Hoarding is more than just collecting things. It is a mental health condition that affects many people. When you have to deal with a hoarding situation, these are the steps you should take.
Hoarding Cleanups
There are many benefits of cleaning up a cluttered house. Cleaning your house can help you feel more peaceful and calm. It …
- Can increase your property value.
- Can decrease the risk of fire, falls, and disease.
- Can create a safer living environment.
Get Support
There is a difference between a collector and a hoarder. While both involve collecting things, collectors usually keep their things organized and in good condition. They also know how much they can afford to spend on new stuff for their collection. On the other hand, Hoarders do not have the same pride in their possessions. They often feel embarrassed by how many things they have and do not care if their possessions are in good condition or not.
It’s essential to be patient and work on the cleanup at a pace the hoarder is comfortable.
People helping need patience during most hoarding cleanups, so do your best to give a positive mental attitude during the project.
It is also crucial to prep for the potential dangers involved in such a project.
There are risks associated with cleaning up a hoarder’s home. These include trip and fall hazards, bacteria and other biohazards, infestations, sharp edges, and injuries caused by heavy lifting.
Get Help
The first step to dealing with a hoarding situation is getting a team of people that the individual trusts. This team will help motivate and support the individual through the problematic decluttering and cleanout process. It’s essential to have a lot of support during this time and some tough love if needed. Family members or close friends are usually best suited for assembling this team and addressing the hoarding cleanup plan with the hoarder.
Salvage What you can
You can make money by selling furniture, household items, and other things that people might want. You can also give these things to charity or bring them to a recycling facility. It’s important to recycle as much as possible to help the environment.
Use a Dumpster
Now that you have a team, it is time to figure out how to organize everything. A dumpster rental will give you a convenient option to get rid of all the unwanted furniture, old newspapers and magazines, large quantities of trash, and other old household items. Hiring a junk removal company is a good alternative if you don’t want to do the job yourself. However, it will cost thousands of dollars to have them clean out the whole house.
The cost of renting a dumpster varies depending on the city and the contractor. It’s essential to get multiple quotes before signing any contracts so that you can get the best services at a reasonable price.
Hoarding Services
There might be a company in your area specializing in cleaning up hoarding situations. This type of company provides the same services as a regular junk removal company, but they have more experience dealing with hoarding. You can find these companies by searching for “junk removal” and then filtering your results to show companies with hoarding experience.
Reduce Disposal Costs
Hoarding cleanups are big projects. For this reason, you will need a large dumpster or junk removal service.
An extensive hoarder cleanup will generally need a 30 or 40-yard dumpster. This size can hold the average-sized home’s trash. If more than one dumpster is required, the cost of renting them can add up quickly.
The cost of renting a large dumpster for one week is around $400. If you hire a junk removal service, be prepared to pay double that amount.
Get a Quote on Dumpsters
Call several providers and ask for quotes to get a good deal on a dumpster. Negotiate based on the price, the rental period, and any discounts that might be available. If you can’t decide between two sizes, choose the larger size to avoid renting another dumpster later. Some companies offer discounts for seniors, military veterans, etc.
