If you’re concerned about a family member with a hoarding disorder, it might be tempting to simply get a dumpster rental and clean out their home for them. However, since hoarding is a complex disorder, you must work with your loved one to resolve the root of the problem. The guide below covers what you need to know to help them in the long term. 

How Can You Help a Loved One With Hoarding Disorder?

1. Assist With Personal Healing 

Traumatic events or emotional conflicts are often the sources of these disorders, which make people assign potent meanings to excess possessions. Before discussing trash removal, listen to your loved one’s story and let them know how much you care. 

Avoid pointing out obvious truths, like the fact that a clean house is more sanitary than a messy one. The accumulation isn’t due to a lack of knowledge, but an inability to act upon it. To help them heal, discuss visiting a mental health professional.

2. Avoid Enabling 

Despite the importance of focusing on your family member’s comfort, don’t support their negative habits by giving them more items or providing storage.

Gradually begin reducing the number of ways in which you might accommodate a harmful lifestyle. For example, if you pay for their storage unit, let them know that they should sort through stored belongings and move what they want to keep to a smaller space.

3. Involve Them in Planning 

Once your loved one is ready to begin the hard work of cleaning their house, set achievable and measurable goals with them.

Begin with small steps, such as discarding a larger furniture item or repeated belongings. When you get a dumpster rental to tackle larger jobs, make sure they approve. They deserve to feel like they’re in control of their life, and preserving their dignity prevents burnout and resentment.

4. Celebrate Together 

Every time your family member meets a decluttering milestone, be encouraging and celebrate. Avoid gifts, which send mixed messages about accumulating items.

Instead, host a movie night at your home with a film of their choosing, or treat them to dinner at a fancy restaurant. Positive reinforcement motivates them to keep going. 

 

 
When your family member is prepared to start disposing of possessions, get dumpster rentals from Fly By Nite Disposal. Serving Mercer County, WV, and southern Raleigh County, they’ve been meeting the needs of their community for more than 40 years. With a track record of nearly 8,000 happy customers, they’re glad to assist your loved one in starting a new chapter in their life. Call (304) 487-1655 to ask about renting a container, or learn more about their offerings online.