HOARDING CLEANUP MEMPHIS - "Facts and Insights into Hoarding Disorder: Understanding the Mental Illness that Drives Compulsive Hoarding and Collecting Behavior in fayette, Shelby, tipton counties in tennessee & Desoto county mississippi"
(901) 604- 1717
The mental illness that causes one to hoard and collect things is called hoarding disorder. It is characterized by persistent difficulty in discarding or parting with possessions, regardless of their actual value. Individuals with hoarding disorder typically experience intense distress at the thought of disposing of their belongings and the idea of others discarding them can be particularly distressing.
Hoarding disorder often starts in early adulthood, with symptoms gradually worsening over time. It can lead to significant clutter in living spaces, making it difficult to use rooms for their intended purposes. The accumulation of possessions can jeopardize the safety and functionality of the home, leading to impaired functioning and social isolation.
While the exact causes of hoarding disorder are not fully understood, research suggests that it may be influenced by a combination of genetic, environmental, and neurological factors. Traumatic experiences, such as the loss of possessions or the death of a loved one, may also play a role in triggering or exacerbating hoarding behavior.
From a therapeutic perspective, it's important to approach hoarding disorder with compassion and understanding. When working with individuals with hoarding tendencies, therapists use a collaborative and non-judgmental approach to build a trusting therapeutic relationship. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) techniques are commonly employed to help individuals challenge their beliefs and thoughts about possessions, develop strategies to reduce acquiring and improve organization skills, and gradually practice discarding items.
In addition to CBT, therapists may also incorporate other modalities such as motivational interviewing, mindfulness-based approaches, and family therapy to address the emotional and interpersonal aspects of hoarding disorder. Building a support system and involving family members or close friends can be invaluable in the process of recovery.
Overall, therapists aim to help individuals with hoarding disorder improve their quality of life by reducing clutter, enhancing their ability to organize, and addressing any underlying emotional or psychological challenges that contribute to their hoarding behaviors. Treatment can provide individuals with the skills, strategies, and support necessary to gradually overcome the symptoms of hoarding disorder and lead a more functional and fulfilling life.
Hoarding Intervention
As a therapist, intervening with a hoarder requires a compassionate and sensitive approach. It is important to remember that hoarding typically stems from deep-rooted emotional and psychological issues, so the intervention should focus on addressing these underlying causes rather than just the physical clutter.
1. Establish Trust and Rapport: Building a trusting relationship with the hoarder is crucial. Show empathy, non-judgment, and create a safe space for open and honest communication. This will help them feel heard and understood, fostering a foundation for positive change.
2. Educate and Normalize: Provide information about hoarding disorder, its potential causes, and the associated challenges. It's essential to communicate that hoarding is not a character flaw or laziness but rather a complex psychological issue that can be treated.
3. Assess Motivation: Gauge the hoarder's readiness and willingness for change. Explore their goals, values, and desires to help them understand how their current behavior is hindering their well-being and overall quality of life.
4. Collaboratively Set Realistic Goals: Work together to set achievable goals for the hoarder. Encourage them to start with small, manageable steps such as clearing a designated area or letting go of a certain number of items each day. This will prevent overwhelming feelings and foster a sense of accomplishment.
5. Encourage Self-Reflection: Help the hoarder explore the emotional attachment they may have to their possessions. Encourage them to reflect on why certain items hold such significance, which can lead to deeper insights about themselves and their emotional needs.
6. Develop Coping Strategies: Assist the hoarder in developing healthy coping mechanisms to replace the reliance on hoarding. This may involve exploring alternative ways to manage stress, such as engaging in hobbies, practicing self-care, or seeking social support.
7. Connect to Resources: Provide information about support groups, professional organizers, or therapists who specialize in hoarding disorder. Encourage the hoarder to seek professional help to supplement your therapeutic work.
8. Foster Accountability and Follow-up: Regularly check in with the hoarder to reinforce progress, address setbacks, and provide support. Hold them accountable in a gentle and non-blaming manner, emphasizing the importance of consistency and perseverance in their journey towards change.
Remember, intervention with a hoarder requires patience, understanding, and a non-confrontational approach. Assure the hoarder that you are there to support them throughout the process, as therapy will likely be a long-term commitment in addressing the underlying causes of hoarding behavior.
STEPS TO TAKE WHEN CLEANING OUT A HOARDERS' HOME
Clutter removal: The first step in a hoarder cleanout is removing clutter from all areas of the house. Clutter includes any item that takes up space and serves no purpose. Clutter can consist of old newspapers, cardboard boxes, packaging, clothing, and much more. Clearing clutter will give you an idea of the extent of the hoarding problem.
Organization: Once you have cleared the clutter, the next step is organizing the remaining items. You can use containers, bins, and shelves to keep everything in order. It's essential to categorize the items based on their use, importance, and placement.
