Cleaning A Hoarder's Bedroom: A Step-By-Step Guide

Cleaning a hoarder's bedroom is a challenging task that requires careful planning and execution. It is important to recognize that hoarding is often associated with underlying mental health issues, such as OCD, PTSD, depression, or anxiety. Therefore, it is crucial to approach the situation with empathy and understanding. Before initiating the cleaning process, it is advisable to assess the situation, identify the underlying causes, and develop a comprehensive plan of action. This plan should include gathering the necessary cleaning and storage supplies, such as trash bags, recycling bags, boxes, disinfectants, gloves, and masks.

When cleaning a hoarder's bedroom, it is recommended to focus on one room at a time. Start by removing all items from the room, sorting them into designated piles for trash, donation, or recycling. It is essential to involve the individual in the decision-making process, as hoarding can evoke strong emotional responses. After clearing the clutter, perform a deep clean of the room, including dusting, vacuuming, sanitizing, and washing walls, floors, and ceilings.

Throughout the cleaning process, it is important to take regular breaks and maintain a supportive team to help with the physical and emotional demands of the task. Remember that hoarding cleanups can be emotionally draining for both the individual and the cleaning team, so patience and understanding are key. By following these steps and maintaining a well-organized approach, it is possible to transform a hoarder's bedroom into a safe, livable space.

Evaluate the situation and create a plan

Before you start, it's important to take stock of the situation and create a plan of action. This will help you stay organized and ensure that you don't become overwhelmed by the task at hand. Here are some steps to help you evaluate the situation and create an effective plan:

• Assess the clutter: Take a look at the bedroom and identify the areas that need the most attention. Are there piles of clothes, trash, or other items scattered across the floor? Are there cobwebs in the ceiling? Is the mattress in need of sanitizing? Identifying the specific areas that need to be addressed will help you create a targeted plan.
• Set clear goals: Determine what you want to achieve by cleaning the hoarder bedroom. Do you want to create a more restful and peaceful space? Are you aiming to improve the mental and physical well-being of the occupant? Setting clear goals will help you stay focused and motivated throughout the cleaning process.
• Make a list: Create a detailed list of tasks that need to be completed. This could include picking up trash, decluttering surfaces, vacuuming the floor, sanitizing the mattress, and so on. Having a written list will help you stay organized and ensure that you don't forget any important steps.
• Gather the necessary tools and supplies: Ensure that you have all the tools and supplies you need before you begin. This includes cleaning products, trash bags, vacuum cleaners, microfiber cloths, and any other equipment that will help you efficiently complete the job.
• Break down the task into manageable steps: Cleaning a hoarder bedroom can be overwhelming, so it's important to break down the task into smaller, more manageable steps. For example, you could start by picking up trash and decluttering the space before moving on to the next step, such as vacuuming or sanitizing surfaces.
• Set a timeline: Determine how much time you want to spend on each task and set a timeline for completing the overall cleaning process. This will help you stay on track and ensure that you don't spend too much time on any one task.
• Prioritize tasks: Some tasks may be more urgent or important than others. Prioritize the tasks based on their level of importance and urgency. For example, sanitizing a mattress may be a higher priority than organizing a closet, as it directly impacts the occupant's health and well-being.
• Create a system for sorting items: As you declutter the space, you'll need to decide what to do with the items you come across. Create a system for sorting items into categories such as "keep", "donate", "recycle", and "trash". This will help you efficiently go through the items and make decisions about what to do with them.
• Involve the occupant: If possible, involve the occupant of the bedroom in the planning process. They may have specific requests or concerns that you should take into account. Additionally, their input can help you better understand the situation and create a plan that aligns with their needs and preferences.
• Be flexible: Remember that your plan may need to change as you go along. Unexpected challenges or obstacles may arise, and that's okay! Stay flexible and be willing to adjust your plan as needed.

By following these steps, you can effectively evaluate the situation and create a well-thought-out plan for cleaning a hoarder bedroom. This will help ensure that the process is efficient, organized, and tailored to the specific needs of the space.

Understand the reasons for hoarding

Understanding the reasons behind hoarding behaviours is an important step in addressing the issue. While the exact cause of hoarding disorder is unknown, there are several factors that have been identified as contributing to the development of this mental health condition.

Firstly, hoarding can be linked to difficult experiences and painful feelings that individuals may find challenging to express, face or resolve. For example, some individuals may start hoarding in response to a traumatic event, such as the loss of a loved one, a breakup, abuse, bullying, physical health issues, loneliness, or prolonged stress. These experiences can make it hard for people to let go of possessions associated with these memories. Additionally, childhood experiences, such as poverty, neglect, or having belongings taken away, can also contribute to hoarding tendencies in adulthood.

Secondly, hoarding can be a coping mechanism for individuals struggling with other mental health problems, such as anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The accumulation of items may provide a sense of comfort or distraction from overwhelming negative emotions. In some cases, individuals may also struggle with impulse control, making it difficult to resist buying or acquiring unnecessary items.

Thirdly, perfectionism and worrying can play a role in hoarding behaviours. Individuals may worry about making mistakes, struggle with decision-making, or have difficulty planning and organising. This can lead to an avoidance of sorting and discarding items, as the idea of making the wrong decision can be distressing.

