When it comes to cleaning up the home of a hoarder, it’s hard to try and figure out where to even start! Think of a scavenger hunt when you imagine what it would be like to begin the cleanup, only it wouldn’t be much fun. Finding something of value will be exciting but the person who is suffering from a hoarding disorder has a hard time assessing the true value of their possessions, making informed decisions and having a sense of normalcy in their lives. It’s a big job that can be dangerous and needs a lot of organization. It’s time consuming and challenging and will require a team of people to get it done efficiently. Cleaning up the home of a hoarder is more than just organizing and cleaning. Homes of hoarders are often infested with pests like rats, mice, cockroaches and other animals and these homes are also breeding grounds for mold and bacteria.
 

Hoarding Cleaning Checklist

1. The right protective gear is needed. Gloves, face masks and body suits. These homes can expose you to biohazards like Hantavirus, E. coli, Staph and Histoplasmosis making this the most important step to protect yourself in all phases of the cleanup.
2. Separate all items. Keep, donate and trash sections will need to be set up. A rule of thumb to use in determining which pile an item goes into is, if an item hasn’t been used in a year or more or items that are broken belong in the trash pile.
3. Hoarding is a mental disorder. This needs to be remembered. According to the ADAA, “Hoarding may be present on its own or as a symptom of another disorder. Those most often associated with hoarding are obsessive-compulsive personality disorder (OCPD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), attention/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and depression”.
4. You will need help. It is very hard for the person suffering with the hoarding disorder to let go of their items and may need the help of a therapist or counselor that specializes in hoarding disorders. This can make the cleanup process more difficult. The job might require professionals that have experience in biohazard cleanup and will be needed in the event of a death in the home or homes of animal hoarders. Other biohazard material include mold bodily fluids and animals that may be decomposing.
 

Hoarding Cleanup Services & More in Boston, Brookline, Lexington, Cambridge, Somerville | Suffolk, Middlesex & Norfolk County Massachusetts

Hoarding cleanup services will assess and prioritize the work that will need to be done and the amount of time needed to complete the job. We will provide a thorough cleanup of the home and it will be disinfected so that the individual can live there safely. With the right training, the best cleaning products and equipment, the hoard will be removed from the home and the home will then be cleaned, sanitized and deodorized. It’s important to hire a company that will be sensitive to the hoarder and their friends or family members that might be helping when decisions need to be made with what to keep or throw away. Nadia’s House Cleaning offers hoarding cleaning services to help individuals and their families that are dealing with a hoarding disorder. Contact us today for help.