Deep cleaning: With the clutter removed, the next step is deep cleaning. You may need to hire professional cleaners to help with this task. Deep cleaning involves scrubbing, disinfecting, and deodorizing the house to eliminate any dirt, dust, or grime that may have built up over time. Safety assessment: After the deep cleaning, it's crucial to conduct a safety assessment of the home.
Check for structural damage, electrical wiring issues, and any other hazards that may pose a threat to the occupant's safety. Repair any issues identified during the safety assessment.
Maintenance: Once the hoarder cleanout is complete, it's essential to maintain the cleanliness and organization to prevent clutter from building up again. Regularly conduct general housekeeping tasks like dusting, sweeping, and vacuuming to keep everything in order.
In conclusion, hoarder cleanout involves removing clutter, organizing the remaining items, deep cleaning, safety assessment, and maintenance. The help of professionals, such as cleaners, organizers, and home inspectors, can make the process go smoothly. With the right techniques, hoarder cleanout can restore the home's safety, health, and functionality.
Cost of hoarder cleaning services or cost to clean a hoarder's house in Tennessee & Desoto County Mississippi
Contact the professional service providers at Extended Arms Cleaning Contractors if you need extreme cleaning of a hoarder home or for a hoarder’s house deep cleaning to get the exact investment because every cluttered house is different. Extended Arms Cleaning Contractors offer the most honest, affordable and reasonable hoard cleanup price throughout the Mid-South region. Call the certified hoarding experts at Extended Arms Cleaning Contractors at (901) 604-1717 to evaluate the situation and put together a plan to clean out and restore the home to a livable state. Over the past 23 years combined with our sister company, Extended Arms Cleaning Contractors have worked with hundreds of clients all over Tennessee & Mississippi. Extended Arms Cleaning Contractors can be there in your time of need and give you a clean space and a peace of mind. As bad as you think your situation is, we have seen worse-Trust us!
Extended Arms Cleaning Contractors, a specialty cleaning service provider that specialize in extreme deep cleaning. Not only will we remove unwanted belongings, but our hoard cleaning technicians can also sort, clean and sanitize the entire home and everything else that needs to be done, if quoted. Extended Arms Cleaning Contractors helps people each and every day, our clients consistently rate our services above average. We are not finished with a job until you are completely and overwhelmingly satisfied. Our experienced cleaners will handle all aspects of restoring a dirty home and providing a home cleanout from beginning to end, from de-cluttering the home, organizing the home to deep cleaning the home.
HOARDING CLEANING ISN’T JUST ABOUT THROWING STUFF AWAY, IT’S ABOUT MAKING SURE THE HOME IS RETURNED TO A HABITABLE STATE THAT IS HEALTHY TO LIVE IN AND FREE OF BIOHAZARDS.
EXTENDED ARMS CLEANING CONTRACTORS HOARDING CLEANS MOST OFTEN INCLUDE TRASH CLEANUP, REMOVAL AND DISPOSAL, ODOR REMOVAL, DISPOSING OF EFFECTED FURNITURE AND EFFECTS, TILES AND CARPETS AND REMOVAL OF ALL HUMAN AND ANIMAL WASTE AND BODY FLUIDS. QUITE OFTEN BIOHAZARDS CANNOT BE SEEN BY THE NAKED EYE. THIS IS WHY WITH EACH HOARDING CLEAN WE WILL THOROUGHLY CLEAN AND DISINFECT EACH SURFACE, NOOK AND CRANNY TO ENSURE THE BEST POSSIBLE CLEAN. OUR CLEANING TECHNICIANS ARE PROFESSIONAL HOARDING REMEDIATORS WITH OVER 23 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE, COMBINED.
SYMPTOMS AND BEHAVIOR OF SOMEONE WHO HOARDS MAY EXHIBIT THE FOLLOWING:
INABILITY TO THROW AWAY POSSESSIONS
SEVERE ANXIETY WHEN ATTEMPTING TO DISCARD ITEMS
GREAT DIFFICULTY CATEGORIZING OR ORGANIZING POSSESSIONS
INDECISION ABOUT WHAT TO KEEP OR WHERE TO PUT THINGS
DISTRESS, SUCH AS FEELING OVERWHELMED OR EMBARRASSED BY POSSESSIONS
SUSPICION OF OTHER PEOPLE TOUCHING ITEMS
OBSESSIVE THOUGHTS AND ACTIONS:
FEAR OF RUNNING OUT OF AN ITEM OR OF NEEDING IT IN THE FUTURE; CHECKING THE TRASH FOR ACCIDENTALLY DISCARDED OBJECTS FUNCTIONAL IMPAIRMENTS, INCLUDING LOSS OF LIVING SPACE, SOCIAL ISOLATION, FAMILY OR MARITAL DISCORD, FINANCIAL DIFFICULTIES, HEALTH HAZARDS REASONS FOR HOARDING
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN COLLECTING AND HOARDING?
