A hoarder is someone who compulsively collects items and refuses to get rid of them. It can be difficult for both the hoarder and their loved ones, as the hoarder’s chaotic actions create an overwhelming volume of clutter and mess in their home.
Houses that are kept neat and tidy are generally more pleasant places for people to live in. And we all love to have perfectly spotless homes, but maintaining them that way can be overwhelming. This is especially true if the waste has been building up for years and the ‘hoard’ is massive. So, how do you deal with such a huge task if you have a relative, roommate, or close friend you want to help?
In this article, you’ll learn how to clean a hoarder’s house effectively and quickly.
Assess the Situation and Device a Plan
You need an organized strategy to clean a hoarder’s house without creating more stress and anxiety. Planning beforehand is necessary to get through this without putting undue strain on yourself. In order to learn what steps to take, it is vital to assess the situation in advance.
The hoarder and you should devise a plan of action to help them. Making a strategy calls for agreement on a set of guidelines. Nothing should be discarded without first speaking with the hoarder. Remember that they’ll want to hold on to everything, which could impede your efforts.
Be Prepared With Your Gear and Equipment
There’s no telling what’s lurking in those piles inside the hoarder’s house, so it’s best to be prepared for anything with the appropriate safety equipment. Protect yourself from allergens by wearing a hard helmet, eye protection, and sturdy rubber boots or shoes. Prepare for emergencies by keeping a fire extinguisher, bug spray, flashlight, and first aid supplies on hand.
The ground may be littered with remnants of glass, flammable materials, mold, or pests that become hostile when agitated. Suppose the mold and other biohazard materials in the hoarder’s home cannot be removed with the resources at your disposal. In that case, you may refer to this link for more information on how professionals approach such situations.
Create a Storage Area
If you have a garden or other outdoor spot, you can put down a tarp and use that as your storage space area. On top of that, you can clear out the biggest room first and use that as a storage place. Everything you want to keep, give away, or recycle goes here. You should pile it in the storage area to go through it after the property has been cleaned.
Start With the Smallest Area First
The bathroom is one of the ideal places to start working. Because there isn’t much sentimental stuff stored there, they are usually quick to clean and empty. Additionally, you’ll need easy access to running water and an available restroom while cleaning.
Perform Tasks on a Room-By-Room Basis
This rule applies to the whole property and each room you clean. You don’t want to make the task a lot more complicated by constantly tracking new dirt and possessions through an area you have already cleaned up. As soon as the bathroom is clean, start with the room farthest from the entryway. Prior to cleaning the floor in each room, get rid of things piled on beds, tables, and other furniture.
Carry Out Necessary Repairs
Most places people hoard will have rugs or carpets that can’t be saved. Lifting it and checking the floor underneath is a good idea, even if it’s still in mint condition. Long-term problems with water damage, mold, or vermin can all cause structural damage that needs to be fixed. Examine the floors and wall surfaces for spots or signs of rot, and take into consideration hiring a professional damage restoration company if you suspect they have been compromised.
Deep Clean the House
After all the repairs are done, you’ll need to thoroughly clean the house before the hoarder moves in. You can do this by yourself, or you can hire hoarding removal services to help you to make sure everything is clean.
Conclusion
The first step in handling a hoarder is to figure out how to start cleaning their house. Once the home has been cleaned up, and all the clutter has been removed, you need to be strong and help the hoarder so they don’t go back to their old ways.
Urge them to clean properly, see to it that they have enough cleaning products, and keep seeing a mental health professional to help them get better. Assisting hoarders to clean up their homes is challenging and time-consuming, but it’s possible if you comply with these measures.
