left to the professionals simply because they’re dangerous. Clean-up crews can be at risk of toxins and falling debris in some of the more serious cases. 

As the person who is in charge of cleaning up this property, you have to make an educated decision on what is best for you and your family. 

Step Two: Make a Plan

Now that you know how you want to get the job done, take time to write a plan. If you’ve decided to hire professionals to clean the space out for you then you’re planning can stop there. The professionals will take over for you. But if you want to do it yourself, here are some planning tips we suggest. 

Have the Right Equipment

Dumpster

If everything you consider clutter can fit in your garbage can you don’t have a hoarding issue. If you have a legitimate hoarder then you’ll need a receptacle that can handle the waste.

Gloves, Masks, Hazmat Suits

If your hoarder is collecting chemicals or there are tons of mice nests in the home, this is not safe to breathe. Those are just two ways in which hoarders create unsafe living spaces. If you’ve chosen to clean it yourself, you want to make sure you and anyone helping you is safe. 

Other Equipment Needed

• Boxes
• Trash bags
• Vacuum cleaner
• Mops
• Buckets
• Disinfectants
• Sponges and rags
• Step ladder

Start with Hallways

Get at the hallways first. Work your way in and make sure you can access every room. This way, when you’re moving junk out to the dumpster you can get in and out of the house with ease. 

Tackle One Room at a Time

Once the hallways are clear, pick a room and don’t stop until it’s clean. You may start in the bedroom or bathroom. The choice is yours. Our suggestion is to make sure each room is cleaned thoroughly before moving on to the next. 

Don’t Throw Everything Away

While some hoarders collect things that have no value whatsoever, some have an affinity for valuable items too. If you’re the person who did the hoarding, then you know what you have and the value. If you’re cleaning up someone else’s mess, then be aware that some things might have value. Make space for things you can sell or donate to local charities. 

Step Three: Put Your Plan Into Action

Now all you need is time. Cleaning out a hoarder's home can take days for professionals, which means for a working person, it could be a process that eats up a lot of your weekends and evenings. This all depends on the size of the job. But, if the job is enough to fill up a dumpster, then professional help might be the stress-free way to go. 

Step Four: Make Needed Repairs

Once the space is cleaned out, you can assess any damages that have occurred under everything and do what you need to fix them. You may just be cleaning out and repairing your home or you might be selling a relative’s that has passed. No matter the situation, it’s undeniable that having a clean space is healthy, and more attractive to potential buyers. 

Step Five: Don’t Judge

There are so many reasons why a person starts hoarding. This can be due to trauma or several things we aren’t licensed to diagnose. The most important thing is to handle the situation kindly and with care. If the hoarder is still alive, they may be opposed to this, or find it upsetting. Their mental health is important, so go into this with empathy and lacking judgment. 

Do You Need Help With Hoarding Cleanup in Charlotte, NC?

Homie's Load & Dump provides professional hoarding cleanup services in Mooresville, Huntersville, Lake Wylie, Lake Norman & surrounding areas! If you live in the Charlotte, NC area and need help deciding what your next move is, we’d be happy to help. Contact our team today or check out our hoarding cleanup page to learn more about our services.