What Is A Hoarder Clean-Up And How Does It Work?

Hoarding is not about being messy or lazy. People hoard for many reasons, and it is often linked to loss, stress or health problems. Over time, belongings can fill rooms until the home is no longer safe or comfortable to live in. A hoarder clean-up is a way to put that right, with care and without judgement.

What is a hoarder clean-up?

A hoarder clean-up is the safe clearing, cleaning and sanitising of a home that has become filled with belongings, rubbish or waste. It goes beyond a normal tidy-up. It often includes removing large amounts of items, treating hygiene risks and making the home safe again.

Who needs one?

We are often called by:

• the person living in the home, who wants help
• family members worried about someone they love
• landlords, housing associations and letting agents
• councils and support workers
• people dealing with a property after someone has moved or passed away

Why a hoarded home can be unsafe

A home full of clutter can cause real harm. The most common risks are:

• Fire. Blocked exits and piles of paper or cloth burn quickly and make it hard to escape.
• Falls. Narrow paths and unstable piles are a danger, especially for older people.
• Pests. Rats, mice and insects love clutter. Read our guide on how to spot a rat infestation for the signs.
• Mould and damp. Piled items stop air moving and trap moisture.
• Germs. Food waste, animal waste and old items can carry bacteria.

How a hoarder clean-up works

Every home is different, but most jobs follow the same steps.

1. A private chat and survey. We talk to you, listen to your worries and look at the property. We agree what you want to keep and what can go.
2. A clear plan. We explain the work, the team, the time it may take and the cost. Nothing happens without agreement.
3. Sorting. Our team sorts items into things to keep, things to recycle or donate, and things to dispose of. We set aside anything valuable or of sentimental worth, such as photos, papers and jewellery.
4. Safe removal. We take out waste and unwanted items using the right protective kit. We follow the rules for waste disposal.
5. Deep cleaning. We clean and sanitise floors, walls, surfaces and fixtures. Where needed, we treat biohazards such as animal waste or contaminated materials.
6. Odour and pest treatment. We remove smells and, where needed, arrange pest control.
7. Final check. We walk through with you to make sure the home is safe and clean.

How long it takes depends on the size of the property and how much is in it. A small room might take a day. A whole house can take several days or longer. We will give you a realistic idea after the survey.

Care and privacy come first

We know this can be a hard time. Our team treats every customer with respect. We can arrive in unmarked vehicles and plain clothing if you prefer, and we can work at times that suit you. We never pressure anyone to throw away something they want to keep.

If you are helping a family member, speak to them kindly. Forcing a clear-out rarely works and can do harm. Support from a doctor or a local support service can help alongside the clean-up.

Our hoarder cleaning services

Our hoarder cleaning service covers the full job from first visit to final clean. We also offer decluttering and waste removal for homes and businesses that need help with a clear-out. To learn more about the kind of work we do in homes with serious contamination, read what is biohazard cleaning and when do you need it?

Need support?

ICE Cleaning works across the UK, day and night, 365 days a year. Call us on 0208 066 0360 or email contactus@icecleaning.co.uk for a private, no-pressure chat.