Bio-One Of Pittsburgh decontamination and biohazard cleaning services

Top 10 Hoarding Cleanout Tips You Need to Know

Top 10 Hoarding Cleanout Tips You Need to Know - Bio-One of Pittsburgh

Hoarding cleanouts can be a difficult and overwhelming process for both the individual who is hoarding and their family and friends. It is essential to have a clear strategy in place and execute it well. In this blog post, we are going to cover the top 10 hoarding cleanout tips that you need to know before starting the process. Remember Bio-One of Pittsburgh can assist in these situations.

Disclaimer: Please note that we at Bio-One of Pittsburgh are a professional biohazard and hoarding cleanup company. While we strive to provide helpful information and resources on hoarding, we are not mental health professionals. Our content is intended to raise awareness about the complexities of hoarding and to offer practical cleanout tips. Please consult with a mental health professional for advice and treatment options related to hoarding behaviors.

Bio-One of Pittsburgh

Before Starting the Cleanup Process

  1. Safety first: It is essential to emphasize safety throughout the entire cleanout process. Make sure to wear protective clothing and gloves to avoid injury and minimize exposure to potentially harmful substances. Additionally, it’s vital to have adequate ventilation throughout the area to avoid any respiratory issues.
  2. Create a plan: Before starting the cleaning and organizing process, it is essential to have a clear plan in place. This plan should outline which areas of the home need the most attention and in what order they should be tackled.
  3. Set goals: It’s helpful to set goals throughout the cleanout process. Focus on small goals, such as organizing one closet or decluttering one room at a time. Celebrate small wins and use them as motivation to continue making progress.
Hoarded home restored by Bio-One.

During the Cleanup Process

  1. Take small steps: Large-scale cleanups can be daunting, so it’s important to take small steps. Start with smaller parts of the home or one room at a time to avoid feeling overwhelmed.
  2. Sort items: Set up different categories for sorting items such as keep, donate, or throw away. Tackling the items in this way can be extremely productive when attempting to clean out a home.
  3. Organize items: Organizing the items that you choose to keep should be tackled in a coordinated fashion. Label boxes and make sure to keep similar items together. This makes it easier to find what you need and avoid buying duplicates.
  4. Have a disposal plan: Having a plan for disposing of items is crucial as not everything can be donated or sold. It is important to know local rules and regulations for disposing of larger items, such as appliances or furniture.
Hoarded apartment restored by Bio-One.
Photo by Bio-One of Oceanside

After the Cleanup Process

  1. Donate or sell items: After sorting through and organizing items, consider donating or selling them. This not only helps clear out space in the home but also benefits those in need and can even make some extra cash.
  2. Create a cleaning schedule: To keep the home consistently clean and clutter-free, create a weekly or monthly cleaning schedule. This will help prevent items from piling up and make it easier to maintain a clean living space.
  3. Seek and encourage professional help: It’s important to recognize when a hoarding cleanout becomes too much to handle alone. Seek the help of professional cleaning services such as Bio-One of Pittsburgh. They have the necessary equipment and trained staff to tackle hoarding situations.

Bio-One of Pittsburgh Can Help

Bio-One remediation technician

Following our hoarding cleanout tips will help you accomplish the goal of ultimately helping your loved one. Starting with a plan, breaking tasks into small steps, and having a disposal plan are all important components of the process. Don’t hesitate to seek professional help if necessary. Bio-One of Pittsburgh is here to provide support through the entire process.