Cleaning a residence can be made easy, but it becomes complex when dealing with hoardingsituations, which involve significant psychological and emotional challenges. Hoarding disorder leads individuals to view their possessions as essential and comforting, making any removal process feel like a violation of their personal space.
Cleaning professionals must address this conflict by employing a compassionate, sensitive approach, prioritising the homeowner’s well-being while effectively managing clutter removal.
Here’s how to clean a hoarded house below.
Five Ways to Make Hoarders and Their Families Feel Safe
Implementing these five strategies ensures the process is collaborative and minimises emotional distress:
1. Collaborative Approach
Create a safe, non-judgmental environment that focuses on mental health, using respectful language and treating the resident’s possessions with dignity. The key is establishing immediate trust by acknowledging that their emotional attachment to items is real and valid.
This partnership approach ensures the resident remains an active participant in the process, reducing the sense of being attacked.
2. Start Small
A cleaning company for hoarders tackles cleaning tasks gradually by beginning with a less sensitive area, allowing the resident to maintain control and make decisions about item removal.
3. Designate a ‘Keep’ Area
Establish a separate, organised space for items the resident is unsure about, providing reassurance that their possessions are safe.
4. Focus on Functionality and Safety
Shift goals from decluttering to enhancing the safety and functionality of the living space, using non-threatening language.
5. Ensure Confidentiality
Guarantee strict confidentiality and discretion throughout the process to build trust and protect the resident’s privacy.
Deceased Estate Specialists Handles Cleaning with Compassion!
Success with a cleaning company for hoarders requires both physical labour and emotional intelligence, often provided by specialists in sensitive property clearances. At
Deceased Estate Specialists, we excel in these situations due to our compassionate approach, particularly when managing properties after a loved one has passed.
With over 34 years of family-run experience, we are well-versed in the unique challenges of clutter removal, especially for hoarders. Our commitment to kindness and understanding, along with our recognition of the sentimental value of items, makes us experts in sensitive property clearances.
