As a London house clearance company dealing with problems caused by hoarders, we know all about this condition. Compulsive hoarding is a condition which affects potentially millions of people across the UK and the rest of the world, although the secretive nature of the condition means that it is hard to predict exact numbers.
Hoarding often goes undiscovered for many years and only reveals itself in the latter stages when large amounts of items have become stored over the years, making it difficult to detect sometimes.
But when you go into the property of someone suffering from compulsive hoarding, you know all about it.
The home of a compulsive hoarder will often have boxes, books and junk piled up to the ceilings. Layers upon layers of filth will line the floor, and objects will be stacked precariously all over the place. There are often bad smells from the lack of cleaning, and sometimes there is hardly any space to move around in, leading to small tunnels being created around the home, and at this point a house clearance is essential
No one knows exactly why people are affected by the compulsive need to hoard items in their homes. It is thought to be related in some way to Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), and sufferers experience the need to hold onto all of their possessions, even those which have no real value whatsoever. They essentially attach value to objects which are useless in themselves. All in all, it still remains a bit of a mystery.
To deal with a hoarding problem, you have to tread carefully. As a house clearance firm dealing with situations involving hoarding we know just how serious a situation it can be.
One problem is that people who are affected cannot have the house cleared because it will affect them emotionally. But sometimes it has to be done for their own good. Structural damage and the risk of fire makes it unsafe to live in these properties sometimes so that it has to be dealt with. We also work on properties where the occupant has moved out and the place needs a complete clearance to make it habitable once again.
To help us carry out a house clearance involving a hoarding problem, we have to be very careful to use the right equipment and clothing. Hazardous objects can sometimes accumulate including dangerous materials so we have to take the utmost care. We also have to make sure that we dispose of the items carefully. With so many items, some of it will have to be trashed, but we will always try to reuse and recycle what we can.
Hoarding is a very serious issue, but it can be dealt with. We handle the clearing side of things, so if you have a problem with hoarding where a property needs cleaning then seek out professional help to get the living space back under control.
For free confidential advice or a quote call Jeffrey Avery on 0800 567 7769
