How to Clean Up a Space After Hoarding

10/9/2018 (Permalink)

What is hoarding? Hoarding is a subtype of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder that causes people to resist parting with possessions, ultimately accumulating them in large quantities that can take over a home and interfere with daily functioning.

According to the International OCD Foundation, as many as 1 in 50 people have at least some level of hoarding tendencies.

It’s a serious issue that can eventually lead to dangerous conditions in a space.

As possessions and even trash are allowed to pile up in a home or commercial space, they present fire hazards, tripping hazards, and can hide pests, rodents or mold growth.

If you discover that a space you own has been used for hoarding, what should be your next move? Call in a team of specially trained professionals to make the space usable again.

<h2the-cleanup-process:a70b757925e62f6be8aa4ee8e8a9f199">Defining the Cleanup Process

While you might think that you just need to clear out the clutter and clean up, there are special considerations when it comes to a space that’s been used for hoarding.

A professional team will understand those considerations and provide a comprehensive clean-up that mitigates any safety hazards.

<h4of-dangerous-substances:a70b757925e62f6be8aa4ee8e8a9f199">Removal of Dangerous Substances

Hoarding leads to piles of clutter and other objects, which can conceal serious health-related hazards, including toxic mold growth, along with insects and rodents.

To ensure you are safely cleaning the space and not putting anyone at risk, partner with a team of professionals educated in best practices and outfitted in specialized safety gear.

<h4of-items:a70b757925e62f6be8aa4ee8e8a9f199">Removal of Items

This is likely the part of cleaning that comes to mind. This stage involves removing all clutter, including items like newspapers and even trash that’s collected over time.

Because these items can become hazardous over time, professionals will ensure safe removal. They may also need to remove objects within the space that have become contaminated over time, like carpets or kitchenware.

<h4cleaning:a70b757925e62f6be8aa4ee8e8a9f199">Complete Cleaning

After the space has been cleared out, deep-cleaning is the next step of the process.

During this cleaning, professionals will restore the space by removing all residue, odors and stains, making it usable again.

In need of a team to help restore a space where hoarding has been an issue? Contact our team at SERVPRO® of Van Nuys South, and we’ll make it like it never even happened.