As London house clearance specialists Avery Associates are regularly employed by the London and surrounding borough councils to carry out house clearances and empty a property that has become cluttered by someone – they simply can’t throw anything away. This results in the hoarder’s property gradually filling up with newspapers, bottles, rubbish, cans and some things you simply wouldn’t believe!
Compulsive Hoarding Signs
It is important to understand that has not been clearly defined or diagnosed to accepted criteria, but in-depth studies, carried out by academics and leading physicians in this field, reveal the following defining characteristics. Acquiring yet failing to dispose of amassed quantities of personal possessions even though they are of no use and little worth. Domestic living spaces so full of clutter that the normal function of such rooms for their purpose has become almost impossible. Noticeable levels of stress as a result of the hoarding along with impaired daily function. Difficulty and reluctance in returning items borrowed, as mental barriers restrict, this impulse to acquire sometimes leads to stealing. According to a report about Obsessive Compulsive Disorder conducted at the University of California San Diego, compulsive hoarding at its worst level, can cause insanitary conditions, possibility of fire, vermin infestation, safety issues, the risk of falling or tripping over in cluttered areas. Compulsive Hoarders are often mistakenly of the belief that their hoard is of significant value, or on the other hand the hoarder may be well aware that their accumulation is actually useless and of little worth to others.
Delusions Of Grandeur
Compulsive hoarders of the first kind can show off a tea set and claim that it’s solid silver even though the packaging clearly states that it is stainless steel. A hoarder of the second type may have kitchen cupboards full of uneaten and date expired foodstuffs, but would defend strongly any attempt of family or friends to dispose of them. The compulsive hoarder could well see the need to clean contaminated areas but due to futile realisation, exasperated by the overwhelming feelings created by the overall and similar conditions of their environment, end up failing to do so. Compulsive hoarding can ruin lives, but in most cases sufferers can be helped back to a normal way of life. In cases where a property has become extremely cluttered, our house clearance specialists can provide a professional contents removal service in London and the surrounding areas.
For more information on our Hoarding removal service, call us at our London office on 0800 567 7769
We are happy to offer confidential help and advice, and provide a no-obligation quote on clearing the house.
