Cleaning up a hoarder’s home: The do’s and don’ts of hoarding cleanup

Cleaning up a hoarder’s home can be a daunting and overwhelming task. It’s important to approach the cleanup process with care and sensitivity, while also taking necessary precautions to ensure everyone’s safety. Here are some important do’s and don’ts to keep in mind when cleaning up a hoarder’s home.

Do’s:

1. Prioritize safety: Before beginning the cleanup process, make sure to assess the safety risks associated with the hoarder’s home. Wear appropriate protective gear, such as gloves and masks, to protect against exposure to potential hazards.
2. Work with a professional hoarding cleanup service: Working with a professional hoarding cleanup service can help ensure that the cleanup process is conducted in a safe and effective manner. These professionals have experience in handling hoarding cleanup and can provide valuable guidance throughout the process.
3. Take a collaborative approach: Involve the hoarder in the cleanup process, if possible. Work with them to create a plan for how to approach the cleanup, and encourage them to be involved in the decision-making process.
4. Be patient and understanding: Hoarding disorder is a complex mental health condition, and the cleanup process can be emotionally challenging for the hoarder. Be patient and understanding throughout the process, and offer emotional support as needed.

Don’ts:

1. Don’t rush the process: Hoarding cleanup is a time-consuming process that requires patience and persistence. Avoid rushing the process, as this can lead to mistakes and can make the hoarder feel overwhelmed.
2. Don’t throw away items without permission: Hoarders often have a strong attachment to their possessions, even if they may appear to be worthless or of little value to others. Avoid throwing away items without the hoarder’s permission, as this can be emotionally distressing for them.
3. Don’t shame or blame the hoarder: Hoarding disorder is a mental health condition, and the hoarder may feel ashamed or embarrassed about their situation. Avoid shaming or blaming them for their hoarding behavior, as this can be counterproductive to the cleanup process.
4. Don’t attempt to clean up the hoarder’s home alone: Hoarding cleanup can be emotionally and physically demanding. Avoid attempting to clean up the hoarder’s home alone, as this can be overwhelming and potentially dangerous. Work with a professional hoarding cleanup service or enlist the help of family and friends.

Cleaning up a hoarder’s home is a complex process that requires patience, understanding, and collaboration. By keeping these do’s and don’ts in mind, you can help ensure that the cleanup process is conducted safely and effectively.