Hoarding disorder, which is defined by having a difficulty discarding unneeded possessions due to the belief that the items must be saved, affects nearly 3% of all adults. Poor mental health, past trauma, and the effects of aging can all play a part in the development of this disorder. The physical effects of hoarding can involve a person holding onto “junk” items, like mailers and old clothing, which can then manifest as piles of items within a home. This can pose dangers in the household, including increased risk of fire, pest infestations, and mold.
If you or a loved one is struggling with the physical and emotional effects of a hoarding disorder, we can help get life back in order for all parties involved. Our team will work hard to clear the affected space from built-up debris as well as deep clean any surfaces or floors that need additional care. From small apartments to fully-furnished homes, and smaller to advanced messes, we can handle it all.
First and foremost, we’d like to commend you for taking action to positively address the situation. Reno Tahoe Junk Removal recognizes the sensitivities and complexities surrounding a hoarding cleanup, which is why we strive to provide compassionate care with every booking. A cleanup is a great life upheaval, which can be difficult to mentally process. Our team members will happily section out the time it may take to complete the work, and provide check-in calls or visits if you need to put the work on pause for any reason.
FAQ on Hoarding Cleanup Services
What is the process taken with a Hoarding Cleanup service call?
Each hoarding cleanup service we perform will be different, as there are many variables that come into play with an active hoarding site.
Because of the uniqueness of every individual situation, Reno Tahoe Junk Removal has streamlined the cleanup process. By following these steps, we hope to make this process easier on you, us, and all parties involved while minimizing stress and maximizing success.
Step 1: Assessment Stage
- Our team will call about and/or visit the site to assess the scope and scale of the upcoming cleanup. If we are unable to visit the property in-person before we arrive for service, sending pictures is strongly encouraged so our team can prepare the right equipment for the job.
Step 2: Arrival and Sorting Stage
- Our team will arrive on-site ready to begin sorting through items with you and your family’s guidance. If applicable, we will work with a licensed family therapist or mental health professional to help ease this process for the person with active hoarding disorder.
- Sorting categories can include items to keep, items to donate, valuables for sale, recycling, and trash. We encourage clients to prepare a list of items to be sorted and in which category to have a clearer system in place come cleanup. We will provide a separate area and/or bins to place each item in its proper place.
Step 3: Processing Stage
- We will get to work removing trash and items to be dumped to clear the way for items to keep. Our team may use dumpsters, dump trucks and/or dump trailers to complete the work.
- Our team understands that some items that have built up in the space may have sentimental or financial value and should not be thrown out. During processing of each item, we look to our clients for the final say on where an item is sorted.
Step 4: Final Cleanup and Assessment
- After sorting through the items and creating space once again on the property, our team will perform a final cleanup, tackling any dirt or stains that may have permeated through surfaces.
- If there is an excessive presence of possible biohazards, such as mold or biological material, we may outsource to contractors for the additional care needed to sanitize the site.
What items are ineligible in this service?
Any and all prohibited materials found on the property will be sent for removal by outside contractors and/or law enforcement services for proper disposal.
Our Recycling Promise
We care about the environment and can assure you that your items will be disposed of at the proper facilities according to the type of item. For example, appliances will be drained of any contaminants that would be harmful to the environment before recycling or disposal. Items are sorted by type and disposed of either at transfer stations or a landfill. We will recycle common materials, like cardboard, paper, and glass, at no extra cost to you!
NOTE: We do not receive cardboard, paper, or glass materials that have been contaminated (including water damage, rainwater, mold, etc). Please clean and sort these recyclable materials or they will unfortunately be considered trash.
