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

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3 Tips to Help With Disorganization While Depressed

You have had a bad week, month, year, decade. We get it. We have been there. I won't go there on this blog, but let me tell you Collectors that most of our team members have been depressed at one point in their lives. It's easy to help when you can empathize.

Times stops, and all along you are acquiring and burying yourselves mentally and physically into the trenches. You have now emerged and have no idea where to begin. You are overwhelmed, embarrassed, shameful, resentful, angry, sad, and fearful. Just know that you are not alone.

"Even Helen Keller knows life stinks." - Marshall Mathers

Many of our Clients feel like you. Depression is absolutely a huge clutter factor. I can go into my office and pull all the statistics from the many books I collect on the subject. I can explain away until I am blue in the face. You will either get it or you wont. Instead of telling you all of the facts, I would like to provide you with some tips to help you on your journey with tackling clutter. I am not a doctor, I am not qualified to diagnose, or prescribe drugs (thank goodness!) Please seek professional help for your depression. These tips do not replace therapy, CBT, SSRI's etc. They are specifically geared to help you clear clutter while you are in a funk.

1. Open up your windows and doors and get some sunlight in.  I know you are embarrassed, what will THOSE neighbors think? Who cares. Do it bright and early with sunrise if you are hesitant. I can't tell you how many times I walk into your homes and it's like a dark cave. You have towers of clutter, multiple methods of covering your windows and your doors might barely open. Just let a crack of sunshine in. Soak up that vitamin D. Like a cat, relish in it. It's really good for you and your home to have fresh air and sunlight. (Google Seasonal Affective Disorder.) UV rays kill germs (Google Ultraviolet Germicidal Irradiation).
2. Affirm. It's hard to be good to yourself at this moment. Look at yourself in one of your multiple dusty, cobweb encrusted mirrors and tell yourself you deserve a good life. Look yourself in the eye. Look into your own soul and say out loud "I deserve a great life". Every time you take out the trash, shred a letter, or clean the cat box - pat yourself on the back. Celebrate and affirm every step you take to creating that great life you deserve.
   
3. Ask for help. This is not easy. If you don't have supportive family or friends, I would suggest hiring a Professional Organizer. More specifically, hire an ICD trained Professional Organizer by going to the Institute for Challenging Disorganization website. You want someone who is insured, and specializes in Chronic Disorganization and/or Hoarding Disorder. Call and ask a lot of questions and take your time finding the right fit.

Know in your heart that you can make it. You are a survivor, and you can do it. You will come out of this heart wrenching state and you will come out strong.

The next time you feel like acquiring something to make yourself feel better, try doing the steps above instead. I know they are all hard to do, but they are manageable. Start with step one. It might take you a while to get to step two. Step three is the hardest, but once you meet that special helper, you will regret you had not reached out before.

Warm wishes and the best of luck to you Dear Collectors.
I know you can do it!

Rachel Seavey, Professional Organizer and Owner of Collector Care.
www.collectorcare.com 925-548-7750 SF Bay Area & Worldwide

#collectorCareCares