Hoarders retain so much junk in their homes that it can become a health hazard, which is concerning for loved ones. If you know someone dealing with a hoarding disorder, here’s how you can help them.

Do:

Listen to their perspective.

Whether your loved one has an emotional attachment to items for what they represent or thinks they’ll be needed one day, hear out those thoughts. Many hoarders feel misunderstood and looked down upon, so an empathetic stance will make them open up more and be more receptive to your help. 

Research hoarding.

It’s easy to assume hoarders are just messy or lazy people, but hoarding is a disorder and should be treated as such. When you understand why people get attached to items others may perceive as junk and why those items remind them of happier times, it’s easier to engage with them.

Don’t:

Interfere with their belongings.

In a hoarding situation, you may need to touch some items to navigate the home, but be careful not to move anything. Your loved one may take offense if you rearrange their belongings without permission.

Likewise, don’t try to throw anything away. Resolving a hoarding situation is not only an emotional challenge for your loved one but can also be hazardous. It usually requires protective gear and even professional cleanup and disposal services.

Enable them.

While judging and pushing the hoarder is the wrong course of action, so is enabling them. Don’t get them physical items as gifts—send cards or take them on outings instead. Likewise, don’t offer to move items for them or provide additional storage space. The fewer resources they have to fuel their habit, the easier it will be to leave it behind. 

 

If you’re helping a hoarder and need hauling services, call Pacific Junk Removal. The disposal service company serves homes and businesses throughout the Honolulu, HI, area. Not only do their 18-cubic-yard trucks have enough space to haul plenty of junk away, but they also recycle and reuse whatever they can to preserve the environment. To schedule a pickup, call (808) 833-7171, or visit their website to find out more about their capabilities.