Whether it’s for your own home or a loved one, tackling hoarder clean outs is no easy feat. However, cleaning out is necessary for many reasons. Not only do conditions present fire hazards, but they’re also unsanitary and can cause serious health hazards—like mold—if left unaddressed.

Getting started is one of the most difficult aspects of executing hoarder clean outs, so, once you’re ready to begin, follow these essential tips to help you approach the task:

• Assess the Situation: Take a good look at the space to determine the severity of the situation. Some people save things they might not need to. You might find a cluttered closet or spare room and feel confident enough to handle the clean out on your own. Hoarders, on the other hand, form emotional attachments to objects and save everything imaginable. They’ll have items piled high, making clean outs difficult for the average person to navigate.
• Protect Yourself: If you feel the area is small enough to tackle on your own, wear protective gear like gloves, eye wear, and even a face mask. During the clean-out process, you may find yourself exposed to hazards such as E.coli and staph.
• Use the “3 Pile” Method: Having a systematic approach gives you a starting point and allows you to move as efficiently as possible. As you go along, separate objects into three piles—one for trash, one for objects to keep, and one you’re unsure about. You can go back later to confer with the homeowner or check the value of items online for the “unsure” pile.
• Understand the Disorder: Hoarding is classified as a form of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, according to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America. Thus, if you’re cleaning out a space for a loved one, it’s a good idea to seek input from mental health professionals to approach the endeavor in the best possible way.
• Know When to Recruit Help: You may also need assistance from a junk removal team. Whether you just need help hauling away junk or the clean out is too overwhelming for you to tackle on your own, help is available to get your home back to a healthy, clutter-free state. No clean-out task is worth putting yourself in danger, so never compromise your safety or health to do the cleaning on your own.

If you’re facing a hoarding situation and need clean-out or junk removal services, Red’s Hauling Service in Chicago, IL, can help. Their dedicated team specializes in hoarder clean outs and works closely with homeowners and family members to execute removal as efficiently as possible. If you’d like to discuss solutions with their attentive staff, call (773) 616-0979, or visit their website to learn more.