Many people are familiar with the stereotype of the "hoarder" – someone who lives in a home crammed full of stuff, often to the point where it becomes unsafe. While there is some truth to this stereotype, it's important to remember that they often struggle with a genuine mental health condition. With compassion and understanding, it is possible to help them with a hoarding cleaning strategy.
Hoarding Disorder is a mental health disorder characterized by the accumulation and difficulty of discarding possessions, regardless of their actual value. People with hoarding disorder can accumulate so much that it affects their ability to use their living space for its intended purpose, disrupts their daily activities, and even causes distress to themselves and those around them.
This hoarded material nearly always consists of everyday items such as newspapers, books, or clothing — making hoarding disorder particularly difficult to spot in its earliest stages. When hoarding disorder goes untreated, it can cause distress to individuals who suffer from it directly, as well as significantly detrimental to their family and friends.
Hoarding is a serious mental health disorder where individuals have difficulty getting rid of possessions, even if they are not being used. Identifying signs of hoarding disorder can help people intervene for their loved ones who may be suffering from this disorder. Signs of hoarding include:
If you observe signs of hoarding in someone close to you, they must get the proper medical attention and support they need.
Approaching someone you think is hoarding can be difficult. Hoarding presents serious health and safety risks to people affected. In some cases, hoarding can be a symptom of an underlying psychological issue, such as obsessive-compulsive disorder, anxiety, or depression. Before approaching someone you think might be hoarding, research treatment alternatives to understand the issue.
Understanding hoarding will help you determine the best way to approach them and provide support. Speak gently but directly to the person about your concerns and offer practical resources on hoarding cleanup in your area, as well as psychiatric information if required. Ultimately, being supportive and patient is key when approaching a suspected hoarder.
When faced with the daunting task of helping a hoarder to start decluttering their home, it can be an overwhelming experience. To make the job less overwhelming and more achievable, experts suggest breaking down the project into smaller goals and tasks. Setting their self-care and emotional well-being as a priority is essential. When they are ready, allocate a realistic amount of time than can be committed to cleaning each day or week. This way, the person can work at their own pace without any added pressure or stress.
The most important part of this journey is to provide unconditional support as they take steps toward reclaiming control over their life. With patience and understanding, you can make a real difference in someone's life - not just by reducing the clutter in the home but also by creating the space for new beginnings.
If you or someone you know is struggling with hoarding, help is available to support them through their journey. The first step towards addressing hoarding is recognizing the need for help — it can be difficult and overwhelming to face hoarding alone. Hoarding cleaning services are available to assist individuals in the responsible and safe disposal of hoarded items and cleaning of hoarded areas.
If you think someone you know is hoarding, the best thing you can do is approach them with empathy and understanding. Many hoarders are deeply embarrassed by their condition and may not even realize a problem exists. This being said, it’s important to be respectful of their feelings and give them the space to come to terms with their situation in their own time.
If you would like professional help dealing with a hoarding situation, Bio-One Of Pittsburgh specializes in hoarder cleaning services. We are here to help make your home safe and comfortable again. Visit our website or give us a call today.
Bio-One of Pittsburgh is always ready to assist you in unexpected situations. Our expert specialists are always ready to assist you in dealing with highly pressurized situations that may be emotionally and physically draining, allowing you to focus on other vital activities while healing in a sanitary environment. Locally owned and operated, we provide the following:
Bio-One works closely with victim support centers nationwide and local authorities, communities, emergency services personnel, hoarding task forces, apartment communities, insurance companies, and other organizations to accomplish each customer's most efficient and superior service possible.
Many crime scene cleanup companies may face unexpected, unfortunate life events. Still, Bio-One is the right choice because of our expertise and profoundly caring and discreet specialists.
We are proud members of the NAPO Pittsburgh - National Association of Productivity & Organizing Professionals!
Bio-One of Pittsburgh serves the following Pennsylvania counties: Allegheny County, Washington County, Beaver County, Butler County, Armstrong County, Westmoreland County, Lawrence County, Greene County, Fayette County, and Mercer County.
We also serve the following cities and surrounding communities: from Allison Park all the way to Creighton, Crescent, Cuddy Curtisville, Millvale, Monroeville, Oakmont, Pitcairn, Pleasant Hills, Plum, Port Vue, Presto, Rankin, Rennerdale, Rural Ridge, Russellton, Sharpsburg, South Park to Springdale, we are ready to help you.