A HOARDER’S HOUSE IS FILLED WITH MULTIPLE BOXES, CARTONS, NEWSPAPERS, AND OLD LETTERS. EVEN THE FLOORS ARE STACKED WITH LOTS OF ITEMS. ON THE OTHER HAND, COLLECTORS STORE ALL THE MATERIALS SAFELY AND PROTECT THEM FROM DAMAGE. IN ADDITION, A COLLECTOR TAKES THE PRICE IS SHOWING OFF THE COLLECTED ARTICLES. BUT A HOARDER OFTEN STAYS AWAY FROM FRIENDS AND FAMILY MEMBERS.
What is Hoarding Disorder?
Hoarding is a mental disorder, which develops over time and goes unrecognized until the conditions go out of control. Hoarding is a psychological condition that causes distress when someone or something goes out away. It’s generally caused by some significant losses in life, like the death of grandparents, parents, or children.
It is estimated that millions of people in the U.S. are living in hoarders homes. Hoarding is not the result of laziness or harmless “packrat” habits. It is a condition that has been addressed in research as a type of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
Hoarding is defined by specific behaviors:
Acquiring a large assortment of items and failing to discard what seems to be useless or of little value.
Living spaces become so cluttered that they cannot be used for their intended purposes.
A few of the reasons people hoard include emotional attachments to objects, intense decision-making difficulties, and a profound fear of making mistakes. It is good to remind ourselves of the characteristics of compulsive hoarding disorder. There is deep emotional attachment to belongings, with the inability to distinguish between trash and treasures. These homes fall into a serious state of disrepair because maintenance or repair people cannot enter the home. Even family members and friends have been kept away for many years in most cases. In the cases of animal hoarding, animal waste may be present throughout the home. However, hoarding has only recently become a subject of research. A great deal of work remains to be done to further pinpoint the medical and societal cause(s) of this condition.
How to identify a hoarder?
A lot of chronic troubles can be identified if you notice the symptoms, but hoarding could be different. Hoarders cannot get rid of materials and are sometimes traumatic about it. We can give you a wide range of examples. But this one is suitable – a hoarder is someone who has the cup of the tea, but he or she is unable to toss the tea bag into the bin. In other words, hoarders get emotionally attached to materials that are mostly useless for other individuals. Most hoarders become mentally and emotionally attached to their pets and sentimental items.
Is hoarding dangerous?
A hoarder deals with a lot of personal and social problems. Plus, there are a lot of unsafe risks of fire, structural damage, self-harm and rodent infestation, which could cause harm to other residents nearby harm as well.
How to help a hoarder?
You might not be able to help a hoarder without professional assistance. The sufferers often make a taboo of their hoarding issues. They do not allow anyone to enter the house. In addition, they do not want to discuss their problems. Extended Arms Cleaning Contractors offer discreet hoard cleanup, hoard removal and hoarder disinfecting, deodorizing, decontamination and sanitizing services in order for them to have a fresh start. Extended Arms Cleaning Contractors offers hoarding assistance and solutions across Tennessee & Mississippi and can be contacted anytime. We offer emergency scheduling and rapid response for Hoard Cleaning Services.
Health and Safety issues can accompany Hoarding.
People who hoard can face health risks from trips and falls, mold/ dust/ mildew allergen exposure, infectious disease from disease carrying rodents and insects, fire hazards in their dangerously cluttered and contaminated homes. People who hoard might also suffer from depression and/or perfectionism. Research shows that many hoarders suffer a combination of disorders. Hoarding may be a symptom of more than one illness. Hoarding is more common among senior citizens and the elderly, but they are not the only age group to suffer from it. Years ago when you asked people if they knew what a hoarder was, they would not know what or who are you talking about. Now days with all the news reports and television shows about hoarders, almost everybody knows about a hoarder and some even claims one in their family. Direct intervention can save a hoarders life. If you suspect something is wrong in a friend or relatives home get someone else involved and go together to see if you can talk with them and offer to help. In other circumstances you may have to get social workers and the police involved.
Do you want to clean your residence or declutter a hoarder’s house? Cleaning items while respecting the emotional values of a hoarder could be challenging. Plus, there could be lots of heavy items in a soiled state. So, you also have to deal with physical difficulties.
Why A Hoarder Clean Up May Be Required?
These are the reasons why you should consult a local hoarder cleaning professional.
-The home may be uninhabitable or unsafe to residents
-A relative has died leaving an unmanageable hoard of items to be cleared from a home.
-Someone suffering OCD, depression, anxiety or mental health issues may be struggling with the amount of items
they are keeping in their home.
-A caregiver or support worker may need to arrange a cleanup before a resident can move back into their home.
-A family member or friend who is concerned about someone and needs some help.
-You yourself may be aware that there is an issue in your home that you require assistance with.
Freedom from things is possible.
