GOOD Home: The Truth About the Dangers of Hoarding

“GOOD Home” is a biweekly sponsored column published in partnership with PuroClean of Wilton | Ridgefield about home safety, maintenance, weather preparedness, and damage prevention, with the goal to save homeowners from the hassle and headaches of severe property damage. Located in south Wilton (24 Danbury Rd., Suite 204), PuroClean provides 24/7 water damage remediation, fire and smoke restoration, and mold and biohazard removal services to the Fairfield County community and across southwest CT and Northeastern Westchester County.

According to the Mayo Clinic, hoarding disorder is defined as “persistent difficulty discarding or parting with possessions because of a perceived need to save them.” Hoarding, also known as compulsive hoarding, is classified as a type of obsessive-compulsive disorder, which is an anxiety disorder. If you or a loved one has symptoms of hoarding disorder, it is recommended that you speak with a doctor or mental health professional as soon as possible. Our area in Fairfield and Westchester Counties has many qualified professionals.

The dangers of hoarding often lurk below the surface. It’s important to recognize these troubles and know what hoarding can do to a person and their home. In extreme hoarding cases, physical hazards can affect the hoarder and other members who live in the environment.

The dangers associated with hoarding can be divided into three main categories: physical, internal, and cleaning health hazards.

Internal Health Hazards: Internal health hazards are dangers related to the bacteria, mold, and dust mites that accumulate in a hoarded home and are associated with health risks.

Physical Hazards: Hoarders have persistent difficulty discarding tangible items, significantly contributing to potential physical hazards.

Cleaning Hazards: Finally, hoarding can cause dangers associated with the cleaning process.

Hoarding can present dangers to both the hoarder and their environment. These dangers range from health-related to physical hazards, cleaning threats, and more. It is essential for those affected by hoarding disorder to seek professional help when attempting to clean up their homes to keep themselves safe and healthy.

Restoration professionals are trained and equipped to handle hoarding cleanup safely and efficiently. These experts possess the expertise to identify dangers in the home, like extreme clutter and hazardous waste, and use the equipment necessary to remove these dangers.

The restoration team follows a strict procedure regarding hoarding cleanup, ensuring that the house is secure and free of any health and safety concerns for the occupants. The process begins with an assessment of the home that identifies dangers and any structural damage. After determining the risks, the restoration team will start the cleanup process:

Following a proper hoarding cleanup procedure, hoarders and their families can reduce the risks posed by hazardous materials and extreme clutter in the home to create a safer, healthier environment. Professional restoration teams are equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to ensure that the house is hazard-free and safe for everyone involved.

Hoarding cleanup is a complex process, but one that should be done to ensure safety for those living in or near the filthy environment. With the proper training, equipment, and sensitivity, professionals can help restore homes beset by hoarding efficiently.

At PuroClean of Wilton | Ridgefield, you can trust our expertise and resources to make your hoarding cleanup a successful endeavor. Our top priority is restoring safety and peace of mind to homes affected by hoarding. Our team of experts has the training, experience, and equipment to properly clean a house affected by hoarding without causing any further loss.

We work quickly and efficiently to get your property back to its original condition with minimal disruption to your schedule. Please don’t hesitate to call us today for more information about our services and how we can help restore your home after an extreme hoarding situation. Visit us online or call 475.277.2400 today.