Life can get overwhelming and small piles of things can easily turn into unmanageable clutter. While many people have heard of hoarding, very few know just how prevalent it can be. In fact, according to Psychiatry.com, a whopping 2-6% of the world suffers from Hoarding. In the state of Louisiana alone, an estimated 1 in 5 people suffer from mental illnesses related to hoarding such as obsessive compulsive disorder.
Whether you’re looking to begin spring cleaning with a few projects to help declutter some minor hoarding or need help with a hoarding situation that has gotten out of control, here are a few steps to take to help you tackle hoarding head on.
Schedule time each day to declutter
Even 15 minutes a day can make a difference to help you declutter your home. Make a scheduled time each day and give yourself an achievable chore like empty 3 drawers or tackle one corner of a room to set yourself up for success. If you can stick to this system, you may be surprised by how quickly and easily your clutter begins to disappear. If you’re able to, try and expand the time beyond 15 minutes, especially on days you have more free time to make an even bigger impact.
Focus on one room at a time
Chances are your clutter isn’t just confined to a single room, but rather there is evidence of excessive clutter throughout your home. Decide which room is the most important room for you to clean and start there. If you can’t decide, think of rooms you need to use the most like your bedroom, kitchen, or bathroom. By focusing on a single room at a time, it’s easier to avoid being overwhelmed by the gravity of a messy home.
Toss things you haven’t used in over a year
If your home has an excessive amount of clutter, chances are you barely use everything on a consistent basis. Rather than keeping materials that don’t hold much value or aren’t things you need like old clothes, magazines, bags, and broken appliances, tackle your cleaning with the mindset of “have I used this recently?” and if the answer is no, throw it away.
Ask for help from loved ones
Asking for help can be challenging, especially in a situation where you may feel distressed or embarrassed. If you are overwhelmed by the task of cleaning and decluttering your home, it may actually feel better to have the help of friends and family. Your loved ones have likely noticed your hoarding and can help come from an outside perspective and help you efficiently clean a lot quicker than you could alone.
Know when to ask for professional help
Oftentimes, the accumulation of trash, clothing, food, office supplies, sentimental items, and other things can get out of hand and render a property unsafe. In these situations, simple cleaning tasks will barely make a dent and can make everything feel even more unmanageable. If you or someone you know is in need of help with an extreme hoarding situation, it’s important to work with expert technicians who are discreet and able to help you return your home to a safe and clean condition.
At Xtreme Cleaners we have been helping families dealing with hoarding recover distressed properties in Louisiana for over a decade. Our highly trained technicians wear personal protective equipment and respiratory protection during these cleanups to avoid exposure to possible biohazards. Give us a call at 800-524-9591 for help today.