Studies estimate nearly 5 percent of people in the U.S. are hoarders of some kind. Most of us know of at least one: an elderly aunt or uncle or even a neighbor whose strange collection of grocery bags, bottles, old copies of the local paper and magazines pile up. Recovery is possible, but treatment for the behavior is just one part of the process. Restoring the home to a livable condition is also a major concern. An incomplete cleanup can cause further damage to the property, as well as health risks to current or future tenants in the form of illness-causing bacteria left behind in the environment.
As remediation professionals, our job is not to judge; our job is to clean and sanitize in the most efficient and effective way possible. Understanding the client as well as the unique qualities and conditions present in hoarded homes can help restoration services avoid costly service issues and decide for themselves whether hoarding cleanup is something they are able to offer, or if it is better contracted out to a specialty service company.