If there’s one thing we can all agree on, it is that cleaning a hoarder’s house is not a simple task. It is usually full of clutter, and you’ll need a lot of supplies and equipment, from a broom to 55-gallon trash bags, to get rid of all this waste, notes Howzer Property Management Norwood.
But before you get right to it, you must know that a lot of stuff in a hoarder’s apartment could put your health and overall well-being at risk. You’re one step away from a trip accident or an injury caused by falling items.
To make cleaning easier, we have a few tips from cleaning experts to help you transform a hoarder’s house into a haven.
- Evaluate the area and map a plan.
Hoarding is a psychological disorder. It goes beyond accumulating items because of their intrinsic value. Hoarders hoard because it’s a habit they can’t let go of or admit to having. So, before you step in and start cleaning up, you need to know how to approach a hoarder and convince them to allow you to get rid of junk.
Talk with them, learn the reason behind this habit, discuss the dangers, and ask for permission to clean the house for them.
Once you get permission to clean, go to the house with a face mask, gloves, other protective gear, a pen and paper, and a camera for pictures. You need all these to get more details on what you’re dealing with: the number of rooms, pathways, the supplies you’ll need, and the time it’ll take to finish up.
- Get all the things you need.
When you clean a hoarded house, ensure you get all the necessary supplies and equipment. Go to the store a day or two before and ensure you have everything on your list. It takes a lot of work to convince a hoarder, and making too many trips back to the store might influence their decision to clean the apartment.
To get started, you need gloves and other protective gear, large heavy-duty trash bags, disinfectants, maybe even a shovel, a stepladder, and other cleaning tools. Empty boxes and a vacuum cleaner are also needed.
- Clear hallways and walkways
You need some space to walk and navigate your way to other rooms. Clearing the hallways and walkways will help you step out quickly in the case of an emergency. A cleared pathway also means you can quickly move stuff in and out.
- Declutter room by room
There are no shortcuts or quick methods when cleaning a hoarded house. But working room by room will help you get the job done efficiently and save you energy.
Start by decluttering the room you believe is most accessible or the biggest. This will make working in other rooms less challenging.
Remember, not everything should be thrown out. Keep the junk in the trash bags and get boxes for the needed stuff. Being environmentally conscious is important, too, so set aside items that could be recycled or given to charity.
- Deep clean
Once all the clutter in each room is gone, remove all items from the house, including furniture, clothes, and appliances. Scrub all surfaces, disinfect, and use air fresheners to deodorize the room.
You can repeat this process twice if you’re not satisfied with the initial outcome.
Conclusion
Cleaning a hoarded house is tough work, but the results are satisfying. It requires a lot of empathy to do this.
However, you can make the process easier by creating an exciting and productive atmosphere for yourself. Try playing some music or taking breaks to play your favorite games or call your favorite people, and you’ll be done before you know it.
