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According to the International OCD Foundation, an estimated 2% to 6% of the population is living with hoarding disorder. Although hoarding disorder used to be classified as a sub-type of obsessive-compulsive disorder, it’s now listed as a separate mental health diagnosis. Men and women are equally affected by hoarding disorder, and the condition can run in families. The features of hoarding disorder are similar across economic backgrounds, cultures and countries. For most people with hoarding disorder, symptoms become a problem by the time they’re in their 30s. However, hoarding disorder is three times more common in older adults than younger adults. If you or your loved one is living with hoarding disorder, you’re not alone in your struggle. Eco Bear is a woman-owned and veteran-led hoarder property cleaning company in Calabasas, CA. We offer a prompt response time, thorough work and compassionate customer service to all of our clients.
What Hoarding Disorder Involves
Hoarding disorder involves compulsively or obsessively acquiring more belongings than what comfortably fits in a home or on a property. In addition to continuously bringing in more items, a person with hoarding disorder has a difficult time getting rid of what’s broken, damaged, contaminated or trash. A person with hoarding disorder may have mild symptoms during their younger adult years, and the condition worsens if it doesn’t get treated. After years of compulsively collecting more items, the property becomes full. Although most people with hoarding disorder feel distress about their living situation, they feel powerless to do anything about it. You may feel attached to your belongings or as if you have a responsibility to them.
Which Types of Items People Hoard
Each person’s hoard is different. However, there are some commonly hoarded items that we often find when cleaning a hoarded property in Calabasas. These items include:
- Papers, mail, magazines and books
- Food, including food that’s expired or rotted
- Consumer goods, such as clothing, shoes, purses, jewelry, toys and household decor
- Personal care and household supplies
- Project materials, including wood, fabric, yarn and ephemera
- Vehicles, whether or not they run
Some hoarders may collect pets. The hoarding of pets often occurs when someone cares deeply about animals and takes in strays or feeds the neighborhood cats. If those animals aren’t fixed, their numbers quickly outpace what a person can handle. Eco Bear’s hoarder property cleaners can clean the aftermath of pet hoarding, and we work with Calabasas Humane Society and animal control and rescue groups in order to find appropriate care and homes for hoarded pets.
What Happens to Hoarded Homes and Properties
In the early stages of hoarding, a home might look cluttered or messy. You might misplace things or forget what you had and buy a duplicate. After years of hoarding, you can’t use a hoarded home or property the way it’s intended. Piles of clutter may be stacked on the oven, in the bathtub and on top of the sofa or bed. You may be unable to access appliances. There might not be any room for a plumber or electrician to come in and make repairs. Your stairs could be difficult to navigate, and some rooms could be completely full. Piles of items may overtake living areas, leaving narrow paths from one room to the next. Hoards can also overtake the outdoor property. Items may spill onto the porch, driveway or backyard. When the hoard is visible to neighbors, utility workers and others, it’s more likely to catch the attention of authorities. Your neighbors may complain about the unsightly nature of the property. Many hoards attract pests and vermin, which puts your hoarded property at risk of city building and health code violations. Hoarded homes are also a fire and safety hazard. Firefighters or emergency medical technicians wouldn’t be able to enter the home and rescue you if you needed urgent help.
Why Professional Hoarder Property Cleaning Is a Smart Choice
About 75% of people with hoarding disorder also have another mental health condition. Many hoarders have a chronic illness or disability that impedes their ability to clean their home. In some cases, the hoarded property becomes an emergency. You may need prompt hoarder property cleaning services from Eco Bear when:
- Your home is in violation of health or building codes
- Child or Adult Protective Services is investigating the living situation
- Appliances, plumbing, electrical, heating or cooling systems need repair but are inaccessible
- You’ve fallen or had a medical emergency
- Pests or pets are overtaking your home
- You feel distressed, anxious or depressed about your living environment
Your home didn’t become hoarded overnight, but Eco Bear’s team of professional cleaners can clear the hoard in just a few days of work. Our experience and thoroughness make us the right choice for cleaning all sizes and types of hoards in Calabasas.
How Eco Bear Cleans Hoarded Properties in Calabasas
Our hoarder property cleaning company’s services in Calabasas begin with an inspection of the home and property. We gather information about the size of the hoard and what’s in it. This allows us to coordinate the logistics of the cleaning, including how many dumpsters we need or whether tow trucks will be required. During the cleanup, you’re welcome to be present, but you don’t have to be. If you have special requests or instructions, just let us know.
Benefits of Our Hoarder Property Cleaning Services
Choosing Eco Bear’s efficient hoarder property cleaning services in Calabasas means that the home will be thoroughly cleared and cleaned. Our prompt response time helps you avoid non-compliance fees and complaints from neighbors. We provide documentation for code enforcement. We treat each client with respect and kindness.