Hoarders are often highly functional individuals outside of their homes and express the wish to make changes alone, without help. Working alone, however, usually results in frustration and “churning”. Which is the relocation of items without an actual reduction in quantity. But, Freedom from Things is possible with the right help and support from someone who understands. With cognitive behavioral therapy, hoarders have been able to stop saving memories and start making them!
How can hoarder cleaning company in Tennessee & Mississippi help a hoarder?
Cleaning a hoarder’s residence could be challenging. You can try and accomplish such a task, but consulting professionals is better because they specialize in tackling such a situation. Generally, they ask family members or friends for hoarding support to help the sufferer, or the experts contact social services for assistance.
What does the hoarder house cleaning process involve?
Mind-set preparation:
Forced cleaning of a hoarder’s house could be too problematic for the sufferer. So, the first step is to bring him or her to the right mind-set. A family member or friend can be helpful in this situation. Anyone who can comfort the residents and help them focus out of all the mess.
How long does it take to clean a Hoarder's Home?
Most properties can be cleaned within one to three days, depending on its size and available items.
More importantly, the size of the hoarding cleaning crew or the hoarding cleaning team really matters.
The number of days could increase if the hoarder has a huge property, lots of unwanted items or do not hire a team of cleaners. More cleaners will help speed the cleanup process. Extended Arms Cleaning Contractors work directly with the hoarder or family in choosing what needs to be put in the trash or donated. Our hoard cleanup team will NEVER discard any item before consulting with the rightfully owner or family member in charge of the hoard cleanout process.
Extended Arms Cleaning Contractors offers support in the donation process.
Hoarding specialists work with homeowners to pick a charitable cause that helps them and their family. As soon as a charity or cause is chosen, items are sorted out to make sure donations are separate from significant items that should be kept in the home. Once the donations have been decided upon, our hoarding specialists will arrange for transportation of the salvageable items to be donated in most cases.
Proper Disposal of Special Items in a Hoarder's Home
Any items that could cause health risks, structural damage to the property, or attract unwanted animals and insects is discarded legally and in compliance with OSHA regulations. This could include rotten food, spoiled boxes, containers, wrappers, soiled materials (apparel, used chemicals, etc.) and hazardous items. During the biohazard cleaning process, all biohazards are also disposed of – especially if animal hoarding remediation is needed. Items contaminated by dead animal feces, urine, vomit, syringe needles or other bodily fluids is either properly disposed of or deep cleaned by the hoarding specialists.
Deep Cleaning a Hoarder Home & Sanitation
Once the sorting and sorting process has been complete, a hoarding specialist from Extended Arms Cleaning Contractors will offer a cleaning estimate of the property, if not quoted, to start deep cleaning and begin the sanitation process. This will ensure that the homeowners’ health and the health of their family will remain intact long after the deep cleaning process has been completed.
Respect and dignity are the keys when helping a Compulsive Hoarder
You might think that the hoarders are collecting a lot of components because it’s what they want. But the reality differs. They are dealing with a serious disorder, which is more dangerous than you can imagine. It often leads to depression, dementia and OCD. So, it’s better to encourage a hoarder about medical consultation.
Hoarders generally collect numerous items, which is useless for most of us. The articles often include newspapers, mail, magazines, old clothes, tupperware, plastic containers, animals, food, and even hazardous waste, which results in health troubles. They also store all the items in an unorganized manner, leaving no space for movement. Such a situation also results in fire. Such activities of the hoarders not only put their lives in danger but also affect the day-to-day activities. Most hoarders do not talk about their illness because they feel embarrassed. So, it’s crucial to deal with them sensibly because the problem is the habit of hoarding, not the person.
PLEASE READ before booking hoarding cleanup services with Extended Arms Cleaning Contractors in TN & MS
HOARDER APPLIANCES - Cluttered CLOSETS
Extended Arms Cleaning Contractors DO NOT clean appliances with infestations or gross buildup including mold.
Our cleaners WILL toss out all the food and Items.
We recommend the appliances be replaced or client may call an appliance restoration company for assistance.
Closets are rarely seen during the initial estimate due to the amount of clutter blocking the entry way and is NOT included in the initial estimate. Blocked closets and rooms must be QUOTED SEPARATELY as a add-on.
SORTING & ORGANIZING
When hiring Extended Arms Cleaning Contractors for garage cleaning or hoard cleanup service.
Sorting & Organizing is NOT included unless quoted separately. Our cleaners main focus will be to tackle the decluttering process at hand. First by separating the junk from the goods. It's levels to this process that will be explained on-site.
Scenario:
Let's say, our cleaners removed all items from a closet and sorted the items accordingly, "keep" "donate" "trash."
It is not their job to organize the KEEP items. They will only secure the KEEP items by storing them somewhere safe. Home Organization is time consuming, and client must schedule an organizing session separately.
