From Overwhelmed to Organized: How to Clean a Hoarder's Home

Cleaning a hoarder’s home is no ordinary task. It’s a process that requires empathy, strategy, and a deep understanding of the unique challenges that hoarding presents. 

At Sanford and Son, we know that every hoarding situation is different, and we’re here to provide a step-by-step guide that goes beyond the basics to help you tackle this delicate task effectively.

1. Understanding the Root Cause of Hoarding

Before diving into the cleanup, take the time to understand the psychology behind hoarding. Hoarding is often linked to anxiety, depression, or trauma. Without addressing these underlying issues, a cleanup effort may lead to relapse. Work with a mental health professional to support the individual during this process if possible.

Pro Tip: Building trust is key. Approach the situation with compassion, not judgment. Let the individual know that your goal is to help, not to shame or force them into action.

2. Assemble the Right Team

Cleaning a hoarder’s home is rarely a one-person job. Assemble a team of family members, friends, or professionals who are physically capable and emotionally prepared for the task. Professional hoarding cleanup services, like those offered by us here at Sanford and Son, can provide expertise, proper equipment, and an impartial perspective.

Checklist for Team Members:

• Gloves, masks, and protective clothing

• Heavy-duty trash bags and bins

• Cleaning supplies

• Emotional resilience and patience

3. Create a Cleanup Plan

Start by evaluating the scope of the project. Walk through the property and document the conditions in each room. Then, prioritize areas based on safety and necessity, such as clearing pathways and removing hazards from kitchens and bathrooms first.

Advanced Tip: Use a color-coded system to categorize items. For example:

• Green: Keep

• Yellow: Undecided

• Red: Discard

This visual system helps streamline decision-making and reduces stress for the individual.

4. Focus on Safety First

Hoarder homes can pose significant health risks, including mold, pests, and structural damage. Before starting, ensure the team has proper safety equipment, such as respirators and durable gloves.

Safety Priorities:

• Remove sharp objects or broken glass.

• Address biohazards such as pet waste or spoiled food.

• Check for fire hazards, such as blocked exits and overloaded electrical outlets.

5. Sort Items Strategically

Sorting is often the most emotionally charged part of the process. Be prepared for resistance and take it slow.

What Sets Us Apart: Encourage the individual to share the story behind specific items. This can make it easier for them to let go. For example, if they’re holding onto an old appliance for sentimental reasons, suggest taking a photo of it as a keepsake.

Pro Tip: Use the “Four-Box Method”:

1. Keep

2. Donate

3. Sell

4. Discard

This structure provides clarity and keeps the process organized.

6. Handle Valuable and Sentimental Items Carefully

Hoarders’ homes often contain hidden treasures, from family heirlooms to forgotten valuables—partner with professionals to appraise items of potential worth. At Sanford and Son, we offer valuation services to ensure nothing of importance is overlooked.

Example: During one cleanup, we discovered a vintage coin collection buried under piles of newspapers. It was valuable and held deep sentimental meaning for the family.

7. Deep Clean and Restore

Once the clutter is removed, the next step is deep cleaning and restoration. This may include:

• Steam-cleaning carpets

• Repairing structural damage

• Treating mold and pest infestations

Consider hiring professional cleaners who specialize in post-hoarding sanitation to ensure the home is safe and habitable.

8. Prevent Relapse with Maintenance Strategies

The work doesn’t end after the cleanup. Preventing a relapse requires ongoing support and systems to maintain order.

Maintenance Tips:

• Create a schedule for regular decluttering sessions.

• Use transparent bins to make stored items visible and accessible.

• Encourage the individual to seek continued therapy or join support groups.

9. Know When to Call Professionals

Cleaning a hoarder’s home can be overwhelming and emotionally taxing. If you feel out of your depth, don’t hesitate to call in experts. 

At Sanford and Son, we offer compassionate, discreet, and efficient hoarding cleanup services tailored to your needs.

Our Promise: We don’t just clean—we restore dignity and peace of mind.

Final Thoughts

Cleaning a hoarder’s home is a journey, not a sprint. It’s about more than just removing clutter; it’s about creating a safe, healthy space for a fresh start. By approaching the task with empathy, strategy, and the right resources, you can make a lasting impact.

If you’re facing the challenge of cleaning a hoarder’s home, let us be your trusted partner. Contact us today to learn how we can help you reclaim the space and restore hope.