Lastly, family history and habits can influence hoarding tendencies. There may be a genetic predisposition, with hoarding behaviours running in families. Additionally, individuals who grew up in a household where hoarding was present may have learned these behaviours and adopted them as their own.

It is important to recognise that hoarding is a complex issue influenced by a combination of factors. By understanding the underlying reasons for hoarding, individuals can begin to address the root causes and develop healthier coping strategies with the help of mental health professionals.

Set manageable goals

Setting manageable goals is an important step in cleaning a hoarder's bedroom. Here are some tips to help you set realistic and achievable goals:

Start with a Plan:

Before you begin the cleaning process, it is crucial to have a well-thought-out plan in place. Assess the situation and the extent of the hoarding. Understand that cleaning a hoarder's bedroom is not a one-day task; it will take time, effort, and multiple sessions to accomplish. Decide on the scope of work for each session, such as which areas to focus on and what tasks to complete. Setting clear and specific goals will make the process less overwhelming and help you stay motivated.

Break it Down:

Divide the cleaning process into smaller, more manageable tasks. Instead of trying to tackle the entire bedroom at once, break it down into sections or zones. You can start with a specific corner, a closet, or focus on one type of item at a time. This approach will make the task feel less daunting and help you make steady progress.

Prioritize Areas:

Identify the areas or items that are causing the most clutter or posing a health and safety hazard. These could be areas with excessive piles, blocking access or creating a fire hazard. Prioritize these areas for immediate attention to reduce risks and create a sense of progress.

Set Realistic Timelines:

Recognize that cleaning a hoarder's bedroom is a time-intensive process. Be realistic about how much time it will take to complete each task or section. Allocate sufficient time for each session, whether it's a few hours or an entire day. Understand that progress may be slow, and setbacks may occur. Be patient with yourself and adjust your timelines as needed.

Focus on One Room at a Time:

Concentrate your efforts on one room or area at a time. Trying to tackle multiple rooms simultaneously will only lead to frustration and burnout. By focusing on a single room, you can make noticeable progress and gradually work your way through the entire bedroom.

Remember, the key to setting manageable goals is to be realistic and flexible. Understand that the process will take time, and there may be emotional challenges along the way. Be kind to yourself, celebrate small victories, and maintain a consistent effort toward your ultimate goal of a clean and organized bedroom.

Get the right supplies and processes

Before you start cleaning a hoarder's bedroom, it's important to have the right supplies and a clear process in place. Here are some detailed instructions to help you get started:

Assess the Situation and Create a Plan:

Understand the extent of the hoarding and create a step-by-step plan for the cleaning process. Set realistic goals and deadlines, such as cleaning one room at a time. It's important to involve the hoarder in creating the plan and address the underlying causes of their hoarding behaviour.

Get the Necessary Supplies:

Make sure you have all the essential supplies before you begin. This includes heavy-duty trash bags, empty boxes for recycling and donations, all-purpose cleaners or disinfectants, sponges, cloths, brooms, dustpans, vacuum cleaners with extra bags, buckets, mops, and gloves. You may also need pest control products and protective gear, such as masks, gloves, eye protection, and sturdy footwear.

Start with a Small Room:

Begin with a small room, such as the bathroom, to give you a sense of progress and accomplishment. This will also provide a clean and sanitary space in the home.

Sort Items into Designated Piles:

As you clear out the room, sort items into designated piles: throw away, donate, or recycle. Have a designated area for each pile, preferably outside the house, to speed up the process and reduce the risk of the hoarder changing their mind about discarded items.

Deep Clean and Sanitize:

Once the room is cleared of clutter, it's time for a deep clean. Dust, vacuum, sanitise, and wipe down all surfaces, walls, floors, and ceilings. Pay attention to hard-to-reach areas and use a heavy-duty cleaner for stubborn grime and stains.

Repair and Restore:

After deep cleaning, assess the room for any necessary repairs, such as cracked drywall or warped floors. Make these repairs and then bring back any furniture or items that are being kept.

Create a Maintenance Plan:

Hoarding can be a recurring issue, so it's important to establish a maintenance plan to prevent the room from becoming cluttered again. This may include regular cleaning schedules, organisation systems, and ongoing support for the hoarder.

Donate or sell what you can

When cleaning a hoarder's bedroom, it's important to remember that not everything should be thrown away. If an item can be salvaged, it should be divided into either a donate pile or a sell pile. If you try to sell some items, set a strict deadline for yourself to do so. If you don't sell the item within that timeframe, donate it to charity so it doesn't become clutter again.

If you're unsure whether to keep something or not, put it in a box and store it in your shed or garage. If you haven't used or opened the box in six months, it's time to donate that item to charity.

When sorting through items, it's helpful to have designated areas for each pile. Try to make the trash pile outside, where a garbage truck can easily collect it. By immediately removing these items from the house, you'll be able to clear away things much faster. You'll also eliminate the risk of someone seeing something in the trash pile that they decide they want to keep.

As you sort through things, there may be times when you hesitate. That's okay. Think about the person who lives in the house. What have you seen them actually use? Keep only what you know is of real sentimental value to them, such as photos.

If you're selling items, you can do so via a garage sale, Facebook Marketplace, or a similar platform. Don't forget to set a deadline for yourself to sell the items, otherwise, they may just become clutter again.

Donating and selling what you can is a great way to clear out a hoarder's bedroom while also giving items a second life.

Frequently asked questions