Cleaning a Hoarder’s Home

Cleaning A Hoarder’s Home

Cleaning a hoarder’s house presents its own set of challenges. The first being how to help the hoarder cope with the anxiety of letting go of their possessions, and the second being how to decide what is worth keeping and where to start. According to recent research from Gerald Nestadt, M.D., M.P.H and Jack Samuels, Ph.D at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, hoarding affects approximately 700,000 to 1.4 million people in the US.  “Hoarding can be more about fear of throwing something away than about collection or saving. Thinking about discarding an item triggers anxiety in the hoarder, so they hang onto the item to prevent angst. Many hoarders are perfectionists. They fear making the wrong decision about what to keep and what to throw out, so they keep everything.”

Beginning The Cleaning Process

If you are dealing with a hoarder’s property, here are five steps to begin the cleaning and organizing process:

1. Determine the extent of the situation
2. Make a plan for cleaning
3. Ensure you have all proper supplies
4. Sort through items into trash, donation, and items to be retained
5. Give the home a thorough cleaning

Getting The Supplies

In addition to cleaning supplies and personal protection equipment, one item that you are likely to need for cleaning a hoarder’s home is a dumpster and we’ve got five different sizes from which you can choose. Whether it be a small shed cleanout or an entire property, Bin There Dump That Tampa has got you covered with guaranteed next day delivery. All of our dumpsters have double-doors in the back for easy loading and even include a driveway protection system at no extra charge. We make it easy for you to book directly online or call us at 727-475-1080 where one of our professional dumpster rental consultants can assist you with scheduling a dumpster delivery for your project.