How to Clean Up After a Hoarder

The process may be more than the average person realizes.  

Cleaning up the home of a hoarder is one of the most time consuming, challenging and rewarding jobs a person can take on. There is more to hoarding cleanup than simply organizing and cleaning. In fact, many hoarder houses are infested with rats, mice, roaches, and other animals and are breeding grounds for mold and bacteria. These 4 tips can help you through the cleanup process:

1. Come prepared with gloves and face masks. Cleaning up a hoarder site can expose you to biohazards such as Staph, E.coli, Hantavirus, and Histoplasmosis. Protecting yourself with personal protective equipment should be your highest priority through all phases of cleanup.
2. Separate items into 3 categories. Items to Keep, items to donate, and items to trash. As a general rule, items that have not been used in a year or more, or items that are broken should be put into the trash category.
3. Remember that hoarding stems from a mental disorder. “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-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and depression,” according to ADAA.
4. Understand that you may have to ask for help. A lot goes into hoarder cleanup. Sometimes, the individual who suffers from hoarding disorder is unable to part from their items without first seeking counseling from a professional. Additionally, some cleanups will require the manpower and expertise of a biohazard cleanup company. Examples of these situations include a person who is an animal hoarder, or a hoarding situation that involves an unattended death.

Sanibrothers NC is an industry leader in biohazard cleanup. Cleaning up after a hoarder can be a touchy situation. We work discreetly and compassionately with families and friends of those who are unable to take care of their property due to physical or mental limitations. Whether you need hoarder cleanup for a friend, a loved one, or yourself — Sanibrothers NC  is there for you every step of the way. Contact us to learn more. Connect with us on Facebook and Instagram.