Hoarders

The Psychological Burden

For a hoarder, items that appear to be worthless trash often hold deep sentimental value. The individual has an emotional attachment to every item, even broken or useless objects. This attachment is rooted in a psychological condition called Hoarding Disorder. When family members or professionals are tasked with the cleanup, they're not just throwing away items; they are confronting the individual's mental health. This can be incredibly difficult for family members, as it can feel like they are betraying their loved one by discarding their possessions. For this reason, professional cleanup crews are often trained to handle these situations with care and empathy, sometimes working with therapists to help the hoarder cope with the loss of their items.

Hazardous Conditions and PPE

The conditions inside a hoarder's home can pose serious health risks. The layers of accumulated material often lead to:

• Pest Infestations: Vermin, such as rats and cockroaches, are common and can carry diseases. Their waste and nesting materials create an environment teeming with bacteria and viruses.

• Mold and Mildew: Trapped moisture and organic waste create an ideal breeding ground for mold, which can cause severe respiratory problems and allergic reactions.

• Biohazards: The home may contain human or animal waste, spoiled food, and other decomposing materials that are a significant biohazard.

• Structural Damage: The sheer weight of the hoarded items can damage a home's flooring and structural integrity.

Due to these hazards, anyone entering the property must wear extensive personal protective equipment (PPE). This includes:

• Full-body Tyvek suits to prevent skin exposure.

• N95 or P100 respirators to protect against airborne mold spores, dust, and other contaminants.

• Safety goggles or a full-face respirator to protect the eyes and face.

• Multiple layers of gloves to protect hands from sharp objects and biohazards.

The Cleanup Process

The cleanup is a multi-stage process that requires a systematic approach. The initial phase is often a "discovery" phase, where the crew carefully sorts through the top layers of material to identify items of significant value, such as legal documents, financial records, or family heirlooms. This is done to minimize the emotional distress of the family.

Once the initial search is complete, the massive physical removal begins. Dumpster after dumpster is filled with material. A typical hoarder's home can require anywhere from five to twenty or more large dumpsters to clear. The process often reveals a level of damage that was previously hidden.

• Material Disposal: It is common for the cleanup to extend beyond just trash removal. Due to severe contamination, the crew may need to dispose of furniture, cabinets, appliances, and even the drywall. In many cases, the original flooring is so contaminated with waste, moisture, and pests that it must be completely ripped out and disposed of, right down to the subfloor. This extensive work is a major part of the overall job.

• Odor and Disinfection: Once the property has been cleared of all material, the next step is to sanitize and deodorize the home. This involves a thorough cleaning of all remaining surfaces and the use of specialized equipment like ozone generators or hydroxyl generators to eliminate lingering odors and kill remaining bacteria and viruses.

In the end, what is often left behind is a gutted, empty shell of a home that requires extensive reconstruction. This is a testament to the devastating effects of hoarding and the immense effort required to restore a property to a habitable state.