If you or someone you know have a hoarding disorder
Don't hesitate to give Extended Arms Cleaning Contractors a call, we'll be excited to Help!
(901) 604-1717
The mental illness that causes one to hoard and collect things is called hoarding disorder. It is characterized by persistent difficulty in discarding or parting with possessions, regardless of their actual value. Individuals with hoarding disorder typically experience intense distress at the thought of disposing of their belongings and the idea of others discarding them can be particularly distressing.
Hoarding disorder often starts in early adulthood, with symptoms gradually worsening over time. It can lead to significant clutter in living spaces, making it difficult to use rooms for their intended purposes. The accumulation of possessions can jeopardize the safety and functionality of the home, leading to impaired functioning and social isolation.
While the exact causes of hoarding disorder are not fully understood, research suggests that it may be influenced by a combination of genetic, environmental, and neurological factors. Traumatic experiences, such as the loss of possessions or the death of a loved one, may also play a role in triggering or exacerbating hoarding behavior.
From a therapeutic perspective, it's important to approach hoarding disorder with compassion and understanding. When working with individuals with hoarding tendencies, therapists use a collaborative and non-judgmental approach to build a trusting therapeutic relationship. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) techniques are commonly employed to help individuals challenge their beliefs and thoughts about possessions, develop strategies to reduce acquiring and improve organization skills, and gradually practice discarding items.
In addition to CBT, therapists may also incorporate other modalities such as motivational interviewing, mindfulness-based approaches, and family therapy to address the emotional and interpersonal aspects of hoarding disorder. Building a support system and involving family members or close friends can be invaluable in the process of recovery.
Overall, therapists aim to help individuals with hoarding disorder improve their quality of life by reducing clutter, enhancing their ability to organize, and addressing any underlying emotional or psychological challenges that contribute to their hoarding behaviors. Treatment can provide individuals with the skills, strategies, and support necessary to gradually overcome the symptoms of hoarding disorder and lead a more functional and fulfilling life.
Hoarding Intervention
As a therapist, intervening with a hoarder requires a compassionate and sensitive approach. It is important to remember that hoarding typically stems from deep-rooted emotional and psychological issues, so the intervention should focus on addressing these underlying causes rather than just the physical clutter.
1. Establish Trust and Rapport: Building a trusting relationship with the hoarder is crucial. Show empathy, non-judgment, and create a safe space for open and honest communication. This will help them feel heard and understood, fostering a foundation for positive change.
2. Educate and Normalize: Provide information about hoarding disorder, its potential causes, and the associated challenges. It's essential to communicate that hoarding is not a character flaw or laziness but rather a complex psychological issue that can be treated.
3. Assess Motivation: Gauge the hoarder's readiness and willingness for change. Explore their goals, values, and desires to help them understand how their current behavior is hindering their well-being and overall quality of life.
4. Collaboratively Set Realistic Goals: Work together to set achievable goals for the hoarder. Encourage them to start with small, manageable steps such as clearing a designated area or letting go of a certain number of items each day. This will prevent overwhelming feelings and foster a sense of accomplishment.
5. Encourage Self-Reflection: Help the hoarder explore the emotional attachment they may have to their possessions. Encourage them to reflect on why certain items hold such significance, which can lead to deeper insights about themselves and their emotional needs.
6. Develop Coping Strategies: Assist the hoarder in developing healthy coping mechanisms to replace the reliance on hoarding. This may involve exploring alternative ways to manage stress, such as engaging in hobbies, practicing self-care, or seeking social support.
7. Connect to Resources: Provide information about support groups, professional organizers, or therapists who specialize in hoarding disorder. Encourage the hoarder to seek professional help to supplement your therapeutic work.
8. Foster Accountability and Follow-up: Regularly check in with the hoarder to reinforce progress, address setbacks, and provide support. Hold them accountable in a gentle and non-blaming manner, emphasizing the importance of consistency and perseverance in their journey towards change.
Remember, intervention with a hoarder requires patience, understanding, and a non-confrontational approach. Assure the hoarder that you are there to support them throughout the process, as therapy will likely be a long-term commitment in addressing the underlying causes of hoarding behavior.
STEPS TO TAKE WHEN CLEANING OUT A HOARDERS' HOME
Clutter removal: The first step in a hoarder cleanout is removing clutter from all areas of the house. Clutter includes any item that takes up space and serves no purpose. Clutter can consist of old newspapers, cardboard boxes, packaging, clothing, and much more. Clearing clutter will give you an idea of the extent of the hoarding problem.
Organization: Once you have cleared the clutter, the next step is organizing the remaining items. You can use containers, bins, and shelves to keep everything in order. It's essential to categorize the items based on their use, importance, and placement.
Deep cleaning: With the clutter removed, the next step is deep cleaning. You may need to hire professional cleaners to help with this task. Deep cleaning involves scrubbing, disinfecting, and deodorizing the house to eliminate any dirt, dust, or grime that may have built up over time. Safety assessment: After the deep cleaning, it's crucial to conduct a safety assessment of the home.
