A Step-by-Step Guide to Hoarding Cleanup
As a hoarder, you may not even notice the effect that you have on people until they start complaining. Dealing with a hoarding problem isn't an easy thing to do. Thus, it would help if you click here to hire a hoarding cleanup service.
In this article, we're going to give you a step-by-step guide to a cleanup. By the end of it all, we hope that you'll be ready for effective cleanup service.
Know that a Hoarding Cleanup Service is Available
It may be difficult to deal with hoarding all on your own. That's why there are teams of professionals ready to lend you a hand. They are available for hire whenever you have a hoarding problem.
Besides, there are therapists available too when you need some counseling about hoarding. There's nothing wrong with coming up and saying that you're a hoarder and need some help with it. In fact, if anything, it's a bold and wise move to make. You are not alone in this battle. There are several other people elsewhere with the same problem as you have. And you can even get a community of hoarders that can offer you some splendid advice on how to battle and overcome hoarding.
The first step in dealing with hoarding is to accept that you have a problem. Only then can you begin your journey to getting help over the problem that you have.
Be Flexible
Cleaning up a pile of items that you have known to have meaning over the years isn't an easy thing to do. These are items that have value in your eyes and will continue to matter. You may even have some emotional attachment to some of these items.
Thus, whenever you take upon a hoarding cleanup, ensure that you don't put too much pressure on yourself. When glass comes off a cold area and then receives heat immediately, it cracks. That is the same analogy with you, the hoarder. If you take up on everything at once, you might snap and even get an anxiety attack. Therefore, take it one step at a time.
Begin From a Small Pile
A journey of a thousand miles, they say, begins only with one step. You don't become a teenager before becoming a baby. Thus, you need to start small so that you can progress effectively during hoarding cleanup.
Unfortunately, some people take upon huge piles of items in the initial stages. And this ends up demoralizing them to the extent that they can't go on any longer. Again, you can start with the items that have the least sentimental value as you progress to the rest. This can be easier for your brain to handle.
Avoid Distractions
While you handle the hoarding cleanup, avoid anything that may take your attention away from the task at hand. You can even turn off the music or television if you feel like they will act as distractions when you're cleaning up. Make sure that you create a conducive environment for yourself to perform the cleanup well.
Give Yourself Time
You're not a robot. Therefore, you have emotions and can feel attached to items whenever they're leaving your presence. As this is the case, then you need to give yourself some time. Don't be in a hurry to dispose of all the items, even when you know that it can take a toll on your emotions. Your mental health comes first. And if you feel like the disposal of an item can affect it badly, then you can give yourself some more time. After all, what is the rush for anyway?
You can come up with a schedule that suits your activities from morning to evening. Have some breaks in between and get a therapist if you have to. The time you take to complete the hoarding cleanup doesn't matter. What matters is that you complete the cleanup.
Decide Where All of the Items Go
Once you have completed the cleanup exercise, where does all of the clutter go? Are you going to sell the items, or are you donating to charity? The decision here lies on your palms. You need to decide the best approach for the items. You can even hire the services of a junk removal company to come and help you take away all of the items at once.
If the donation is your pick, then you can get a nearby charity group that can take up the items. Some of them even organize donation pickups when you apply through their website.
Always Maintain Manageable Goals
Don't be too fast to set huge hoarding cleanup goals that you may not easily achieve. This is a word of advice that even the therapists will tell you. Always take things in small proportions. Break down your goals into smaller milestones that you can achieve.
Final Thoughts
That's a step-by-step guide to help you deal with hoarding cleanup easily. We hope that by now you've now made up your mind to take part in this process and have a cleaner and more decent home.