Hoarding Cleanup Services in Detroit, MI

What Is Hoarding?

Hoarding is a psychological disorder characterized by the excessive acquisition of items and the inability to discard or part with them, even if they have little or no value. This behavior can result in extremely cluttered living spaces, posing health and safety risks to the individual and others living in the same space.

People with hoarding disorder often have difficulty organizing and managing their possessions, resulting in extreme clutter that interferes with their daily life and social functioning. They may also have strong emotional attachments to the items they collect, making it difficult for them to part with them.

Associated Risks

Hoarding can lead to various problems, such as:

Health risks: The accumulation of clutter can create unsanitary living conditions, increasing the risk of infections, pest infestations, and respiratory issues due to poor air quality.

Fire hazards: Clutter can obstruct exits and increase the risk of fire or make it more difficult to escape in case of an emergency.

Structural damage: The weight of accumulated items can cause structural damage to buildings, potentially leading to collapses or other dangerous situations.

Cleaning up a hoarding situation is a complex and challenging process due to the volume of items, potential health hazards, and the emotional difficulties faced by the individual with hoarding disorder. This is why having trained, certified professionals, such as T.A.C.T. Detroit, can help. T.A.C.T. has the proper equipment and training to clean up and dispose of the mess according to safety standards outlined by OSHA.

The 5 Levels of Hoarding

Hoarding is often categorized into different levels to help assess the severity of the situation. While there are multiple classification systems, a commonly used five-level scale is as follows:

Level 1 - Minimal Hoarding:

At this level, the living space is relatively clutter-free, and the individual can function without any significant issues. The home is clean and safe, with only a few areas that may show early signs of clutter. There are no sanitation or safety concerns, and hoarding behavior may not be immediately apparent.

Level 2 - Mild Hoarding:

In a Level 2 hoarding situation, there is an increase in clutter and disorganization. Some areas of the home may be inaccessible, but the overall living conditions are still relatively functional. There might be signs of poor housekeeping, such as odors, dirty surfaces, or excessive dust. Pets may be present in excessive numbers or not well cared for, and some safety hazards could be starting to develop.

Level 3 - Moderate Hoarding:

At Level 3, the clutter becomes more severe, with multiple blocked areas or rooms. Essential household appliances, like the stove or refrigerator, may be unusable, and there could be visible structural damage to the home. There may be noticeable odors, infestations, or mold issues, and navigating the living space can be difficult. Sanitation concerns become more significant at this level.

Level 4 - Severe Hoarding:

A Level 4 hoarding situation is marked by extreme clutter, with most areas of the home inaccessible. There could be rotting food, animal waste, or other hazardous materials present. Utilities, such as water, electricity, or gas, may be disconnected, and the home may have severe structural damage. Health and safety risks are substantial, and professional intervention is necessary.

Level 5 - Extreme Hoarding:

The most severe level of hoarding, Level 5, involves a living space that is completely overwhelmed by clutter, making it virtually uninhabitable. At this stage, there may be human waste, biohazards, or decomposing animals present. The home's structural integrity is often compromised, and there is a high risk of fire, injury, or illness. Immediate professional intervention is required to address the situation and restore a safe living environment.

Keep in mind that these levels are just a general guideline, and each hoarding situation is unique. Proper assessment and intervention by trained professionals are essential for safely and effectively addressing hoarding behavior.

T.A.C.T.’s Process For Hoarding Clean up In Detroit

Assessment: A thorough assessment of the site is conducted to determine the extent of the hoarding, identify potential hazards, and develop a clean-up plan. This may involve categorizing the severity of the hoarding and prioritizing areas for clean-up based on health and safety risks.
Safety precautions: Our technicians are required to wear personal protective equipment (PPE), such as gloves, masks, and protective clothing, to minimize the risk of exposure to biohazards, mold, or other contaminants, for the entire duration of the project.
Communication and support: We maintain open communication with you and/or the individual affected by hoarding throughout the clean-up process. We treat everyone with respect, dignity and empathy, as we understand this can be difficult.
Sorting and organizing: We systematically sort the items, discarding trash and setting aside personal belongings, items of value, etc.
Removal and disposal: Items designated for disposal are removed, recycled, or donated, while hazardous materials or biohazards are properly packaged and disposed of according to local regulations.
Cleaning and sanitizing: We thoroughly clean and sanitize the space after the clutter has been removed, addressing any issues such as mold, pest infestations, or structural damage that may have been hidden by the hoarding and advise you of anything that requires additional attention.

Professional Help From A Local Company

Whether the situation is low-level, or a severe level 5 case, or even a hoarding situation involving an undiscovered death, T.A.C.T. Detroit is prepared to do the work. We approach every situation with empathy and understanding, follow the guidelines outlined by OSHA and other governing agencies, and expertly remediate the area to a safe environment. We are ready to help you 24/7, 365 days a year, so call us anytime and we will be there for you.

Here are the steps of the whole process

Call T.A.C.T or fill the form to contact us
We arrive at your home quickly
We create a plan of action
Work is completed
Your life goes back to normal