If your loved one has a persistent difficulty getting rid of items because they think they need to save them, they may be exhibiting hoarding behavior. It can be difficult to get to a point where a hoarder will agree to clean out their home. Once you’ve started the process, you’ll need to make a plan, rent a dumpster, encourage your loved one, and begin with the following steps.

How to Help a Hoarder Clear Out Their Home

1. Make a Plan

You should never go through a hoarder’s house throwing items in the dumpster haphazardly. You should develop a plan that both you and your loved one can agree to. First, determine the criteria for throwing away an item. Examples could be that the items are too damaged to use, it’s more than six months old, like mail or newspapers, or it hasn’t been used in more than two years. You might feel like everything should be thrown away, but you’ll need to make some compromises. 

During this step, you should also figure out the logistics. When will you do the cleaning? When should the dumpster arrive, and how long should it stay? You need to set goals with your loved one, too. Help them figure out why they want to clear out their space, like having people over or walking around safely. These reasons will make the process a little easier.

2. Stay Safe

If your friend or a family member has been hoarding for a while, there may be some health hazards in their home. Papers can mold, and there can be debris that people can trip on. You’ll also want to be wary of cockroach, mice, or rat infestations. Have masks ready in case you run into any hazards.

3. Help Them Sort

The best way to deal with the mess is to make piles. Sort their belongings out by items to throw away, keep, and donate. Donating some of their items can help hoarders. They’ll know that their items aren’t going in the dumpster and that they can help someone else. Since you’ll hopefully be throwing more items away than you’re keeping, make regular trips out to the dumpster to declutter the space.

Consolidated Waste Services in Asheville, NC, offers comprehensive waste management services, including dumpster rental and junk removal. They have over 50 years of combined experience and offer affordable rates and constant customer support. They have dumpsters ranging from 10 to 30 yards to fit your needs. Visit their website or call (828) 645-0660 to get started.