A hoarder is a person that compulsively gathers items and refuses to get rid of them. It can be difficult for both the hoarder and their loved ones, as the hoarder’s disorderly actions create an overwhelming amount of clutter and mess in their home.
Well-kept and tidy homes are generally more pleasant places for people to live in. And all of us like to have perfectly spotless homes, but keeping them this way can be overwhelming. This is especially true if the debris has been building up for years and the ‘hoard’ is massive. So, how do you deal with such a huge task if you have a relative, roommate, or friend you want to help?
In this article, you’ll learn how to clean a hoarder’s house effectively and quickly.
Assess the Situation and Device a Plan
You need an organized plan to clean a hoarder’s house without creating more stress. Planning beforehand is necessary to get through this without putting undue strain on yourself. In order to learn what steps to take, it is vital to assess the situation in advance.
The hoarder and you should devise a plan of action to help them. Making a strategy calls for agreement on a set of ground rules. Nothing should be thrown away without first speaking with the hoarder. Remember that they’ll intend to hold on to everything, which could impede your efforts.
Be Prepared With Your Gear and Equipment
There’s no telling what’s lurking in those piles inside the hoarder’s house, so it’s best to be prepared for anything with the proper safety equipment. Protect yourself from allergens by wearing a hard safety helmet, eye protection, and sturdy rubber boots or shoes. Get ready for emergencies by keeping a fire extinguisher, insect repellent, flashlight, and first aid supplies on hand.
The ground may be littered with shards of glass, combustible materials, mold, or pests that become hostile when agitated. In case you encounter a severe mold infestation or other biohazardous materials in the hoarder’s residence. Mold remediation experts are required to eliminate mold particles and other waste products.
Create a Storage Area
If you have a yard or other outdoor spot, you can set down a tarp and use that as your storage. In addition, you can clear out the largest room first and use that as a storage place. Everything you wish to keep, give away, or recycle goes here. You should stack it in the storage area to go through it after the property has been cleaned.
Start With the Smallest Area First
The bathroom is one of the ideal areas to start working. Since there isn’t much sentimental stuff kept there, they are usually quick to clean and empty. Additionally, you’ll need access to running water and an available restroom while cleaning.
Perform Tasks on a Room-By-Room Basis
This rule applies to the whole home and each room you clean. You do not want to make the job a lot more complicated by continuously tracking new dirt and possessions through an area you have already cleaned up. As soon as the bathroom is clean, start with the room farthest from the entryway. Prior to cleaning the floor in each area, get rid of things piled on beds, tables, and other furniture.
Carry Out Necessary Repairs
Most areas where people hoard will have rugs or carpets that can’t be saved. Even if it’s still in mint condition, lifting it and looking at the floor underneath is a good idea. Long-term issues with water damage, mold, or vermin can all cause structural damage that needs to be fixed. Check the floors and walls for spots or indications of rot, and consider working with a property restoration company if you suspect they have been compromised.
Deep Clean the House
After all the repair work is done, you’ll need to give the house a complete cleaning before the hoarder moves in. You can do this on your own, or you can hire a cleaning service from companies like PuroClean of Tacoma East to assist you in making sure everything is clean.
Conclusion
The first step in handling a hoarder is to determine how to start cleaning their home. Once the house has been cleaned and all the clutter has been removed, you need to be strong and help the hoarder, so they don’t go back to their old ways.
Encourage them to clean properly, make sure they have enough cleaning products, and keep seeing a mental health specialist to help them get better. Helping hoarders clean up their homes is a challenging and time-consuming task, but it’s possible if you comply with these measures.
