Your home should be a safe, enjoyable, and stress-free space. Winter can be a time that causes sadness, anxiety, and depression. Some people may suffer from hoarding disorder because of this. ServiceMaster Restore can help with hoarding cleanup in a safe, non-judgmental, and compassionate way at your pace.
What is hoarding?
Hoarding is a type of anxiety disorder that was named a distinct mental illness in 2013. The Mayo Clinic defines it as a “persistent difficulty discarding or parting with possessions because of a perceived need to save them.” Only about two to five percent of the population have been diagnosed with the disorder. Most hoarders collect items that most people would deem worthless. Hoarders typically collect common items like bags, trash, old papers and documents, and clothing and keep them in disarray, usually in the hoarder’s living space.
Hoarding can quickly become overwhelming and create an unsafe living environment, so it is important to address it immediately. Hoarder’s homes can become a breeding ground for pests and bacteria.
Some common indicators of hoarding are:
- Their collections usually cover all surfaces.
- Large pieces of furniture are inaccessible.
- Piles of trash, boxes, books, junk mail, etc. are not thrown away.
- Rooms are only passable through narrow paths between all the collection piles.
- Rotten food is left on counters and floors, in sinks and garbage cans. There may be signs of pests and rodents present.
When is it time to intervene?
It is better to address the problem sooner rather than later if you have a friend or relative you suspect is hoarding. It is important to approach the subject with sensitivity and compassion. Encourage the hoarder to seek professional mental health help. Avoid the temptation to begin throwing away their belongings. This may cause the problem to become worse before it gets better. Cleanup is often the final stage of helping the hoarder.
What is involved in hoarding cleanup?
Hoarding cleanup can have serious health implications for those doing the work including:
- Fire hazards
- Indoor air pollutants
- Structural damage
- Biohazards
- Pest and/or rodent infestations
Most cleaning companies will begin by removing hazardous or dangerous materials, and any biohazards. An extreme hoarding cleanup will take days, weeks, or possibly months. Professional hoarding cleanup specialists understand and are sympathetic to the physical and mental aspects of these cleanups. Hiring professional hoarding cleaners is often a good investment for the wellbeing of those involved.
How much does hoarding cleanup cost?
The cost for professional hoarding cleanup depends on:
- Size of the property,
- Extent of the hoarding,
- How much inventory needs removed,
- Hazardous waste removal,
- Biohazard removal, and
- Furniture, floorboard, drywall removal.
Cleanup costs could run several thousand dollars for worst-case properties. It is always best to consult a professional hoarding cleaning service and get specific quotes for your property. Professional cleaning services can help you with all the different factors of hoarder cleanup and will be able to spot and handle hazards for you. They will also know the local ordinances regarding proper hazardous waste and biohazard disposal.
Over 65 years of experience
When it comes to dealing with cleaning up hoarding situations in your home or a home of your loved one, trust the team that has been handling a wide variety of clean-up and repair services for over six decades. ServiceMaster Restore is locally owned and operated, and our owners are dedicated to restoring your home and your peace of mind.
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