Hoarding disorder is a diagnosed condition and one that should be treated with care and compassion. It’s projected that in the UK alone approximately 4 million people suffer from this disorder and the emotional and physical toll it causes. For more people suffering with the condition, hiring a cleaning company for hoarders can be extremely difficult and they often need the help and support of loved ones to take that vital step.
We can’t state enough how important it is to handle hoarders and hoarding situations with kindness and compassion. In this blog we will help you to:
- Recognise the signs of hoarding.
- Understanding when it’s time to call a hoarder cleaning company.
- Understand the steps included in a hoarder cleaning service.
What is hoarding and why is it a problem?
Hoarding is a recognised mental health conditions characterise by the difficulty to discard possessions. The possessions that hoarders find difficulty in separating with often have no actual value, but it is the perceived need to save them that leads to hoard quickly accumulating.
There are many problems associated with hoarding. The problems can affect both the person suffering from hoarding disorder as well as others. The property of a hoarder is more at risk of:
- Structural damage
- Fire hazards
- Pest infestations
These hazards and the emotional impact of hoarding are what makes a professional hoarding cleaning service important. A cleaning company for hoarders will have experience dealing with similar situations and will understand the level of patience and respect required to help them through a hoarder cleaning service. It’s more than just your average cleaning service. Cleaning a hoarder’s home requires:
- A carefully planned approach
- Specialist cleaning equipment
- Personal protective equipment (PPE)
- Cataloguing of contents
- Safe disposal of waste
Key signs you need a hoarder cleaning company
In this section we will provide a brief guide to help you identify the signs of hoarding. Being able to spot the signs is an important step in dealing with hoarding and either getting yourself or loved ones the help they need to reclaim their home.
Severe clutter and obstructed living spaces
One of the easiest signs that you can identify is a property that is packed with clutter to the point that it makes it physically difficult to move.
- Rooms or hallways that are no longer unusable: This is a clear sign that the occupant is suffering with hoarding disorder. If entire rooms are no longer accessible and hallways are so full you can barely fit through them, you should consider looking for help from a hoarder cleaning service.
- Tall piles of clutter: When clutter piles begin to reach significant heights, it’s another sign to look out for. They quickly become safety hazards and attempting to deal with it yourself could result in injury.
Hoarding health and safety hazards
Health and safety hazards can be quite frequent in a hoarder’s home. Here are some of the signs of health and safety hazards to keep an eye out for:
- Bowed floors and ceilings
- Exposed wiring
- Drug paraphernalia
- Mould
Presence of pests
Pest infestation is a strong sign of decay and unattended waste. If your property is cluttered and has pests such as:
- Rodents
- Flies
- Fleas
You should reach out to an expert for advice and support. Attempting to clean up the property in this situation should be avoided because of the risks that many pests pose to your health and safety. Bites and faecal matter have the potential to cause disease and infection, so it’s better left to a qualified hoarder cleaning company.
Why you shouldn’t attempt it alone
For the hoarder, the process of cleaning up their property and disposing of their possessions can be extremely stressful. The emotional attachment towards the contents of the property can make it difficult to part with. For the hoarder attempting to tackle the cleaning process alone, or without the help of a professional, it can be a painstaking process. Going through everything to search for valuable or sentimental items can take a lot of time and can feel like you’re not really getting anywhere. A cleaning company for hoarders will catalogue all contents and allow enable you to determine items of importance in a stress-free and efficient way.
There is also the health and safety aspect to consider. In many cases there are biohazards present in a hoarder’s home like:
- Rotting food
- Rodents and pests
- Mould
- Drug paraphernalia
Attempting to remove biohazardous materials without the knowledge and correct PPE is not safe. It’s another reason to leave it to the experts who knowhow to tackle the problem the right way. Another overlooked hazard is the clutter itself. If piles of clutter were to fall on you as you clean it can result in injury, or you get trapped. A professional hoarder cleaning service assesses the situation, determines the best course of action and executes the plan both safely and efficiently.
What to expect from a hoarder cleaning company
A professional hoarder cleaning company does more than just clean. They help restore safety, dignity, and peace of mind. When cleaning a hoarder’s home, trained experts assess the situation, manage any health hazards, and create a clear plan of action.
A reputable cleaning company for hoarders works with care and discretion, ensuring every step is respectful and at a pace that suits the individual. Whether it’s deep cleaning or full property clearance, a trusted hoarder cleaning service provides the support needed to make real, lasting progress.
Choosing the right hoarder cleaning company
Cleaning a hoarder’s home isn’t just about removing clutter. It’s about restoring your home and independence. A professional hoarder cleaning company brings the right tools, experience, and compassion to handle even the most complex situations with care. When the task feels too big to manage alone, it can be helpful to speak with someone who understands the process.
If you’re unsure where to start, contact us now to speak with one of our experts about next steps.
