Tackling Hoarding: How We Can Help

Hoarding is a complex mental health disorder that affects hundreds of thousands of people worldwide – that’s a staggering 2-6% of the population! Hoarding is clinically defined as the “persistent difficulty discarding or parting with possessions, regardless of their actual value,” according to the National Library of Medicine. This leads to overwhelmingly cluttered living spaces and often hazardous conditions. Tackling hoarding can feel like an immense challenge, but with the help of a professional junk removal company, it can become a manageable process.

In this blog post, we’ll explore the role we offer at Up Up and Away Junk Hauling in addressing hoarding issues. From the initial assessment to decluttering and disposal, our team of experts can provide the necessary support and resources to help hoarders, or the relatives of hoarders, regain control of the space.

Assessment and Planning:

The first step in addressing hoarding is to conduct a thorough assessment of the living space. Mental health professionals are sometimes brought into the fold to help us understand the severity of the hoarding and develop a plan of action.

This may involve setting goals for decluttering, identifying items that need to be removed, and creating a timeline for the cleanup process. We can provide guidance and support throughout the entire process.

Decluttering and Sorting:

Once a plan is in place, the decluttering process can begin. This may involve sorting through items and deciding what to keep, donate, or dispose of. At Up Up and Away we can assist with this process, providing manpower and resources to help hoarders make difficult decisions about their belongings.

We handle the removal of items, including heavy or bulky items that may be difficult for hoarders to manage on their own. This streamlines the cleanup process to ensure the living space is left   safe and habitable.

Not all of the removed items go to the landfill! We will carefully sort through the items, donating and recycling as much as possible to keep items out of the landfill. 

Disposal:

Depending on the severity of the hoarding situation special equipment may be used to clear the area. At Up Up and Away we utilize dump trailers, shovels, trash cans, etc. to remove what is necessary so the client can reclaim their space.

Once items have been removed, we handle the disposal process. This may include recycling, donating, or properly disposing of items that cannot be reused. Using our professional team can ensure that items are handled in an environmentally friendly manner, giving hoarders peace of mind knowing that their belongings are being handled responsibly.

The Aftermath: 

What happens to a home or building that has significant wear and tear from years of excess clutter? Depending on the severity, we can help determine and carry out next steps. In some cases all that is needed is new flooring. We can help prepare for that process by removing the old carpet or flooring. Bathrooms, decks and sheds are often susceptible to damage and can be removed by us as well. With some strategic planning, we can remove nearly everything. 

Conclusion:

Hoarding is a complex issue that requires a multi-faceted approach to address. With the help of our team at Up Up and Away, hoarders can regain control of their living spaces and improve their quality of life.

From initial assessment to decluttering and disposal, our team of experts can provide the necessary support and resources to help hoarders tackle their struggle. By working together, we can help hoarders create safe, healthy, and clutter-free living environments.

At Up Up and Away Junk Hauling we’ve worked hard to provide a top notch experience for all of our clients. Our 930+ 5 star reviews on Google speak for themselves. Visit us on our website or give us a call today to discuss service options for your next project – big or small!