Check for structural damage, electrical wiring issues, and any other hazards that may pose a threat to the occupant's safety. Repair any issues identified during the safety assessment.
Maintenance: Once the hoarder cleanout is complete, it's essential to maintain the cleanliness and organization to prevent clutter from building up again. Regularly conduct general housekeeping tasks like dusting, sweeping, and vacuuming to keep everything in order.
In conclusion, hoarder cleanout involves removing clutter, organizing the remaining items, deep cleaning, safety assessment, and maintenance. The help of professionals, such as cleaners, organizers, and home inspectors, can make the process go smoothly. With the right techniques, hoarder cleanout can restore the home's safety, health, and functionality.
Cost of hoarder cleaning services or cost to clean a hoarder's house in Tennessee & Desoto County Mississippi
Contact the professional service providers at Extended Arms Cleaning Contractors if you need extreme cleaning of a hoarder home or for a hoarder’s house deep cleaning to get the exact investment because every cluttered house is different. Extended Arms Cleaning Contractors offer the most honest, affordable and reasonable hoard cleanup price throughout the Mid-South region. Call the certified hoarding experts at Extended Arms Cleaning Contractors at (901) 604-1717 to evaluate the situation and put together a plan to clean out and restore the home to a livable state. Over the past 23 years combined with our sister company, Extended Arms Cleaning Contractors have worked with hundreds of clients all over Tennessee & Mississippi. Extended Arms Cleaning Contractors can be there in your time of need and give you a clean space and a peace of mind. As bad as you think your situation is, we have seen worse-Trust us!
Extended Arms Cleaning Contractors, a specialty cleaning service provider that specialize in extreme deep cleaning. Not only will we remove unwanted belongings, but our hoard cleaning technicians can also sort, clean and sanitize the entire home and everything else that needs to be done, if quoted. Extended Arms Cleaning Contractors helps people each and every day, our clients consistently rate our services above average. We are not finished with a job until you are completely and overwhelmingly satisfied. Our experienced cleaners will handle all aspects of restoring a dirty home and providing a home cleanout from beginning to end, from de-cluttering the home, organizing the home to deep cleaning the home.
HOARDING CLEANING ISN’T JUST ABOUT THROWING STUFF AWAY, IT’S ABOUT MAKING SURE THE HOME IS RETURNED TO A HABITABLE STATE THAT IS HEALTHY TO LIVE IN AND FREE OF BIOHAZARDS.
EXTENDED ARMS CLEANING CONTRACTORS HOARDING CLEANS MOST OFTEN INCLUDE TRASH CLEANUP, REMOVAL AND DISPOSAL, ODOR REMOVAL, DISPOSING OF EFFECTED FURNITURE AND EFFECTS, TILES AND CARPETS AND REMOVAL OF ALL HUMAN AND ANIMAL WASTE AND BODY FLUIDS. QUITE OFTEN BIOHAZARDS CANNOT BE SEEN BY THE NAKED EYE. THIS IS WHY WITH EACH HOARDING CLEAN WE WILL THOROUGHLY CLEAN AND DISINFECT EACH SURFACE, NOOK AND CRANNY TO ENSURE THE BEST POSSIBLE CLEAN. OUR CLEANING TECHNICIANS ARE PROFESSIONAL HOARDING REMEDIATORS WITH OVER 23 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE, COMBINED.
SYMPTOMS AND BEHAVIOR OF SOMEONE WHO HOARDS MAY EXHIBIT THE FOLLOWING:
INABILITY TO THROW AWAY POSSESSIONS
SEVERE ANXIETY WHEN ATTEMPTING TO DISCARD ITEMS
GREAT DIFFICULTY CATEGORIZING OR ORGANIZING POSSESSIONS
INDECISION ABOUT WHAT TO KEEP OR WHERE TO PUT THINGS
DISTRESS, SUCH AS FEELING OVERWHELMED OR EMBARRASSED BY POSSESSIONS
SUSPICION OF OTHER PEOPLE TOUCHING ITEMS
OBSESSIVE THOUGHTS AND ACTIONS:
FEAR OF RUNNING OUT OF AN ITEM OR OF NEEDING IT IN THE FUTURE; CHECKING THE TRASH FOR ACCIDENTALLY DISCARDED OBJECTS FUNCTIONAL IMPAIRMENTS, INCLUDING LOSS OF LIVING SPACE, SOCIAL ISOLATION, FAMILY OR MARITAL DISCORD, FINANCIAL DIFFICULTIES, HEALTH HAZARDS REASONS FOR HOARDING
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN COLLECTING AND HOARDING?
