When faced with the overwhelming task of cleaning a hoarder's room, knowing where to begin can feel impossible. At North West Clean Team, we've helped countless families transform cluttered spaces into functional rooms. This guide will walk you through the process of tackling a hoarder's house step by step.
Before jumping into the cleaning process, it's crucial to understand what you're dealing with. Hoarding disorder isn't simply about having clutter – it's a recognised mental health condition affecting over 1.2 million people in the UK.
Hoarding disorder creates significant distress when discarding possessions, regardless of their actual value. This leads to spaces becoming so filled with clutter that rooms can't be used for their intended purpose. The average hoarder's house can contain hundreds of kilograms of hoarded items, often requiring professional help.
A shocking fact worth noting is that 25% of house fire deaths occur in homes where unstable piles block escape routes. This shows why addressing a hoarder's home isn't just about cleanliness – it's a task with serious consequences for safety.
The cleaning process isn't simply a physical job. The emotional aspect can be challenging for both the person with hoarding tendencies and those helping them.
First, approach with empathy. Most people don't choose to live in cluttered conditions – hoarding creates genuine distress when attempting to get rid of items. Rather than focusing on the clutter, try understanding the feelings behind it.
Second, set realistic expectations. A space that took years to accumulate won't be cleared in one room at a time. Instead, focus on small, achievable tasks and celebrate progress.
Finally, consider seeking guidance from a mental health professional who specialises in hoarding. Their expertise can provide valuable support throughout your dealing with this situation.
Before you start cleaning a hoarder's room, gathering proper supplies is essential. Safety must be your priority when dealing with a hoarder's house.
Essential cleaning supplies include:
For personal protection, have:
Depending on the condition of the hoarder's home, you might also need specialized equipment for dealing with mold growth, pest infestations, or other hazards including dead animals. Don't take chances with your health – proper gear is worth the investment when dealing with dust mites and potential hazardous waste.
Without a structured approach, cleaning a hoarder's house can quickly become overwhelming. Here's a strategic method we've found effective:
Remember that the process takes time. Breaking the task into smaller steps helps keep the project moving forward.
The heart of cleaning a hoarder's house is sorting items. Here's how to approach it effectively:
Begin by removing obvious trash first – empty containers, broken items beyond repair, and things with no clear use. This creates visible progress quickly.
When sorting through personal belongings, it helps to ask:
For sentimental items, consider taking photos before letting go. This preserves the memory without keeping the physical object.
When dealing with a family member's belongings, be respectful. Avoid making unilateral decisions about items that might have significance. Instead, create a "decision pile" for the person to review when they're ready.
Be aware that approximately 30-50% of the cost of professional cleaning goes toward disposal of all the discarded items. Understanding local ordinances beforehand can save time and money.
Once the clutter is addressed, the deep clean begins. This stage is crucial, as a hoarder's house often hides problems like dust and other pests.
Start by using your vacuum cleaner thoroughly. Pay special attention to corners, under furniture, and other areas where dust collects.
Next, wipe down all surfaces with appropriate cleaners. For most hard surfaces, disinfectant cleaners work well. The deep clean should address all surfaces, from counters to walls.
Don't forget to clean light fixtures and other often-overlooked areas. Years of dust accumulation can be significant in a hoarder's home, causing lingering odours that require special attention.
If you discover extensive problems, consider calling a professional cleaning company. These issues can pose serious health risks and often require specialized treatment. The average cost for professional cleaning in the UK ranges from £500 to £5,000+, depending on severity – and if you're wondering what is the average cost to clean a hoarder house in North West UK, it typically falls within this range. But the cost of not addressing issues can be much higher.
After investing time in the deep clean, maintaining a clutter free space is essential. Here are some cleaning tips that help:
Implement a "one-in, one-out" rule – for every new item that enters the space, one item must leave. This helps prevent clutter from building up in the first place.
Create simple organizational systems that are easy to follow. Complex systems often get abandoned. Use clear storage boxes so contents are visible.
Schedule regular "reset" sessions – perhaps weekly – to ensure items don't start piling up. Even 15 minutes of tidying can make a significant difference.
For someone struggling with hoarding tendencies, professional help is invaluable. Consider connecting with a mental health professional who specialises in this area. They can provide strategies to prevent feeling overwhelmed by possessions.
While many cleanup projects can be DIY efforts, some situations warrant professional help. Consider calling in experts when:
Professional cleaning teams bring specialized equipment, proper protective gear, and experience in handling challenging situations. Hoarder house cleaning requires specialized knowledge that professional cleaning services can provide.
For severe cases, a professional cleaning company may be needed, and the deep clean could take several days. They provide not just cleaning services but also support throughout the process.
If you're helping a family member with hoarding tendencies, your approach significantly impacts their wellbeing and the success of the cleaning job.
Avoid judgmental language or criticising their possessions. Instead, focus on safety concerns and creating a functional space. Use phrases like "I want you to be able to use this room again" rather than focusing on the mess.
Involve them in decision-making whenever possible. This gives them a sense of control and reduces anxiety.
Understand that letting go of items can cause genuine distress. Allow time for processing these feelings, and celebrate small victories rather than pushing too hard.
Encourage connection with support services. The cleaning addresses the symptom, but professional help can address underlying issues to create lasting change.
How to start cleaning a hoarder's room is challenging but achievable with the right approach. Whether you're tackling the job yourself or seeking professional help, understanding the process is the first step toward creating a clean, functional space.
At North West Clean Team, we specialise in compassionate, thorough hoarder house cleaning. Our experienced professionals understand the sensitivity required and provide discreet, effective solutions.
We handle everything from initial assessment to final deep clean, including trash removal, disinfection, and even necessary repairs when needed. All our staff are trained to work with sensitivity around hoarding situations.
If you're feeling overwhelmed by this task, reach out to North West Clean Team for a free quote. We're here to help transform cluttered spaces into rooms you can enjoy again.
Contact us today to learn how we can support your journey toward a better living environment. Your path to a clutter free space is just a phone call away.
