Written by: Emily Joswiak • July 1, 2024• Home

Helpful Tips for Cleaning a Hoarder’s Home

Hoarding can wreak chaos on a home. If you are going to clean a hoarder’s home, use these helpful tips to do so safely and compassionately.

The living room of a hoarder's house. Random paraphernalia covers the floor, furniture, and all other surfaces.

Hoarding is a mental health condition that results in the accumulation of things because the person can’t let go of them. This means that their homes are usually full to the brim, making it difficult to clean. Eventually, this can lead to unsanitary and hazardous conditions that require professional services to make safe again. If you’re going to clean a hoarder’s home, here are helpful tips to do so safely.

Start With a Plan

This is an overwhelming cleaning project if you don’t break it down into manageable sections. Create a plan to tackle the mess either room by room or zone by zone. Next, set achievable goals for each day or week. A structured plan ensures you can handle cleaning tasks without feeling lost.

Gather Supplies and PPE

Make sure you have all the necessary supplies before starting the cleanup. This includes heavy-duty trash bags, cleaning solutions, gloves, masks, and organizational tools like bins and labels.

Enlist Help

Don’t tackle this alone. Enlist the help of family members, friends, and professionals. Support from others not only makes the physical work more manageable but also provides emotional support for the hoarder. Collaborating with others can make the entire process quicker and more efficient. For instance, renting a dumpster can help you efficiently handle trash removal and dispose of things safely.

Clear Everything Out

This can be a sensitive part of the process, as hoarders often have emotional attachments to items. However, it’s the excess that creates unlivable conditions. By helping them understand this and having them throw away or donate everything they don’t absolutely need, you can give them a blank slate to start fresh.

Set Up Organizational Systems

Once the clutter is gone, implement organizational systems to keep the space tidy. Use shelves, bins, and labels to create a place for everything. Having systems in place makes it easier for the person to maintain the cleanliness of their home moving forward.

Be Patient and Compassionate

Cleaning a hoarder’s home takes time and a lot of patience. It is especially important to be compassionate and sensitive to the person’s feelings throughout the process. Understand that it’s not just about cleaning; it’s about creating a safe and livable environment for them while taking into account their reasons for hoarding.

With these helpful tips for cleaning a hoarder’s home, you can play a role in helping someone regain control of their living space. Remember to be safe in the process, and don’t forget to prepare thoroughly and get help when you need it.

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Last modified: July 1, 2024