It's not easy letting go of the things we love and treasure, and when it comes to hoarding or severely cluttered environments, it's a completely different level of difficulty. A person struggling with hoarding has a unique perception of their belongings; it's not just about being messy or disorganized. It can, however, have serious physical and mental health consequences for the hoarder. If you or someone you know struggles with hoarding, it may seem insurmountable to clean and declutter the space. Here are some tips on how to get started with cleaning hoarding:
Acknowledge the Problem
The first step in any change is acknowledging that there is a problem. This may be difficult for someone struggling with hoarding as they may not see it as a problem or may feel shame and embarrassment about their living conditions. It's important to approach the situation with empathy and understanding, but also to gently express concern and the potential dangers of hoarding.
Seek Professional Help
Hoarding is a complex issue, and it's crucial to seek professional help from therapists, organizers, and support groups. These professionals have experience in dealing with hoarders and can provide guidance on how to address the underlying causes of hoarding behavior.
Why Is Professional Help Necessary?
Hoarding is not just about having too much stuff; it's often linked to underlying mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, or trauma. A professional can help identify these underlying issues and provide appropriate treatment.
Additionally, hoarding can be overwhelming and emotionally taxing for the individual trying to clean up their house or living space. Professional organizers and cleanup companies can assist in creating a plan and providing support throughout the remediation process.
Take Small Steps
Trying to tackle a severely cluttered space all at once just doesn't work. You will get frustrated and call it a day. Instead, start small and focus on one area at a time. This will help you see progress and keep you motivated to continue.
Sorting Process
When sorting through items, it's important to have three categories: keep, donate/sell, and discard. It can be helpful to set a specific number of items to keep for each category. For example, only keeping 10 sentimental items or limiting the amount of clothes to fit in one closet.
It's also essential to avoid the "just in case" mentality when deciding what to keep. If an item hasn't been used or needed in over a year, it may be time to let go of it.
Check Bio-One of Oceanside’s 4-Step Plan For a Successful Hoarding Cleaning for more information!
The Impact of Hoarding on Families
Hoarding doesn’t only affect the individual; it impacts families and communities. Cluttered environments can create tension and social isolation. Families often struggle with feelings of guilt and helplessness, facing challenges in communication and relationship dynamics.
Children growing up in hoarded homes may internalize stress or adopt similar behaviors. They might struggle academically or socially due to the stigma of their living situation. Parents and partners may feel overwhelmed by the burden of managing the hoard, further complicating familial bonds.
Must read: How HD Affects Families
A supportive family environment is critical in the recovery process. Open dialogue, counseling, and setting boundaries can restore harmony and encourage positive change. Collaborating as a family ensures a unified approach to tackling the clutter and emotional hurdles of hoarding.
Creating a Supportive Environment
A supportive environment can make a significant difference in overcoming hoarding. Encourage open communication and active listening to foster trust and understanding between all parties involved. Family members should express their concerns with empathy and encourage the individual to share their perspective.
Develop a network of support through community groups or online forums. Connecting with others who have similar experiences can provide encouragement and valuable insights. These relationships can also serve as accountability partners, helping individuals stay committed to their decluttering goals.
Set aside time for regular check-ins to discuss progress and challenges. Celebrating achievements, no matter how small, will motivate individuals to continue working toward a clutter-free life.
How Bio-One of Marion County Can Help
If you or a loved one is struggling with hoarding, consider seeking professional help or connecting with support groups. Bio-One of Marion County offers compassionate and discreet hoarding cleanup services, but in addition to our cleaning services, we also offer resources to address the root causes of hoarding. Overcoming hoarding is a complex process, and our goal is to support individuals in achieving long-term success.
Bio-One specializes in blood and bodily fluids, decomposition/undiscovered death, crime scene, suicide cleanup, tear gas, feces/urine, sewage backups, and odor removal. Helping people get their lives back in order is our #1 priority.
Bio-One of Marion County is here to help you 24/7, 365 days a year! Call (317) 499-0614, and you'll speak directly to one of us when you call; there is never an answering service. We'll treat you like a person with the compassion and respect that you deserve.