A lot of people all over deal with hoarding or have someone in the family who has gone down this road. Defined as keeping items that are deemed unneeded, hoarding can seem relatively harmless until it begins to affect a property. Investing in hoarding cleanup can be tremendously beneficial to turn things around and get everything back to how it should be. Bringing on a company that has experience in this type of cleanup is mostly required. With PuroClean of Northwest Austin, people can start to achieve that goal by getting the home back to looking as great as before.

Statistics show that hoarding effects “as many as 1 in every 20” people and is more prevalent in advanced age groups, increasing as time goes on. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), up to 5 percent of the people in the world show traits of clinically-diagnosable hoarding. The National Study Group on Compulsive Disorganization guideline for understanding the level of hoarding and its role on a home:

Hoarding Level 1: There is a small amount of clutter accumulating, but all the doors and steps are still accessible. There might be a couple of troublesome areas for animal feces in the home, but people are relatively under control, and the home is still considered clean.

Hoarding Level 2: At least one pathway is blocked when a person reaches level two of hoarding. There might be a bit of an issue with temperature control or ventilation in the home as well. Many rooms have clutter, and some minor odor or mildew is noticeable as well. Nothing is overwhelming, but there are signs of potential issues popping up.

Hoarding Level 3: Clutter becomes a problem inside and outside of the home at hoarding level 3. There are some major issues like structural damage, odors that are very strong, and rooms becoming entirely unusable.

Hoarding Level 4: Easy to identify mold and mildew all around the home, visible structural issues, more than just a single blocked exit, sewer backup, ignored hygiene in kitchen and bathroom, expired canned goods, hazardous electrical wiring, lice, fleas and other bugs, no bedding, and evidence of aging animal feces on the ground and additional surfaces.

Hoarding Level 5: This is the most extreme level of hoarding. There is an insane amount of building damage around the property, and odors run rampant. Basic necessities like electricity and running water are gone, and the property needs extreme restoration to become livable again. There are pests around the home, and garbage can make it very challenging to access certain parts of the home.

How Hoarding Can Affect Insurance Claims

Hoarding can cause a problem with insurance businesses if it becomes out of hand. If the home is in poor condition, there may be a chance of having coverage go away and having to search elsewhere. They will typically issue a warning at first to correct any hazards that might be popping up, but after that, next is getting rid of someone from coverage if those expectations are not matched.

Hoarding is definitely challenging, and pros can assist with the cleanup process better than anyone else. Using a service nearby that is open around the clock is the best way to go. By calling us at (512) 337-9544, we can assist as soon as possible to avoid any future complications.

Why Caring Cleanup Help with Hoarding Matters

As with any type of property problems, PuroClean restoration pros make sure that their actions do not exacerbate the real estate owners’ sense of loss. PuroClean owners and techs are exceptionally sensitive, understanding that those involved may be emotionally vulnerable.

When dealing with this type of cleanup, it is crucial to consistently show extra care and compassion. PuroClean skilled workers make sure open talks, and will show empathy for all materially interested people dealing with these disturbing situations. Here is how PuroClean of Northwest Austin handles hoarding cleanup:

Initial walkthrough – all projects start with an initial walkthrough, which allows the crew to understand the amount of damage and the safety concerns involved before starting.

Stay safe – workers are consistently in need to put on protective equipment, and that means for standard work and emergencies. It is basic procedure to put on gloves, eyewear, and masks, but having a first aid kit along with a fire extinguisher and additional answers make sense as well.

Various types of cleaning supplies – all cleaning supplies needed are provided by the skilled workers. They will be able to use what they bring and as efficiently as possible. It can sometimes be many different options for tricky situations, but having everything readily available makes it much better.

Setting up a dumpster for trash – there needs to be a dumpster available for debris removal when going through an area. With a hoarding cleanup, there is quite a bit of trash that needs to be removed, and this is the most efficient way to do it.

Decluttering the home – Once the staging area is prepared, workers handle the home starting in the room with the nearest exit to escape quickly in case something happens. The debris and clutter from the room are eliminated from top to bottom.

Handling all the content – hoarders undoubtedly have a lot of material in their houses, and it will sometimes take quite a bit of effort to get through everything. The best news is that the process runs relatively smoothly once people get going.

Fixing and cleaning the home – When the entire home is clutter-free, fixes should be done if needed. These can include repainting, re-carpeting, or damage restoration (after fire, water, mold, or biohazard damage). Then, all the contents in the home, including the salvageable items, are sanitized.

The PuroClean RapidDefense™ Program

When glancing around, there are several cleaning options out there. The PuroClean RapidDefense™ Program is just a little different from everything else. It definitely has the ability to disinfect and protect for some time. Using the top-grade materials to get the job done, with knowledgeable professionals also bringing plenty of talent to help out.

Need Biohazard Cleaning services? Call PuroClean Now

PuroClean is the high-end answer for anyone in need of a professional group to handle cleaning services as quickly as possible. We have access to the best equipment, and our training matches the best of the best.

There are many competitors around, but no one matches our overall quality, the focus on details, the care we have for our clients, and the speed in which we provide help. If people have any unique situations or questions, it is very easy to get help from us fast.

*Not all PuroClean locations provide the same assistance provided. To make sure that the local office can assist with a hoarding crisis, call 1-800-775-7876. They will point every individual in the proper way to get things done.

Every flat surface in a building that is prone to touching must be properly cleaned to help eliminate the spreading of different respiratory diseases. Mostly, people are focused on the coronavirus right now, which can be spread on any flat area. Once PuroClean cleaning services are completed, it is still not a given that they will not be in danger of contracting COVID-19. That is due to areas being re-contaminated throughout the day. For more info on keeping all common areas clean, go to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s site.

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