A hoarder is a person that compulsively collects items and refuses to get rid of them. It can be a difficult situation for both the hoarder and their loved ones, as the hoarder’s disorderly habits create an overwhelming amount of clutter and mess in their home.
Neat and uncluttered houses are generally more pleasant places for people to live in. And we all like to have perfectly spotless homes, but maintaining them this way can be difficult. This is especially true if the debris 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 find out how to clean a hoarder’s home effectively and quickly.
Assess the Situation and Device a Plan
You need an organized strategy to clean a hoarder’s home without causing more stress. Planning beforehand is essential to get through this without putting undue strain on yourself. In order to know what steps to take, it is vital to assess the situation in advance.
You and the hoarder must 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 consulting the hoarder. Remember that they’ll want to hold on to everything, which could hinder your efforts.
Be Prepared With Your Gear and Equipment
There’s no telling what’s waiting in those piles inside the hoarder’s home, so it’s best to be prepared for anything with the appropriate safety equipment. Protect yourself from irritants by putting on a hard helmet, eye protection, as well as sturdy rubber boots or shoes. Get ready for unexpected emergencies by keeping a fire extinguisher, bug spray, flashlight, and first aid supplies on hand.
The ground may be cluttered with remnants of glass, flammable materials, mold, or insects that become aggressive when agitated. Meanwhile, mold remediation in Milton can be of assistance if you find a significant amount of mold or other possibly dangerous substances in the hoarder’s home and your current instruments can’t handle it.
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 largest room first and use that as a storage place. Everything you wish to keep, donate, or recycle goes here. You should stack 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 areas to start working. Because there isn’t much sentimental stuff kept there, they are usually quick to clean and empty. Additionally, you’ll need access to running water and an available restroom while cleaning.
Perform Tasks on a Room-By-Room Basis
This rule applies to the entire home and each room you clean. You do not want to make the job a lot more complicated by continuously tracking new dirt and belongings through an area you have already cleaned up. When 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 areas where people hoard will have rugs or carpets that can’t be saved. Even if it’s still in mint condition, lifting it and checking the floor underneath is a good idea. Long-term problems with water damage, mold, or vermin can all create structural damage that needs to be repaired. Examine the floors and wall surfaces for spots or indications of rot, and take into consideration working with a professional restoration from companies like PuroClean of Tacoma East if you think 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 on your own, or you can hire a professional hoarding cleanup service to assist you in making sure everything is clean.
Conclusion
The first step in handling a hoarder is to figure out how to start cleaning their home. Once the home has been cleaned and all the clutter has been taken out, you need to be strong and help the hoarder, so they don’t return to their old ways.
Encourage them to clean properly, see to it that they have enough cleaning supplies, and keep seeing a mental health professional to help them get better. Helping hoarders clean up their homes is hard and time-consuming, but following these steps is possible.
