What Is Hoarding?
The onset of fall weather is a time when many of us clean out our homes, garages, and storage spaces before the cold weather comes in. But individuals who have trouble clearing out the clutter might be experiencing a hoarding problem. Hoarding is a psychological disorder characterized by chronic difficulty or anxiety discarding possessions. These possessions don’t necessarily have any monetary value, and they are sometimes worthless or unusable items, but a person still has a dysfunctional attachment to them. When the excessive accumulation of belongings creates a cramped and often unhealthy living space, residents should seek professional hoarding help.
What Are The Dangers Of Hoarding?
Hoarding can become dangerous when it affects the health and safety of anyone in your home. Older adults or those with mobility difficulties can have trouble navigating through doorways, or trip and fall over piles. Serious fire hazards can develop as clutter accumulates on or near the stove, appliances, or electronics. As items pile up, general home maintenance and self-care occurs less frequently. As mold, mildew and dust build up, respiratory problems like COPD or allergies may develop. Severe hoarding cases can also lead to rodent problems and damage to the home, and it can even cause structural integrity problems. Contact MSR Restoration for professional hoarding help in addressing the physical state of your home.
Without help, hoarding also can lead to emotional and relationship problems. Shame in your situation can sadly lead to social isolation. Friends and relatives trying to offer hoarding help can unintentionally cause deep rifts in your kinship and arguments between spouses over the mess can lead to divorce. If things spread outside your home filling your garage, patio and yard, the hoarding can create legal issues with your landlord or neighbors. Contact MSR Restoration for hoarding help before things reach a breaking point.
Where Do I Start Cleaning When Overwhelmed By Clutter And Mess?
Prior to accepting any hoarding help, a person must first decide to address their issue. Finding the motivation to change is very difficult and even scary for anyone who finds the change overwhelming. Cleaning the mess and clutter may seem like too much effort to be worth it. In this case, it might help to start by creating a list that includes both short and long term advantages to clearing out the clutter
Many professionals recommend creating a “fear ladder” that ranks the items 1 to 10, with items marked with a one being items that are easier to get rid of, up to the most difficult labeled a ten. For example, it’s probably easier for a hoarder to throw away boxes and containers than newspapers and junk mail. Typically, it’s more difficult to get rid of postcards or souvenirs, and near impossible to get rid of gifts and photos. Instead of trying to tackle the list all at once, it may be helpful to break the tasks down into small, manageable to-do items and set specific times to put possessions into keep or throw away piles.
Why Do You Need Professional Hoarding Help For A Hoarder’s House?
When tackling the clutter, try to stick to the “only handle it once” rule. Avoid revisiting your decision to get rid of possessions. If you have trouble sticking with this or even the smallest steps are still too overwhelming, there are professionals available that offer compassionate hoarding help.
What Is The Fastest Way To Clean A Hoarder’s House?
Professional teams that offer skilled and respectful cleaning services are the fastest way to accept hoarding help. Experienced hoarding professionals like MSR Restoration meet with their clients prior to the cleanup to understand their specific challenges. They’ll strategically create a plan to navigate a positive and successful path forward for their clients’ emotional journey to a safe living environment.
Contact MSR Restoration For Professional Hoarding Help/Cleanouts
If you or a loved one is dealing with a hoarding disorder, contact MSR Restoration for a free evaluation. Talking with an expert about professional hoarding help and cleaning services is a great small step towards conquering the bigger problem. MSR Restoration has the skills, compassion, and the proper equipment to respond to any cleanout situation, to create a safer, healthier home.
