Decluttering a hoarder’s house is never easy. Helping a hoarder declutter their house can be a challenging and delicate task. Here are some tips that may help:
Empathy and understanding
Approach the situation with empathy and understanding. Hoarding disorder is a mental health condition, and the person may feel overwhelmed and ashamed of their clutter.
Counseling
Encourage the person to seek professional help from a therapist or counselor who specializes in hoarding disorder. A mental health professional can help the person understand the underlying causes of their hoarding and develop coping strategies.
Assistance
Offer to assist with the decluttering process, but let the person take the lead. Avoid throwing away or donating items without the person’s consent.
Take baby steps
Start small and work in manageable increments. For example, focus on one room or area at a time.
Sorting
Help the person sort their belongings into three categories: keep, donate/sell, and dispose of. Encourage the person to keep only items that are necessary or have sentimental value.
Your help is invaluable
Provide practical assistance, such as arranging for a dumpster or helping the person transport items to a donation center. Be patient and non-judgmental. Decluttering a hoarder’s house is a process that may take time, and setbacks are common.
It takes courage to face the piles of possessions and the memories that they hold. Memories of a past that may be difficult to let go of, or a future that is uncertain. But with each decision to let go of what no longer serves us, we make room for what is truly important – the people we love, the experiences we cherish, and the moments that take our breath away.
As you help take on the task of hoarding cleanup, know that they are not alone. When they reach out for help, whether it be from a professional, a friend, or a loved one, it’s a step in the right direction, and with each step, feel the weight of the clutter lift, and regain their space again.
Remember that hoarding disorder is a complex mental health condition that requires professional help. While you can provide support and assistance, it’s important to respect the person’s autonomy and decisions.
1st Hoarding Clean Up is a group of professionals dedicated to providing compassionate, responsible, and discreet decluttering services for those in need of a clean space and peace of mind. Don’t hesitate to contact us. We can help you get back on your feet.
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