05MAR

Strategies for Overcoming Hoarding: Junk Removal Solutions

Hoarding is a complex issue that affects many people in New Zealand. It involves acquiring items that are not needed or for which there is no space available, and having difficulty throwing things away due to a strong emotional attachment to possessions. This can lead to unmanageable clutter and distress for both the hoarder and their loved ones.

People with hoarding disorder experience anxiety or discomfort about discarding possessions they do not need, often believing that the items will be needed in the future. The primary treatment for hoarding disorder is individual therapy, and a good starting point is discussing concerns with a healthcare professional such as a GP.

In severe cases, a hoarded house may become a fire or health hazard due to blocked exits, stacked papers, vermin infestation, hoarded food, and garbage. The risk of items collapsing and blocking exit routes is also a concern. The state of a hoarded house can negatively affect all occupants and even neighbours.

Items that are often hoarded include:

  • Newspapers, magazines, and miscellaneous paperwork

  • Books

  • Clothes

  • Containers including plastic bags

  • Cardboard boxes

  • Household supplies

  • General rubbish

Cleaning a Hoarder's Home

When helping a loved one who hoards, approach the situation with compassion and understanding. While it may not be easily resolved, taking an organised approach can help loved ones begin the process of cleaning and decluttering their home. Professional junk removal services can also make the process significantly easier for everyone involved. Follow these suggested steps:

Step 1: Establish a Plan of Action

Before decluttering, set clear goals, determine what will be covered by the process, and establish a timeline for completion. Consider involving a professional organiser or therapist with experience working with hoarders.

Step 2: Begin the Decluttering Process

Start the decluttering process gradually, as it can be overwhelming for a hoarder to part with possessions all at once. Focus on one room or area at a time, working slowly and methodically. Encourage your loved one to make decisions about what to keep and discard, offering support and guidance if necessary.

Step 3: Sort and Categorise Items

Sort and categorise items into piles such as "keep", "donate", "sell", and "throw away" to make the decision-making process easier for your loved one. Engaging a professional organizer or decluttering expert can be helpful at this stage.

Step 4: Dispose of Items

Once items are sorted and categorized, dispose of those no longer needed by donating to charities, selling online, engaging a professional removal service, or throwing them away. Follow local legislation when disposing of items, especially if they are hazardous.

Step 5: Clean and Organise

After decluttering, begin cleaning by dusting, vacuuming, and scrubbing surfaces. Consider engaging a professional cleaning service. Organise kept items in a functional and efficient manner using labelled storage containers, bins, and shelves.

Step 6: Maintenance 

Cleaning and decluttering a hoarder's home is a long-term process requiring ongoing maintenance. Establish a routine for keeping the house clean and organised, involving your loved one in the process. Set aside a specific time each week to tackle clutter.

How Junk2Go Can Help With Hoarder's Clearance Services Auckland: Junk Removal

Professional rubbish and junk removal services, such as Junk2Go, have experience dealing with hoarding situations. The clearance process can be challenging emotionally, logistically, and financially.

If you require the Junk2Go hoarder's clearance service or want to discuss how we can assist, easily book online or call our customer service team available 24/7 at 0800 586 524. Our team will be happy to help with the removal process and provide free quotes.

Junk2Go recycles where possible and donates collected items that still have life left in them to those in need. Knowing they are helping someone else can often help a hoarder when disposing of items. We call this donation programme "Junk2Go Turning Junk2Good".