Celebrating Self Expression!

I love to be able to work without judgement. It allows me to feel free. As someone who is quite frequently judged, I appreciate individuality. Be yourselves Collectors. If you want a wall of cat pictures - do it! Go ahead and make that spare room into whatever you want! Love yourselves some antique glassware.  Who cares what anyone thinks Collectors? It's your home. You don't have to be a minimalist to be happy. There is a happy place between too little and too much. Express yourselves Collectors and keep provoking those boring judgmental unhappy people with your artistic flare!

Rachel Seavey, Expresses herself often. Judged often.

A very special thank you to the gay and transgender community in San Francisco for allowing me to make a difference in your lives. Thank you for coming out of the clutter closet dolls!!!!

Hodge Podge Of Miscellanea

What's going on Collectors!!

Do you have boxes/bags/bins/etc full of miscellaneous items? Paper, garbage, clothing, money, all sorts of different categories of items all mixed together? What do you call this? What would you label this box if you had to?

Here are some submissions from some of our wonderful Clients: (Feel free to comment here or email me at rachel@collectorcare.com with your submissions)

**These are in no particular order**

Hodge Podge Of Miscellanea

Misc.
To sort

Minutiae

Brick-a-brak
Tchotchkes
Assorted
Random
Crap
Junk
Mixed
Unsorted

Do you need help going through these items? Are you overwhelmed and don't know where to begin? Collector Care Professional Organizers LOVE going through your random clutter. Let us help you sort things  out, and organize them so you can actually find things when you need them!

Are you always late?
Get organized so that you can be on time,
meet deadlines, and not always be searching for things.  

www.collectorcare.com

925-548-7750

help@collectorcare.com

7 Secrets to Organizing a Hoarder’s Home

7 Secrets to Organizing a Hoarder’s Home

For those with hoarding disorder, getting rid of possessions is extraordinarily difficult. This is the case even if the item doesn’t hold any value, either monetarily or emotionally.

Hoarders feel they need to save things and become distressed at even the thought of throwing away something. They may even offer excuses like, “I plan on selling that at a yard sale.” Or, “I’m saving that for a friend.”

Whether you’re cleaning up your own house, or that of someone you know, here are 7 secrets to organizing a hoarder’s home.

1. Be understanding.

If you struggle with hoarding disorder, practice self-care. Don’t beat yourself up about past actions. Identify the problem and move forward.

If you’re working with a family member, friend or neighbor, practice empathic listening. What may seem like an easy decision for you may be an arduous process for someone who struggles with hoarding. Be patient and stay positive.

2. Consult other professionals.

If necessary, contact professionals in your area for help. If you don’t know where to look, city and county officials can point you in the right direction.

Professional organizers will help you sort through what items can be donated or thrown away and give advice on how best to organize the rest of your belongings. Biohazard specialists dispose of dangerous materials like blood, animal droppings and certain types of trash. Therapists identify the compulsive behavior and provide long-term support.

3. Wear protective clothing.

Depending on the types of items contained in the hoarder’s home, and how long “stuff” has been allowed to accumulate, you may need to wear protective garments.

ALWAYS wear close-toed shoes to prevent yourself from stepping on broken glass or other sharp objects. Wear pants and a long-sleeved shirt you don’t mind getting dirty. If excessive animal feces or other biohazards are present, wear protective eyewear, gloves and a particulate respirator mask.

4. Grab the right gear.

At a minimum, you’ll need a few basic supplies to begin the cleanup. Bring heavy-duty trash bags, a few empty boxes, some masking tape and a few Sharpie markers. You’ll also want a small stepstool or ladder, broom, vacuum, flashlight and first-aid kit. And don’t forget cleaning supplies like Lysol, bleach, all-purpose cleaner and plenty of paper towels.

5. Clean the bathroom first.

Hoarding cleanups are a marathon. You’ll most likely be working all day and will inevitably need to use the restroom. At a minimum, clean out a walkway to the toilet and sink. Make sure the facilities are in good enough condition to use. Bleach the toilet and disinfect the counter.

6. Sort through the clutter.

Before you organize, it’s important to get rid of as much “stuff” as possible. Create 3 piles: keep, donate and throw away. If there isn’t room inside for the piles, move the items outside and use tarps if necessary.

Ask questions to decide what should go where.

• Does this item work? Things in good condition can be donated to a local charity.
• Why am I saving it? A meaningful heirloom is worth keeping. A large collection of hotel shampoo bottles is not.
• Is this a duplicate? Make sure to keep only one of each item.

For large donation piles, ask The Salvation Army or another charity to arrange a pickup. That will get everything out of the house immediately and avoid any inadvertent regression.

7. Take breaks.

Bring plenty of bottled water and non-perishable snacks. You’ll need to keep your energy up as you clean throughout the day. If the weather is nice, go outside and get some fresh air. The homes of hoarders tend to be stuffy and full of dust and other allergens. A little sunshine will go a long way.

I hope you found some of this information helpful Collectors! Stay tuned this Summer - we are currently recording the hOaRdGANIZE Podcast, which includes amazing guest interviews from experts in the field, lots of organizing tips and hacks, and a step by step series on how to organize your hoard.

Rachel Seavey, Owner & Blogger

Need help getting organized? 

Call us right now to schedule your FREE estimate! 

Free in home estimates to the entire SF Bay Area - FREE phone estimates - Clutter Coaching - Bonded & Insured

www.collectorcare.com

 925-548-7750

help@collectorcare.com