A HOARDER’S HOUSE IS FILLED WITH MULTIPLE BOXES, CARTONS, NEWSPAPERS, AND OLD LETTERS. EVEN THE FLOORS ARE STACKED WITH LOTS OF ITEMS. ON THE OTHER HAND, COLLECTORS STORE ALL THE MATERIALS SAFELY AND PROTECT THEM FROM DAMAGE. IN ADDITION, A COLLECTOR TAKES THE PRICE IS SHOWING OFF THE COLLECTED ARTICLES. BUT A HOARDER OFTEN STAYS AWAY FROM FRIENDS AND FAMILY MEMBERS.
What is Hoarding Disorder?
Hoarding is a mental disorder, which develops over time and goes unrecognized until the conditions go out of control. Hoarding is a psychological condition that causes distress when someone or something goes out away. It’s generally caused by some significant losses in life, like the death of grandparents, parents, or children.
It is estimated that millions of people in the U.S. are living in hoarders homes. Hoarding is not the result of laziness or harmless “packrat” habits. It is a condition that has been addressed in research as a type of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
Hoarding is defined by specific behaviors:
Acquiring a large assortment of items and failing to discard what seems to be useless or of little value.
Living spaces become so cluttered that they cannot be used for their intended purposes.
A few of the reasons people hoard include emotional attachments to objects, intense decision-making difficulties, and a profound fear of making mistakes. It is good to remind ourselves of the characteristics of compulsive hoarding disorder. There is deep emotional attachment to belongings, with the inability to distinguish between trash and treasures. These homes fall into a serious state of disrepair because maintenance or repair people cannot enter the home. Even family members and friends have been kept away for many years in most cases. In the cases of animal hoarding, animal waste may be present throughout the home. However, hoarding has only recently become a subject of research. A great deal of work remains to be done to further pinpoint the medical and societal cause(s) of this condition.
How to identify a hoarder?
A lot of chronic troubles can be identified if you notice the symptoms, but hoarding could be different. Hoarders cannot get rid of materials and are sometimes traumatic about it. We can give you a wide range of examples. But this one is suitable – a hoarder is someone who has the cup of the tea, but he or she is unable to toss the tea bag into the bin. In other words, hoarders get emotionally attached to materials that are mostly useless for other individuals. Most hoarders become mentally and emotionally attached to their pets and sentimental items.
Is hoarding dangerous?
A hoarder deals with a lot of personal and social problems. Plus, there are a lot of unsafe risks of fire, structural damage, self-harm and rodent infestation, which could cause harm to other residents nearby harm as well.
How to help a hoarder?
You might not be able to help a hoarder without professional assistance. The sufferers often make a taboo of their hoarding issues. They do not allow anyone to enter the house. In addition, they do not want to discuss their problems. Extended Arms Cleaning Contractors offer discreet hoard cleanup, hoard removal and hoarder disinfecting, deodorizing, decontamination and sanitizing services in order for them to have a fresh start. Extended Arms Cleaning Contractors offers hoarding assistance and solutions across Tennessee & Mississippi and can be contacted anytime. We offer emergency scheduling and rapid response for Hoard Cleaning Services.
Health and Safety issues can accompany Hoarding.
People who hoard can face health risks from trips and falls, mold/ dust/ mildew allergen exposure, infectious disease from disease carrying rodents and insects, fire hazards in their dangerously cluttered and contaminated homes. People who hoard might also suffer from depression and/or perfectionism. Research shows that many hoarders suffer a combination of disorders. Hoarding may be a symptom of more than one illness. Hoarding is more common among senior citizens and the elderly, but they are not the only age group to suffer from it. Years ago when you asked people if they knew what a hoarder was, they would not know what or who are you talking about. Now days with all the news reports and television shows about hoarders, almost everybody knows about a hoarder and some even claims one in their family. Direct intervention can save a hoarders life. If you suspect something is wrong in a friend or relatives home get someone else involved and go together to see if you can talk with them and offer to help. In other circumstances you may have to get social workers and the police involved.
Do you want to clean your residence or declutter a hoarder’s house? Cleaning items while respecting the emotional values of a hoarder could be challenging. Plus, there could be lots of heavy items in a soiled state. So, you also have to deal with physical difficulties.
Why A Hoarder Clean Up May Be Required?
These are the reasons why you should consult a local hoarder cleaning professional.
-The home may be uninhabitable or unsafe to residents
-A relative has died leaving an unmanageable hoard of items to be cleared from a home.
-Someone suffering OCD, depression, anxiety or mental health issues may be struggling with the amount of items
they are keeping in their home.
-A caregiver or support worker may need to arrange a cleanup before a resident can move back into their home.
-A family member or friend who is concerned about someone and needs some help.
-You yourself may be aware that there is an issue in your home that you require assistance with.
Freedom from things is possible.
