If you're a family member or friend of a hoarder, you know that cleaning up can be complex. Not only do you have to deal with the physical mess, but also the emotional challenges that come with it. Here's what you need to know about cleaning hoarding and how our remediation technicians at Bio-One of Modesto can assist.
Hoarding Disorder is a psychological condition characterized by an inability to discard possessions; this hoarded material usually covers the home and significantly impairs normal daily functioning. It is often associated with compulsivity, disorganization, and difficulty making decisions.
People with hoarding disorder tend to accumulate things that have little or no use to them, such as piles of newspapers and boxes of old items. This hoarded material can become so overwhelming that it takes over much of the living space inside and outside the home, leading to problems with anxiety or depression for sufferers and their families.
Hoarding can also be dangerous due to potential fire hazards from blocked exits or pathways, unsanitary conditions due to hoarded waste, and physical trauma from navigating cluttered environments. It's important to recognize hoarding disorder early on to prevent more serious issues from arising down the line.
Cleaning up a hoarder's house can be overwhelming, especially when done alone. It requires an immense amount of physical and emotional strength, as well as patience. Every item must be handled individually, and decisions must be made on where to put it or if it should be disposed of - all while trying to restore the home to a livable condition!
Hoarded spaces are often unhealthy environments filled with obstacles that make cleaning difficult, in addition to not knowing what you might find. This cleaning process can take a long time, so those cleaning up hoarder homes must prepare for a complex cleaning process that may have several roadblocks. Professional assistance is highly recommended for this type of cleanup for most individuals, and support from loved ones should not be overlooked either.
Living in a cluttered or run-down home can have serious dangers beyond being unsightly. Hoarding can create fire hazards, unsanitary living conditions, and even potential dangers with structural integrity. Fire dangers can arise from the fuel sources of a hoarded home, like stacks of combustible paper, expired cleaning products, and the sheer mass of clutter that could fuel a blaze if set alight.
The health problems related to hoarding often go overlooked; dust mites and bacteria that flourish in cramped spaces due to the lack of airflow create breathing dangers for occupants. And lastly, insufficient building maintenance can lead to safety concerns related to wiring or foundations being compromised due to age or disrepair. It is important for any homeowner, especially those who hoard, to be aware of the potential dangers living in an untidy house can present.
Breaking the cleaning process into smaller tasks will make staying organized and on track easier. To begin, start by sorting through items in the home, discarding all broken and hazardous materials as well as anything that does not bring any emotional or monetary value. Once trash and unwanted items are discarded, tackle cleaning up the remaining items.
Cleaning hoarding can be an overwhelming task, and staying focused and motivated is important:
Have you ever heard the phrase, "you can't pour from an empty cup"? It is the basis of the outlook of hoarding: the idea that the only way to effectively help those around us is by tending to our needs first. As the importance of taking care of yourself takes precedence, you become equipped with the necessary tools: resilience, patience, and courage, to effectively give back and serve others when the situation calls for it.
Self-care should not be seen as a selfish act or a luxury; instead, it should be seen as a form of leadership. When we take the opportunity to show gratitude towards ourselves, we are acknowledging the skillset while developing essential life skills of empathy and understanding, which makes us better folk on the journey ahead.
If you find yourself in a cleaning hoarding situation, remember to take care of yourself physically and mentally. It's a daunting task, but you can get it done with the right attitude and helpful tips. Our technicians at Bio-One are specially trained in hoarder cleanups and will be there to help every step of the way.
Bio-One of Modesto helps the community with fast, reliable, and affordable remediation services that address everything from water damage restoration to crime scene cleanup.
Our highly trained technicians ensure that hazardous materials are removed safely and all affected areas are restored to their original condition. We understand how stressful these unfortunate situations can be and strive to bring peace of mind to our clients. Our goal is to provide support, convenience, and excellent customer service every step of the way through the remediation process!
Bio-One of Modesto is here to help you and your family with all your biohazard cleaning needs. We serve the following cities: Modesto, Turlock, Oakdale, Riverbank, Ripon, Salida, Manteca, Merced, Ceres, Patterson, Lathrop, Stockton, Livingston, Atwater, and surrounding communities. Call us today for a free consultation!
