A hoarding disorder can impact the quality of a person’s life and their relationships with friends and family. From old newspapers to used food containers, hoarders hold on to items that no longer have a purpose, causing their homes to quickly fill up with garbage. When the suggestion of junk removal is brought up by others, hoarders become distressed over the idea of throwing anything out. If you think a loved one might have this compulsive tendency and needs help, here are a few ways to confirm your suspicions. 

3 Ways to Tell Whether Your Loved One Is a Hoarder

1. Clutter Makes It Impossible to Navigate Areas

Although many people are messy, you should be concerned if clutter makes it difficult or dangerous to access certain areas of the house. When a hoarder runs out of room to put items on tables and chairs, they’ll stack objects or toss them into piles. As the junk accumulates, it could block doors, hallways, and other exits. If a fire starts, your loved one could get trapped inside the house. For their safety, they should speak with a psychologist to find ways to combat hoarding behavior. With help, they’ll no longer have strong emotions about getting rid of clutter and will be more receptive to the idea of junk removal.

2. Most Items Are Unusable

When you look at the clutter, assess what sorts of objects are taking up much-needed space in the person’s home. If rooms are filled with broken gadgets, ripped and stained clothing, and other worthless items, a compulsion to hoard might be the reason your loved one can’t part with the junk. If they no longer use items in good condition but won’t donate them to charity, this decision could also be caused by a hoarding disorder.  

3. There Are Several Pets in the Home

Apart from accumulating objects, many hoarders also adopt or purchase more pets than they can manage. If animals aren’t properly cared for, they could get sick and die. If feces and urine aren’t cleaned up, the waste could attract pests, and the smell could also make it difficult to breathe in the space. If your loved one has various animals roaming through the clutter, it might be time they get professional help. 

If you need hoarder cleanout services for a loved one or junk removal to declutter your own space, contact the team at Red's Hauling Service. Based in Chicago, IL, the staff has over 20 years of experience and will quickly remove unwanted belongings from one room or the entire house. To schedule cleanout services in Cook or DuPage counties, call (773) 616-0979. Visit the junk removal specialists online to see how they will improve property safety and comfort.