When Should You Contact a Professional Hoarding Cleanup Service?

Many homes are cluttered. A home affected by hoarding disorder is something else: a living space that can no longer be used safely because of the volume of belongings. Knowing when to call a professional can protect the person who lives there.

Clutter or hoarding?

Hoarding disorder is a recognized mental health condition marked by persistent difficulty discarding possessions, regardless of their value. It is more than untidiness or collecting. It is often linked to anxiety, depression, trauma or loss. If you are worried about someone, remember that they are likely distressed and may feel ashamed.

Signs it may be time for professional help

• Exits, stairs or hallways are blocked.
• Bathrooms, kitchens or bedrooms cannot be used for their purpose.
• There is spoiled food, pest activity, mold or animal waste.
• Heating, plumbing or electrical systems are blocked or unsafe.
• A landlord, inspector or code enforcement officer has raised concerns.
• The home needs to be cleared for a sale, move or estate settlement.
• A fall or medical event makes the home unsafe for return.

Approach with compassion

Studies of hoarding disorder consistently show that forced cleanouts rarely work and can cause distress. If you are a family member:

1. Start with concern for safety and well-being instead of judgment.
2. Ask what matters most to the person and listen.
3. Offer help in small steps rather than demanding wholesale change.
4. Encourage professional mental health support and consider involving a physician or social worker.
5. Discuss a plan for after the cleanup, because support helps prevent recurrence.

What a professional provider can do

Providers vary in what they offer, so ask. Some focus on organizing and decluttering, while others handle biohazard remediation where there is spoiled food, waste or contamination. A good provider will:

• Agree on goals with the homeowner or authorized representative.
• Sort items into keep, donate, recycle and dispose.
• Work in stages when appropriate.
• Handle contamination with protective equipment.
• Clean, sanitize and address odors.

Legal and safety situations

If a property has been cited by a code officer or a court has ordered cleanup, ask your provider to explain what documentation they can supply. If you are a landlord, consider legal advice before taking action on a tenant's belongings.

Do not go in alone

• Avoid entering heavily affected areas without protection.
• Avoid discarding items without the owner's consent unless the law and safety require it.

Read more about our hoarding cleanup referral service.

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