Hoarding is an illness that begins with emotional issues and can eventually develop into a condition that causes physical and mental harm. If a loved one is found to be hoarding, something must be done in order to restore a reasonable quality of life and emotional balance. Along with therapy, there’s the matter of dealing with the home that’s now filled with things that need to go. Before the hoarding clean up gets underway, there are a few things that you need to keep in mind.
The Hoarder Must Agree
As with many types of emotional illnesses, it’s important for the person suffering from the hoarding disorder to decide he or she wants help. That goes beyond agreeing to undergo therapy. It also has to do with agreeing to the removal of belongings that are serving no purpose at all.
Attempts to clean out a space without the consent of the loved one will prove fruitless. In fact, it can cause more harm that good. In order to move on from this condition, being an active part of the clean up is essential. Make sure that the hoarder is committed to the task first, then make arrangements to clean out the space.
Hiring Professionals is a Must
While there may be the temptation to gather family members with the intention of clearing out the home, that’s not the most practical solution. There’s likely more in the house to dispose of than anyone realizes. That will mean having access to transport vehicles and a lot of muscle to get things done.
There’s also the fact that there may be biohazards within the home. From vermin to spoiled food, the potential for threats no family member should face is significant. A better approach is to hire professionals who have the right equipment, the right resources for protection, and understand how to go about the clean up without sustaining any type of injury.
Patience is Essential
While it’s understandable that you want to get this clean up done as quickly as possible, patience is necessary. Part of that is due to the fact that your loved one will likely have trouble parting with some things, even while acknowledging that they will never serve their intended purpose. When this happens, it will be necessary to stop, talk it through, then dispose of those items as quickly as possible.
There’s also the fact that it takes time to go through layers of items that have piled up over several years. For safety’s sake, that will mean clearing out some things before moving on to what’s found underneath. The good news is that at the end of each day, you will be able to see that the hoarding clean up is progressing.
The Clean Up Will Change Lives
A clean up of this type does make a big difference in the lives of those who are involved. The most obvious change will be in your loved one. While parting with those belongings is difficult, the stress that the clean up removes will be greater than anyone imagines. When it becomes apparent that it will be possible to keep the place tidy moving forward, the relief is sure to be a welcome change and aid in recovering from the hoarding disorder.
The outcome also changes the lives of those who love the former hoarder. Once again, it’s possible to stop in and visit without being barred at the door. There are fewer worries about the welfare of the loved one. All that can go a long way to restore relationships that were damaged as a result of the disorder.
Hoarding clean ups are about more than getting rid of things. It’s also about getting back a life that has been buried under all the debris. Work closely with your loved one, a certified counselor, and with a professional team who can handle the clean up. When you see the results, there will be no doubt that the effort was worth it.