search

Dos and Don’ts When Cleaning Up a Hoarder’s Home

Are you challenged by home cleanups? Keeping a home clean and tidy is a tedious chore for many homeowners. So it is not surprising that cleaning up clutter and junk from a hoarder’s abode can try one’s patience.

Generally, cleaning up is not a matter of picking up things here and there. It involves an action plan that details a systematic approach to ensuring that all the mess is properly categorized and discarded efficiently.

But when tackling a hoarder’s junk pile, it can take some strategizing and additional help from a professional.

Handling hoarding issues

Hoarding may be a compulsive behavior that needs not only physical but also psychological help. If the hoarding is linked to a mental disorder, you need help from an expert because it requires proper communication. If the contact breaks down, it might not be easy to organize a cleanup.

Implementing a hoarding cleanup requires patience and care. If the hoarding has something to do with a mental health issue, you should first understand the condition.

Here are some of the things you can do:

  • Connect with the hoarder by letting them know that you will be there during and after the cleanup.
  • If you are a hoarder or someone you know is in this situation, seek help from a professional who specializes in hoarding.
  • Continue motivating the hoarder to get rid of the things they do not actually need through constant communication.
  • Emphasize that cleaning up will ensure their safety. Discuss the benefits of creating a safer home environment by removing the things they hoard, whether objects, animals, or other stuff. Talk to them about being safe until they are amenable before actually removing the junk.
  • Since the items have an emotional connection to the person, agree with them that they are important, and tell them that they are no longer useful. Make them understand that you will be keeping the things you discuss confidentially. Get help by contacting a professional hoarding cleanup company that has trained staff to handle the cleanup.
  • Get on their emotional side and let them know that they can help others by donating some of the items they possess. Discuss these things patiently and respectfully.

What you should not do:

  • Do not make fun of the hoarder. Understand their condition and make sure that you show empathy.
  • Do not show a gung-ho attitude and tell them to discard all the things they have collected. It is vital to keep communicating with them and giving them time to settle and accept that they have to part with the things that have emotional and sentimental value.
  • Do not be upset or angry with a hoarder. Keep calm and avoid judging them. If you cannot handle it, let a professional do the talking.
  • When you initially contact a hoarder, do not touch the items, but assess them visually and identify the things that you can remove immediately and what you can leave for further negotiation.
  • Do not treat them as a child. Most of them are educated and intelligent and can sense if you are talking down or patronizing them. Treat them like you would treat a sensitive adult. 

For the cleanup to progress, make the hoarder understand what you need to do and what they can do to help you find new homes for the things they hoard.

Mother’s Day 2025: In Conversation With Sunita Kohli and Kohelika Kohli

Designing a home is often referred to as a very intimate thing, a balance of the aesthetic and the emotional, the timeless and the functional. This Mother’s Day 2025, Dulux Velvet Touch joined hands with K2 India, helmed by Sunita Kohli and Kohelika Kohli, to bring their vision to life. For them, design isn’t just […]

Read More

Bathroom Storage Design 2025: 20 Ideas For Your Home

As houses become more efficient and conscious, bathroom storage design is rising to the occasion in terms of function and aesthetic. In 2025, all about sleek looks, intelligent solutions, and eco-friendliness. From floating vanity to modular organizers, these bathroom storage solutions merge functionality with style, ideal for contemporary Indian homes that need order, sophistication, and […]

Read More

Designing a Wellness Bathroom Ideas for Everyday Relaxation

When it comes to bathrooms, many people prioritize aesthetics, luxury, modernity, and so on. And indeed, the end result is often beautiful, especially when done by highly-trained professionals like Denver Bathroom Pros. While you’re at it though, why not add in one more aspect to focus on? Wellness is a concept often overlooked by homeowners […]

Read More

The Art of Rug Design: Weaving Spaces Together

We often wander through our homes on autopilot, barely noticing the surfaces beneath our feet. Yet the humble rug—particularly the increasingly popular washable rugs — can transform our living spaces in ways we rarely pause to appreciate. These fabric canvases not only protect our floors and provide comfort, but they also create invisible boundaries that […]

Read More

Curtains for Living Room Interiors: 15 Trending Ideas In 2025

Curtains for living room spaces do more than cover windows—they define mood, enhance style, and elevate functionality. In India, where design preferences blend tradition with innovation, choosing the right curtains for living room décor becomes a key element in crafting beautiful and personalised interiors. From airy sheers to rich velvets, every curtain style speaks a […]

Read More

Lighting in Interior Design: 20 Brilliant Ideas for Modern Indian Spaces 

Lighting in interior design isn’t simply a utility anymore; it makes a statement, strong and bold in the individual’s personality, mood, and style. Lighting has gone beyond the functional in Indian homes or offices. They are now used to incorporate beautiful installations that are unique, sculptural, and custom-made to evoke strong designs in these environments. […]

Read More

15 Courtyards in Houses: Designing Tranquil Spaces That Elevate Homes

Timeless architectural features, such as courtyards, are always associated with bringing the naturally public forms to the world’s heart, building the most peaceful, secluded outdoor areas. These outdoor spaces maximize the living experience with their private space feature, which gives one the option for leisurely relaxation, recreation, or gardening. Furthermore, it has also been a […]

Read More

50 Timeless Pooja Room Door Design For Indian Homes

Indian homes place equal importance on pooja room door designs as they do on main door designs. With diverse and unique ethnic backgrounds, every family strives to reflect their personalities and identities in their designs. These identities can encompass religious or spiritual interests, local contexts, or other personal elements. This series of blogs, featuring 50 […]

Read More

20 Screening Evergreen Trees for Indian Home Landscaping

The integration of screening evergreen trees serves as an artful blend of practicality and natural beauty. These screening evergreen trees, with their lush foliage and diverse benefits, play a crucial role in enhancing privacy. It also blocks unwanted views, and contributes to the overall well-being of homeowners. From the majestic Jamun trees to the versatile […]

Read More

50 Magnificent Gate Design That Will Protect Your Home

Gate Design is an important feature of any home. Numerous scopes for experimentation open up when delving into the design possibilities. Materials like wood and black steel are popular options in Indian homes. At the same time, designers also experiment with a combination of materials that suits their aesthetic. Buying mass-produced Sydney automated gates has […]

Read More
  • Simplicity Is the Measure of Comfort- How to Decorate Your Bedroom

    Manikkal Mana : A Restoration Project featuring Traditional Kerala Architecture Details | Durga Sarath Architects