4 Tips For Hoarding Cleanup

Do you know where to start when handling the mess a hoarder makes? It's a challenging and risky task.

You may have a member of your family who hoards. When it comes to assisting them with removing stuff or cleaning their household, you must devise a plan. This guide discusses four tips that'll help you when carrying out a hoarding cleanup. 

Among the most challenging and time-consuming tasks a person can undertake is cleaning a hoarder's household. Hoarding cleanup isn't just about arranging and wiping. Numerous houses for hoarders harbor cockroaches, rats, mice, and other creatures.

Also, they create breeding places for microorganisms and mold. These four tips will help you with hoarding cleanup.

Put on Protective Gear

Ensure you're prepared by donning protective equipment. This is important because you don't know what may be in the house. Wear eye protection and a dust mask to prevent contact with allergens.

Also, wear disposable gloves, a hard cap, boots, and firmly built shoes. Ensure you have a first aid kit, fire extinguisher, and insect spray if anything comes your way. It's possible that you may come across flammable substances, shattered glass, or bugs that may bite if agitated.

Separate Stuff Into Three Groups

There are items you'll keep, give away, and discard. Typically, if there are broken items or items that haven't been used for more than a year, put them in the trash group.

Gather as Many Cleaning Supplies as Possible

You need many cleaning agents when it comes to this kind of project. Of course, you don't want to pause in the middle of the task to purchase cleaning supplies. Some items you may need when carrying out a hoarding cleanup include:

• Mops and buckets
• Multi-purpose disinfectant/cleaners
• Wiping cloths/sponges
• Dustpan and a broom
• Shovel
• Ladder
• A couple of hand tools
• Vacuum cleaner and additional bags if needed
• Empty cartons
• Heavy-duty garbage bags

Get Help

Usually, hoarding cleanup involves a lot. At times, the person with hoarding disorder may not want to part with their stuff. Besides, the project may require the services of a hoarding cleanup firm.

Conclusion

On many levels, handling hoarding disorder is challenging. It's emotionally stressful, especially when they don't consent to your help. It may take a while to convince a hoarder to let go of stuff that is no longer necessary. However, the tips above will make it easier for you. Contact a company that offers hoarding cleanup services to learn more.

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