Tips to Prepare for Hoarder Clean Up Process 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hoarder clean up is the process of going into hoarders homes to do some thorough cleaning. Hoarders are people who have psychological issues usually brought about by traumatic events in their lives. It is believed that a large percentage of hoarders were either in the teaching or medical field. Hoarders' homes are usually characterized by heaps of trash that have been piled over many years. Foul smells, as well as poop from pets and rodents, are common sights at these homes. Most hoarders will hesitate to allow you into their home. It will require a lot of convincing for some to let you get rid of the junk that has been piling in their house for decades. See more on this here.
Most homes of hoarders have serious maintenance issues as the building is usually neglected. The walls could have cracks as well as holes and persistent mold growth. Hoarder clean up can be quite challenging, and it could take several months to rid the home of all trash and dirt. The reason why hoarders hesitate to call in plumbers or electricians is that they do not want anyone to see the mess that their house is in.

If you are planning a cleanup process at a hoarder's home, be sure to bring with you protective gear. These protective clothes include gloves, face masks, and antiseptics. The homestead may contain dangerous items or chemicals that would require careful handling. 

Further, classify the items you would need into various categories. You may list items that you will donate, the ones you will dispose of, and the items to keep. It is worth noting that hoarders tend to have many items, and some are worthless. To declutter the home, you will need to get rid of some items based on their significance. Learn more here.
You will also need to understand if the hoarder will be present during the cleanup. Considering that hoarding is a mental disorder and the individuals involved are often unable to let go of their possessions, they might become physical to prevent you from disposing of their items. In case you expect a confrontation with the hoarder, be sure to carry security personnel with you.  The last thing you want is to be found by a violent person unawares. 

Finally, find out if the hoarder is willing to let you proceed with the cleaning process. In many cases, you may need the assistance of a counselor or a psychiatrist to convince the patient to allow you to clean a home. Read more at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Compulsive_hoarding.