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Cliff lives in a small apartment. He exhibits elements of hoarding behavior, although his situation has not reached the point that he cannot move through his apartment. His apartment is cluttered and dirty.
Hoarding behavior is a pattern of behavior characterized by the excessive acquisition of and inability to discard possessions, regardless of their actual value. There are three signs that may indicate hoarding behavior, which seem to be exhibited when considering Cliff’s apartment:
- Cluttered living spaces that interfere with the intended use of the area
- Difficulty discarding or parting with possessions, even those that are worn out, useless, or unsanitary
- Distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning as a result of the hoarding behavior.
Cliff receives supportive assistance from the State of California Adult Services Division. His caseworker with Adult Services reached out to Eco Bear to assist in hoarder property cleanup in anticipation of his planned move to another residence. In response to the request for professional assistance, Eco Bear assigned one of its experienced team members, Vanessa, to undertake the job.
Committed to transparent pricing, and with a reputation of providing comprehensive services for the most competitive fees in the industry, Eco Bear charged a fee of $1,000 for the cleanup, including disposal of trash and other items that are not salvageable. The hoarder property cleanup job is slated to take one day to complete.
Primary Steps Associated With Hoarder Property Cleaning
Sometimes, a person may consider undertaking hoarder property cleanup without professional assistance. As mentioned, Cliff and his caseworker elected to go the professional route. Understanding what is involved in hoarder property cleanup can illustrate why the best course frequently is engaging the experienced services of a professional company like Eco Bear and its committed, caring team. Some of the most significant elements of hoarder property cleanup include:
- Make a plan: The first step in hoarder property cleanup is to make a plan. Decide what you want to achieve and how you will do it. Consider the resources you need to complete the job and plan accordingly. Having a clear timeline and budget is crucial, so you know what to expect from the cleanup process.
- Safety first: Before cleaning up, ensure you have the necessary safety gear. Wear gloves, masks, and other protective gear to protect yourself from hazardous materials. Hoarder properties are often filled with sharp objects, mold, and other dangerous materials that can cause harm if not handled correctly.
- Sort and categorize: Sort and categorize the items in the hoarder property. Make piles of items that are going to be discarded, donated, or kept. This step is essential to declutter the property and create a clear space for cleaning and organizing.
- Dispose of hazardous materials: Dispose of hazardous materials first, such as chemicals, paint, and electronics. Contact your local waste management authority for proper disposal. These materials can be harmful to you and the environment if not disposed of correctly.
- Rent a dumpster: If needed (and it oftentimes is) rent a dumpster to dispose of non-hazardous items. A dumpster can be an efficient way to dispose of large amounts of debris. This will save you time and effort in transporting the items to a landfill or other disposal sites.
- Remove large items: Remove large items such as furniture, appliances or any other items that are too large to fit in a dumpster. This step is crucial to create more space for cleaning and organizing.
- Clean surfaces: Once the large items have been removed, start cleaning surfaces. Use a disinfectant to clean all surfaces, including walls, ceilings, and floors. This step is essential to remove any dirt, dust, or mold that may have accumulated over time.
- Repair any damages: Repair any damage to the property such as holes in the walls, broken windows, or damaged floors. This step is necessary to ensure that the property is safe and structurally sound.
- Deep cleaning: After repairs have been made, perform a deep cleaning of the property. Steam clean carpets, clean upholstery, and wash all linens. This step is crucial to remove any bacteria, mold, and other harmful materials that may have accumulated over time.
- Organize remaining items: Organize items that are left in the property. Use storage boxes, shelves, and other storage equipment to make sure everything is in its proper place. This step is essential to create an organized and clutter-free space.
- Hire professionals: If the hoarder property cleanup seems overwhelming, consider hiring a professional cleaning company. They have the expertise and equipment to handle the job efficiently. This step is especially useful if you are dealing with a large or complicated hoarder property.
When Vanessa from Eco Bear completed the hoarding cleanup job, Cliff’s current apartment was ready for a move-out inspection. He was ready to move on to his new residence without the burden of worrying about unnecessarily losing deposit money.
