4 Tips for Hoarding Cleanup Process

When dealing with the mess left by a hoarder, where do you even begin? It’s a big job and one that can also be dangerous. The tips below can help someone clean up the home of a hoarder.

4 Tips For Hoarder Cleanup

Cleaning up the home of a hoarder is one of the most time consuming and challenging jobs a person can take on. There is more to hoarding cleanup than simply organizing and cleaning. In fact, many hoarder houses are infested with rats, mice, roaches, and other animals and are breeding grounds for mold and bacteria. These 4 tips can help you through the cleanup process:

Come prepared with gloves and face masks. Cleaning up a hoarder site can expose you to biohazards such as Staph, E.coli, Hantavirus, and Histoplasmosis. Protecting yourself with personal protective equipment should be your highest priority through all phases of cleanup.
Separate items into 3 categories. Items to Keep, items to donate, and items to trash. As a general rule, items that have not been used in a year or more, or items that are broken should be put into the trash category.
Remember that hoarding stems from a mental disorder. “Hoarding may be present on its own or as a symptom of another disorder. Those most often associated with hoarding are obsessive-compulsive personality disorder (OCPD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and depression,” according to ADAA.
Understand that you may have to ask for help. A lot goes into hoarder cleanup. Sometimes, the individual who suffers from hoarding disorder is unable to part from their items without first seeking counseling from a professional. Additionally, some cleanups will require the manpower and expertise of a biohazard cleanup company. Examples of these situations include a person who is an animal hoarder, or a hoarding situation that involves an unattended death.

hoarders

Aftermath is an industry leader in biohazard cleanup with almost 20 years of experience. We work discreetly with families and friends of those who are unable to take care of their property due to physical or mental limitations. Whether you need hoarder cleanup for a friend, a loved one, or yourself — Aftermath is there for you every step of the way. Speak with a representative to learn more.

———-
Sources:

Anxiety and Depression Association of America
Animalhoarding.com
Mayoclinic.org
Aftermath.com

Testimonials

"Exemplary Communication, Care, Attention to detail. This team deployed quickly to a biohazard situation, provided excellent advice and counsel, performed their work with integrity, and were instrumental when helping us with the insurance claim. A+++"

Randy N. - October 11, 2022

"From my initial contact with Jeanine to the final walk through with Jason, Tristan, Marquel and Fritz Aftermath services has been tremendously upfront, kind and compassionate after the death of my sister. During such a difficult time I never would have thought that I would walk away with five new friends. I am forever grateful."

Megan M. - October 10, 2022

"Aftermath Services Manager Christopher and his Assistant Manager Trainee Gabriel took care of my tenants (who was family) apartment swiftly. It was disgusting in there. Will be going back to this company if a situation arises like this in the future. Drive home safe guys and thank you for your hard work."

John I. - October 12, 2022

"I can not thank Cecily and Fernando enough for all the hard work and dedication they exerted to resolve our family crisis. Thank you both very much. You truly care about the families that you serve and it shows. "

Joseph T. - September 19, 2022

"Lacey and her team are amazing. We never experienced anything like this they walked us through process explained everything upfront even cost and went above and beyond. They were professional, compassionate and informative from minute they showed up even on a holiday. Sorry to say this hope I never need their services again but if we did Aftermath will be our 1st call. Thank you so much."

Patti B. - September 12, 2022

"The Pasadena Aftermath team did an outstanding job. Not only are they a remarkable team, they are also exceptional individuals. Over the course of the week that they were here, we got to know and trust them. They handled this unthinkable situation with grace, compassion, and the utmost respect for the victims. Words will never be able to truly capture the appreciation we have for them. When our world felt like it was hit with a tsunami, your team threw us a life preserver and told us that we will be okay again.The world needs more “Kevins”, “Jamies”, and “Hassens”, who will help lift the burden off of strangers who are facing their darkest days."

Ashlyn B. - September 5, 2022

"Sterling and Aurelia did much more than clean the scene. They were patient, kind, and very compassionate. They took good care of the property as if it was there own. Sterling and Aurelia communicated with us every step of the way. Their presence alone did much to contribute to the healing process. On top of all that, they did a fantastic job cleaning the house. To be honest, we hated to see them leave. Our family thank them both to the highest degree!!"

Tim F. - August 22, 2022