How to Survive the Clutter

Hoarding can be a very private and damaging disease. In many situations, an individual with a serious hoarding problem can live in the midst of their clutter for years without family or friends taking notice. If you or a loved one is recovering from a hoarding situation, we offer comprehensive services that are sensitive to the needs of the victim while removing potentially life-threatening elements from the living environment, returning the home to a safe, sanitary state.

How Does Aftermath Approach Hoarding?

When entering an atmosphere that has been subjected to hoarding, our professionals realize that they are in dangerous territory. Typically, hoarders do not allow repairmen or other service companies to enter their home for fear of embarrassment. In these situations, there may be sewage or electrical damage present in the home, which can lead to airborne illnesses for the home’s occupants. In an environment like this, bacterial and viral infections are also possible, making it critical that anyone attempting to clean the clutter wear a protective HAZMAT suit.

After assessing a hoarding situation, we can assist families with the safe removal of any unsalvageable items, including garbage and other biohazards. After the area has been completely cleared of furniture and other items, a multi-stage sanitation process will safely clean and disinfect your home. In addition to cleaning every crevice, technicians will set up a HEPA air filter to help remove any unseen viruses that may be airborne.  This will also aid in the elimination of any lingering odors.

How to Avoid Massive Clutter

Once your home is clean and free of clutter, it is a good idea to seek psychological help in order to prevent another instance of hoarding. A good counselor can help you navigate the pitfalls and stresses that come from taking control of your life and living space once again. Meanwhile, there are a few ways to keep hoarding tendencies at bay before they become too difficult to manage.

• Tackle clutter one piece at a time. Removing all of the potential clutter at once can sometimes lead to feelings of anxiety and regret. Instead, start in slow, manageable sections and declutter one room at a time.
• Minimize collections. If you or a loved one has picked up hundreds of take out menus over the years, save only the important and frequently used ones and recycle the rest. A great idea is to organize them in a binder so that they are easy to find and consolidated in one central location.
• Box up your items. If it is difficult to decide whether to keep or throw away an item, try putting it aside in a box for six months. If you have not opened the box within that time, it is easier to let it go without regret.

If you or a loved one is suffering from hoarding, it is important to get help as soon as possible. Call our Aftermath professionals at (877) 872-4339 to begin assessing your home and start on the path to a healthy lifestyle.