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Verna explained that she needs the assistance of professionals like those at Eco Bear who are patient, understanding, and experienced in working with individuals like her who exhibit hoarding behavior and very well may have hoarding disorder.
The compassionate, experienced hoarder property cleanup team at Eco Bear has an extensive background in working with people in Verna’s position. Eco Bear team members are equipped to help people who hoard in making decisions about what items to dispose of, what things to give away, and what objects to keep.
Because Eco Bear could not precisely determine how long it would take to complete the hoarder property cleanup at Verna’ residence, the firm quoted an hourly rate. The reality is that nearly always, the cost of Eco Bear’s services is far less expensive than the competition, on average 50 percent below what less effective crews charge.
In the case of Verna’s home, Eco Bear charged $75 an hour per crew member, with an 8-hour minimum. Workers do get a 30-minute meal break. In addition, Eco Bear charged $200 per ton for offsite trash disposal.
Verna can determine how many people she wants working at her home. She can have one person work at her home and increase the number of Eco Bear team members working there if she chooses to do so.
Eco Bear – Always There
Eco Bear is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 52 weeks a year. Eco Bear charges the same fee for service even if work is performed at “odd hours” or over weekends. In a non-emergency situation, Eco Bear requests 12 hours advance notice.
Points to Ponder When Preparing to Assist a Person Who Hoards
The reality is that Verna is something of an exception to the rule. It is not all that commonplace for a person dealing with hoarding issues to reach out directly to a hoarder property cleanup company like Eco Bear directly as had happened in this instance. Instead, typically, a family member or friend is something of an intermediary in this regard.
Understanding this reality and recognizing that hoarding is more widespread than most people might currently realize, understanding some key points about how to prepare to assist a person who hoards is the information we are all well advised to understand:
- Be patient and empathetic when discussing the hoarder’s possessions. Hoarders may feel a strong attachment to their items, and it can be difficult to let go of things they perceive as valuable or important. It’s essential to approach the situation with sensitivity and understanding.
- Please recognize that the hoarder may feel a strong emotional attachment to their possessions. Hoarders often feel that their possessions are an extension of themselves and that they define who they are. It’s important to acknowledge this feeling and work with the hoarder to find ways to manage their possessions that are comfortable for them.
- Encourage the hoarder to focus on their goals and what they want to achieve. Hoarders may feel overwhelmed by the amount of stuff they’ve accumulated over the years. Encouraging them to focus on their goals and what they want to achieve can help them stay motivated and make progress.
- Help the hoarder break down the process into manageable steps. Hoarding can be a daunting task to tackle all at once. It’s important to help the hoarder break down the process into smaller, more manageable steps that they can work on over time.
- Suggest that the hoarder start with a small area or category of items. Starting small can be a great way to build momentum and make progress. Encouraging the hoarder to start with a small area or category of items can help them feel more in control and give them a sense of accomplishment.
- Ask the hoarder to identify items that are truly important to them and those that are not. Helping the hoarder identify the items that are truly important to them can help them prioritize their possessions and make it easier to let go of things that are less important.
- Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of keeping each item. Encouraging the hoarder to think critically about the items they’re keeping can help them make more informed decisions about what to keep and what to let go of.
- Suggest alternative ways to keep the memory of an item without keeping the physical object. Hoarders often keep items because they represent a memory or a feeling. Suggesting alternative ways to keep the memory of an item, such as taking a photo or writing a description, can help the hoarder let go of physical objects while still retaining the memory.
- Help the hoarder identify community resources or professionals who can assist them in the process. There are many resources available to hoarders, including therapists, professional organizers, and support groups. Helping the hoarder find the right resources can give them the support they need to make progress.
- Reassure the hoarder that progress takes time and setbacks are normal. Hoarding is a complex issue, and progress can be slow. It’s important to reassure the hoarder that setbacks are normal and that progress takes time.
- Celebrate the hoarder’s successes and encourage them to keep working towards their goals. Hoarding can be a difficult issue to address, and it’s important to celebrate the hoarder’s successes along the way. Encouraging them to keep working towards their goals can help them stay motivated and make progress over time.
