Stepping into a hoarder’s house can be overwhelming. Stacks of belongings fill every corner, papers are piled high, and a thick, musty smell lingers. Cleaning a hoarder’s home is a challenging task, requiring patience, sensitivity, and a clear plan. Each room holds years of accumulated possessions, making it a delicate process that needs to balance respect for the person’s belongings with the practicality of restoring order and cleanliness.
Whether assisting a loved one or tackling a professional job, knowing how to clean a hoarder’s house effectively is crucial. A structured approach can transform a person’s home and regain their sense of belonging. This guide will take you through each essential step, ensuring a thorough, compassionate, and efficient clean-up process.
1. Understand the Hoarding Situation and Plan Accordingly To Clean A Hoarder’s House
Every hoarding situation is unique, so understanding the scope of the task is the first step. In some cases, the home may contain years’ worth of collected items, while others may be focused on a specific category, like books or newspapers. Hoarding can be tied to underlying emotional or mental health issues, so it’s essential to approach the situation with empathy and avoid judgment.
Discuss with the hoarder (if possible) what they envision for their space and what items they feel are essential. A professional clean-up service can be a valuable resource if the clean-up seems overwhelming.
2. Create a Clear and Detailed Action Plan
A structured plan helps keep the clean-up organised and prevents burnout. Break each room or section into smaller areas, setting realistic goals for what you hope to accomplish daily. Prioritise the most cluttered spaces first, as clearing these areas can significantly impact the home’s functionality and the mental well-being of those involved.
Consider categorising items into groups, such as “keep,” “donate,” “recycle,” and “discard.” Create a checklist to track progress, and involve the hoarder in this planning to respect their comfort level.
3. Gather Cleaning Supplies and Safety Equipment
Cleaning a hoarder’s house can expose you to various hazards, including dust, mould, bacteria, and pests. Equip yourself with the following protective gear and supplies:
- Disposable gloves
- Face masks or respirators
- Heavy-duty garbage bags
- Cleaning detergents and disinfectants
- Durable storage containers and bins
You’ll be ready to tackle each task safely and effectively with all essential supplies.
4. Start with a “Quick Sweep” of Obvious Trash
To avoid feeling overwhelmed at the start, begin with a quick sweep through each room to remove apparent trash and items that need discarding. This could include food wrappers, broken items, and old newspapers. Removing visible rubbish early lets you see more of the room’s structure and makes further sorting and cleaning less daunting.
During this stage, avoid getting too focused on sorting or deciding what to keep and discard. This “surface-level” clean-up creates space and visibility, setting a foundation for more in-depth work.
5. Declutter Room by Room with Sorting Categories
Cleaning a hoarder’s house is most efficient when done room by room. Start by sorting items into designated categories, such as:
- Keep: Items the hoarder wants and needs
- Donate: Useful items that can benefit others
- Recycle: Items that can be repurposed or recycled
- Discard: Items that are damaged or unsalvageable
Involving the hoarder in this process helps them decide on each item and builds trust. Allow breaks and encourage them to talk through any attachments to certain items to make the process emotionally easier.
6. Deep Clean Each Room After Decluttering
Once a room has been decluttered, it’s time to thoroughly clean. Dust, dirt, and sometimes hazardous materials can accumulate over years of hoarding. Clean each area from top to bottom, ensuring all surfaces, windows, and floors are sanitised.
Use specialised cleaners on walls, floors, and fabric surfaces to remove stubborn grime or accumulated dirt. Professional cleaning services may sometimes be necessary to deep clean areas beyond DIY repair.
7. Disinfect and Remove Odours
Odours can be pervasive in hoarder homes, especially if mould, mildew, or decayed material are present. After deep cleaning, disinfectant sprays or solutions on all surfaces are used to sanitise the area thoroughly. For persistent smells, consider using odour absorbers or professional-grade deodorisers.
Opening windows and improving ventilation can also help clear stale smells from the space. Addressing any sources of odour at the root is essential, as simply masking them will not provide a lasting solution.
8. Organise the Remaining Items and Reassemble the Space
You can now organise the remaining belongings, remove unnecessary items, and thoroughly clean surfaces. Group similar items together, designate storage spaces for commonly used items and consider adding storage solutions like shelves or cabinets if they help keep the area clutter-free.
The goal is to make the home functional and pleasant to live in again. Reassembling a space with intentional organisation helps prevent the build-up of clutter in the future.
9. Arrange for Disposal and Donations
During the cleaning process, you’ll accumulate items that are no longer needed. For broken or unsalvageable items, arrange for proper disposal through waste collection services. For items in good condition, consider donating to local charities, such as Salvo Stores, which support community programs through item resale.
Having a clear plan for disposal and donation makes it easier to remove items promptly and ensures that valuable items go to those in need.
10. Offer Support and Follow-Up Assistance
Cleaning a hoarder’s house is often not a one-time event. Hoarding habits may resurface without ongoing support and encouragement. If you’re helping a loved one, offer to check in and provide assistance as they adapt to their organised space. Professional therapy may be beneficial in cases where hoarding tendencies are linked to mental health.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Why is it challenging to clean a hoarder’s house?
Cleaning a hoarder’s house can be overwhelming due to the volume of items, emotional attachment to possessions, and health risks from dust, mould, or pests. A structured, step-by-step approach is crucial.
2. How long does it take to clean a hoarder’s house?
The time required varies based on the extent of the hoard. Cleaning a heavily cluttered home can take several days or weeks. A thorough action plan helps streamline the process.
3. Can I hire professional services to clean a hoarder’s house?
Yes, many professional services specialise in hoarding clean-ups. Deceased Estate Cleanup can assist with large-scale clean-ups, making the process manageable and efficient.
4. How can I help someone who’s hoarding to start decluttering?
Offer empathy and patience, and avoid being pushy. Begin with small tasks, involve them in decisions, and encourage them to let go of items gradually. Professional counselling may also help.
5. What safety precautions are needed when cleaning a hoarder’s house?
Safety gear, such as gloves, masks, and eye protection, is essential to protect against dust, mould, and potential biohazards. Proper ventilation and safe disposal of hazardous items are also crucial.
6. How do I prevent hoarding from recurring?
Encourage the person to seek ongoing support or counselling, establish a regular cleaning routine, and create organised storage solutions. Regular check-ins and emotional support can be valuable in preventing relapse.