Cleaning Up After a Hoarder – Proven Steps to Success

Follow our 6 steps for cleaning up after a hoarder, and be sure to stay organized and safe while doing it. Use these ideas to learn how to clean out a hoarder’s home quickly and efficiently.

Learn how to clean up after a hoarder in your home with this step-by-step guide. With the right instructions, you can get back in control of your home or a loved one’s home and create a safe and healthy environment. Use these tips and tricks for a successful hoarder clean-up today.

Hoarding Cleanup — Where do I Start?

Hoarding is a serious mental disorder that can lead to dangerous and unsanitary living conditions. 

So, first and foremost, you must take into consideration the mindset of the hoarder. Make sure they’re on board with the process to ensure the cleanup process lasts.

If you or someone you know needs an extreme hoarding cleanup, this process can take days, weeks, or months to do it yourself. Seeking outside help can make it go faster.

Clearing out clutter can be emotionally draining for the cleaner and the hoarder, so a few preparatory steps can make this process easier. 

• Be Prepared to Take Breaks. Cleaning up after a hoarder can be exhausting, so it is essential to take breaks. Get up and move around every 20–30 minutes, and drink plenty of fluids.
• Don’t be afraid to ask for help. If you are struggling to clean up on your own, don’t be afraid to ask for help from friends, family, or a professional cleaning company.
• Be patient. Cleaning up after a hoarder can take time, so be patient with yourself and with the process.

Why Hoarding is Dangerous

If you know a hoarder, or if you are a hoarder yourself, it can be important to seek professional help for cleanup. 

That’s because hoarders often live in homes that are filled with clutter, which can create a number of hazards. These hazards can include:

• Fire hazards: Clutter can block exits and make it difficult to escape in the event of a fire.
• Respiratory problems: Clutter can harbor dust, mold, and other allergens, which can trigger respiratory problems such as asthma and allergies.
• Injuries: Clutter can create tripping hazards and make it challenging to move around safely.
• Biohazards: Hoarders often live in homes that are filled with biohazards, such as animal waste, human waste, and spoiled food. These biohazards can pose a serious health risk to anyone who comes into contact with them.

Important Precautions When Cleaning a Hoarder’s House

If you are considering cleaning a hoarder’s house yourself, it is important to take precautions to protect yourself. These precautions include:

• Protection — Wear gloves, a mask, and eye protection. This will help to protect you from exposure to dust, mold, and other allergens.
• Tripping — Be careful when moving around. Clutter can create tripping hazards, so be sure to watch your step.
• Chemicals — If you encounter biohazards, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Do not try to deal with this yourself. Call a professional to handle them.

How to Clean a Hoarder’s House Fast

Wondering how to clean a hoarder’s house? Here are 6 steps to do it fast:

1. Create a Plan of Attack — Start small. Don’t try to clean the entire house at once. Start with one room or area at a time. In fact, having a room-by-room plan will make cleanup much more efficient. 

2. Identify and Dispose of Unwanted Items — Going room-by-room, begin by disposing of items that are easily identified as trash. This can include old magazines, newspapers, cardboard boxes, and more. Keep an eye on recycling whatever items you can.

3. Get Help — Cleaning after a hoarder on your own can be exhausting. Utilize Cleaning Companies and Services to make clean-up go much faster. They can assist you with developing a process, finding temporary storage units, and more.

4. Donate and Sell Gently Used Items — Local donation centers may be available for home pickup. Find one that works for you and schedule a date and time for pickup. Then place gently used items for donation in boxes or bags and label them.

5. Clean thoroughly — Once you have removed all of the items, clean the space thoroughly. This includes washing the walls, floors, and furniture. Ventilate the space to remove any unpleasant smells.

6. Get Creative with Storage Solutions — To declutter the house, you may need to find off-site storage. Or, if your storage needs can be accommodated in the house, be sure to have the shelving you need for boxes and more. Have a wide Sharpie pen handy so you can mark boxes. Better yet, keep a notebook identifying which items are in which boxes. No more searching through individual boxes to learn what is where!

Help is On the Way

If you are struggling to clean up after a hoarder, don’t be afraid to ask for help. There are many resources available, such as professional cleaning companies and support groups.

Cleaning up after a hoarder can be a daunting task, but it is important to remember that you are not alone. There are many people who can help you, and you can get through this.

With time and patience, you can clean up after a hoarder and create a safe and healthy living environment.

Conclusion

Cleaning up after a hoarder can be a huge undertaking, but with the right plan and right approach, it can be made much easier. 

Through this post, you have the necessary tools and resources to successfully clean up a home of a hoarder and create a safer, healthier environment for everyone. 

If you have ever come across the aftermath of hoarding, we urge you to use this post as a guide to help out. 

Share this post with anyone who you think might benefit from the tips and tricks mentioned herein, and leave a comment below if you have any additional advice that has helped you in the past.