Hoarding is characterized by an inability to give up items of seemingly no value, and the resulting clutter can have a profound negative impact if it’s left unaddressed. If you have a loved one with a hoarding disorder, clutter cleanup may seem daunting at first, but resolving the problem is a gradual process. Use these tips to help them.

4 Steps to Help Someone With a Hoarding Issue

1. Set Achievable Goals

Recovering from hoarding is an ongoing process, so be reasonable about your clutter cleanup goals. One small goal could be to clear out a small area like a single cabinet or drawer. Another goal may be to discard a certain number of items per week.

These small efforts will divide up a monumental task into something achievable. Additionally, setting attainable milestones with your loved one will help them build up confidence and feel proud of their progress.

2. Don’t Clean Up After Them

Regularly cleaning up for a loved one who hoards doesn’t address the root of the issue. Additionally, it allows your loved one to avoid doing the work to change their situation themselves.

Offering your time through a planned organizing effort is an ideal way to show support, but day-to-day cleaning is not.

3. Encourage Them to Seek Help 

Many people who hoard recognize that it’s a problem but can’t get started with addressing it alone. Connect your loved one with helpful resources. Professional treatment for hoarding ranges from cognitive behavioral therapy to skills training in organization and decision-making for removing clutter. 

4. Volunteer Your Time

Helping your loved one get organized is not the same as enabling them. Show your support by performing clutter cleanup with your loved one or attending a hoarding support group with them. Volunteering your time shows that you care and will motivate your loved one to stick with the recovery plan.

To help your loved one restore their home to a happy, healthy space, contact All Care Restorations of Roca, NE, to handle the clutter cleanup. For over 25 years, they’ve provided clutter removal, disaster restoration, and carpet cleaning services to the residents of southeast Nebraska. Their licensed professionals will tackle even the toughest messes in your home. Call (402) 421-3779 to schedule an appointment, or visit their website to learn more about their clutter cleanup services.