Hoarders are often highly functional individuals outside of their homes and express the wish to make changes alone, without help. Working alone, however, usually results in frustration and “churning”. Which is the relocation of items without an actual reduction in quantity. But, Freedom from Things is possible with the right help and support from someone who understands. With cognitive behavioral therapy, hoarders have been able to stop saving memories and start making them!
How can hoarder cleaning company in Tennessee & Mississippi help a hoarder?
Cleaning a hoarder’s residence could be challenging. You can try and accomplish such a task, but consulting professionals is better because they specialize in tackling such a situation. Generally, they ask family members or friends for hoarding support to help the sufferer, or the experts contact social services for assistance.
What does the hoarder house cleaning process involve?
Mind-set preparation:
Forced cleaning of a hoarder’s house could be too problematic for the sufferer. So, the first step is to bring him or her to the right mind-set. A family member or friend can be helpful in this situation. Anyone who can comfort the residents and help them focus out of all the mess.
How long does it take to clean a Hoarder's Home?
Most properties can be cleaned within one to three days, depending on its size and available items.
More importantly, the size of the hoarding cleaning crew or the hoarding cleaning team really matters.
The number of days could increase if the hoarder has a huge property, lots of unwanted items or do not hire a team of cleaners. More cleaners will help speed the cleanup process. Extended Arms Cleaning Contractors work directly with the hoarder or family in choosing what needs to be put in the trash or donated. Our hoard cleanup team will NEVER discard any item before consulting with the rightfully owner or family member in charge of the hoard cleanout process.
Extended Arms Cleaning Contractors offers support in the donation process.
Hoarding specialists work with homeowners to pick a charitable cause that helps them and their family. As soon as a charity or cause is chosen, items are sorted out to make sure donations are separate from significant items that should be kept in the home. Once the donations have been decided upon, our hoarding specialists will arrange for transportation of the salvageable items to be donated in most cases.
Proper Disposal of Special Items in a Hoarder's Home
Any items that could cause health risks, structural damage to the property, or attract unwanted animals and insects is discarded legally and in compliance with OSHA regulations. This could include rotten food, spoiled boxes, containers, wrappers, soiled materials (apparel, used chemicals, etc.) and hazardous items. During the biohazard cleaning process, all biohazards are also disposed of – especially if animal hoarding remediation is needed. Items contaminated by dead animal feces, urine, vomit, syringe needles or other bodily fluids is either properly disposed of or deep cleaned by the hoarding specialists.
Deep Cleaning a Hoarder Home & Sanitation
Once the sorting and sorting process has been complete, a hoarding specialist from Extended Arms Cleaning Contractors will offer a cleaning estimate of the property, if not quoted, to start deep cleaning and begin the sanitation process. This will ensure that the homeowners’ health and the health of their family will remain intact long after the deep cleaning process has been completed.
Respect and dignity are the keys when helping a Compulsive Hoarder
You might think that the hoarders are collecting a lot of components because it’s what they want. But the reality differs. They are dealing with a serious disorder, which is more dangerous than you can imagine. It often leads to depression, dementia and OCD. So, it’s better to encourage a hoarder about medical consultation.
Hoarders generally collect numerous items, which is useless for most of us. The articles often include newspapers, mail, magazines, old clothes, tupperware, plastic containers, animals, food, and even hazardous waste, which results in health troubles. They also store all the items in an unorganized manner, leaving no space for movement. Such a situation also results in fire. Such activities of the hoarders not only put their lives in danger but also affect the day-to-day activities. Most hoarders do not talk about their illness because they feel embarrassed. So, it’s crucial to deal with them sensibly because the problem is the habit of hoarding, not the person.
PLEASE READ before booking hoarding cleanup services with Extended Arms Cleaning Contractors in TN & MS
HOARDER APPLIANCES - Cluttered CLOSETS
Extended Arms Cleaning Contractors DO NOT clean appliances with infestations or gross buildup including mold.
Our cleaners WILL toss out all the food and Items.
We recommend the appliances be replaced or client may call an appliance restoration company for assistance.
Closets are rarely seen during the initial estimate due to the amount of clutter blocking the entry way and is NOT included in the initial estimate. Blocked closets and rooms must be QUOTED SEPARATELY as a add-on.
SORTING & ORGANIZING
When hiring Extended Arms Cleaning Contractors for garage cleaning or hoard cleanup service.
Sorting & Organizing is NOT included unless quoted separately. Our cleaners main focus will be to tackle the decluttering process at hand. First by separating the junk from the goods. It's levels to this process that will be explained on-site.
Scenario:
Let's say, our cleaners removed all items from a closet and sorted the items accordingly, "keep" "donate" "trash."
It is not their job to organize the KEEP items. They will only secure the KEEP items by storing them somewhere safe. Home Organization is time consuming, and client must schedule an organizing session separately.
If you or someone you know have a hoarding disorder
Don't hesitate to give Extended Arms Cleaning Contractors a call, we'll be excited to Help!
(901) 604-1717
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