House Hoarders | How to Clean, Restore, and Sell the House of a Hoarder

Introduction

Dealing with a house hoarder situation can be overwhelming. Whether you’re helping a family member or managing an inherited property, tackling the house of a hoarder is a big challenge. From hoarder house cleaning to exploring selling options, there’s a lot to consider. In this post, we’ll cover key steps to help you clean and restore a hoarder house, along with some tips for selling it once it’s ready.

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What Is a House Hoarder?

A house hoarder is someone who collects and keeps items to an excessive degree. Over time, these items take up rooms, fill hallways, and make a home nearly impossible to live in or maintain safely. From old newspapers to broken appliances, a house of a hoarder can be filled with anything and everything.

Hoarding isn’t just clutter; it’s a recognized mental health condition, meaning cleaning a hoarder house often requires a sensitive approach. Clearing the home is only part of the task; understanding what led to the situation and supporting those affected is essential.

Challenges of Cleaning a House of a Hoarder

Tackling a house hoarder property has many obstacles. Let’s go over some common challenges you might face in this process:

1. Volume of Items

Hoarder homes often contain an overwhelming amount of items, making it tough to move through rooms or even access essentials like the kitchen or bathroom. Clearing out can be time-consuming and requires organization.

2. Health and Safety Hazards

House hoarders may end up with pests, mold, and biohazards in their homes. If you’re cleaning a hoarder house, watch out for these hazards, as they can lead to health risks. In some cases, you may need to call professionals.

3. Emotional Attachment

Many hoarders feel strong emotional connections to their belongings, which can make letting go difficult. If you’re helping someone close to you, patience and understanding are key.

4. Structural Issues

With years of items piling up, some hoarder houses suffer from structural issues. Floors, walls, and ceilings may be under strain, especially in older homes. Consulting a contractor might be wise if you suspect structural damage.

Steps for Cleaning a Hoarder House

Cleaning a house hoarder property requires patience, planning, and a step-by-step approach. Here’s a guide to help you get started:

1. Start with a Plan

Before diving into the cleanup, take time to make a plan. Which rooms need the most attention? What items can be immediately discarded? Setting priorities can make a huge difference and help avoid feeling overwhelmed.

2. Wear Protective Gear

For safety, wear gloves, masks, and protective clothing. You’ll likely come across dust, mold, and other substances that can be harmful.

3. Sort Items into Categories

Create categories like “Keep,” “Donate,” “Sell,” and “Discard.” Breaking down items this way can help you organize the process and make decisions faster. It’s also easier to keep track of what you’re dealing with.

4. Consider Hiring Professional Help

If the job feels like too much, you’re not alone. Professional hoarder house cleaning services are available and can make a big difference, especially if you’re dealing with health hazards or large quantities of items.

5. Schedule a Deep Clean

Once you’ve cleared out most items, a deep clean is necessary. This step includes scrubbing surfaces, removing mold, and addressing any persistent odors. A clean, fresh environment can make the home feel like new.

Practical Tips for House Cleaning in Hoarder Homes

If you’re managing the house of a hoarder, these tips can make a difficult task feel a bit more manageable:

1. Be Patient and Compassionate

Cleaning a hoarder house requires patience, especially if you’re helping a loved one. Take things one step at a time and avoid rushing. Patience and compassion go a long way.

2. Take It Room by Room

Trying to tackle the entire home at once can feel impossible. Focus on one room at a time, making it easier to see progress and keep motivated.

3. Ask for Support

Don’t do it alone! Family, friends, and even community volunteers can lend a hand. Hoarding cleanup can be emotionally and physically draining, so support is important.

4. Avoid Judgment

Remember that hoarding is a mental health issue, not just “messiness.” Approach the situation without judgment to maintain a positive, supportive environment.

Options After Cleaning: Selling a Hoarder House

Once the hoarder house cleaning is complete, you may wonder if it’s possible (or even wise) to sell the home. Here are some options to consider:

1. Sell the House As-Is

Selling the house “as-is” can save time and money, especially if you’re not interested in making additional repairs. Many buyers or real estate investors specialize in purchasing hoarder houses without the need for you to do any further work.

2. Find a Real Estate Agent with Experience

Selling a hoarder house isn’t the same as selling a typical home. A real estate agent who has worked with hoarder properties will know how to navigate the market and find buyers who are open to the unique challenges of the home.

3. Work with House Flippers

House hoarder flippers are investors who buy homes in poor condition, renovate them, and sell them for a profit. Many flippers are specifically interested in hoarder homes and will pay fair prices for properties in need of major cleaning and repair.

When to Call for Professional Hoarder House Cleaning Services

In some cases, DIY cleanup isn’t an option. Here’s when to consider calling in professional hoarder house cleaning services:

Health Risks: If the home has mold, biohazards, or pest issues, professionals have the equipment and expertise to clean it safely.
Heavy Lifting and Disposal: If you’re dealing with large amounts of trash or bulky items, professionals can manage these without risking injury.
Emotional Support: Professional teams understand the emotional toll of cleaning a hoarder home and can offer non-judgmental support.

Julian Price House and House Hoarders in Popular Culture

Hoarding is an issue that has even made its way into popular media. The Julian Price House became famous as a historical hoarder home that required extensive cleanup and restoration. It’s a reminder that hoarding affects people from all backgrounds, and every hoarder house has its unique story.

Similarly, the House Hoarders TV Show has brought attention to the struggles of hoarding, showing both the challenges and the potential transformations that hoarder homes can undergo. The series highlights the emotional side of hoarding and the importance of understanding and support.

Conclusion

Cleaning and managing a house hoarder situation is no small feat. With a step-by-step approach, patience, and support, it’s possible to restore the home and even prepare it for sale. Whether you’re thinking about cleaning up the property on your own or hiring professionals, remember that there’s no right or wrong way to handle a house of a hoarder.

If you’re considering selling the home, keep in mind that there are buyers who specialize in hoarder properties and will work with you to close a fair deal. Remember, the journey might be long, but each step gets you closer to a safer, cleaner, and more manageable home.

HOARDING SOURCES

Specific statistics on the number of non-animal hoarding cases in Georgia for 2024 are not readily available. However, hoarding disorder is recognized as a significant mental health issue nationwide, affecting approximately 2-5% of the adult population. In Georgia, various organizations and mental health professionals offer support and treatment for individuals dealing with hoarding behaviors. For instance, the Georgia Hoarding Task Force collaborates with local agencies to address and manage hoarding situations. Additionally, mental health professionals in the state provide cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), which has been shown to be effective in treating hoarding disorder. For more detailed information or assistance, contacting local mental health services or the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities is recommended.