The short answer
Start with Safety
Before you touch anything, put on protective gear. This includes gloves, a mask, long sleeves, and sturdy shoes. Hoarder homes can contain sharp objects, mold, animal waste, and other hazards, so protecting yourself is the first step.
Open windows and doors to get fresh air moving through the space. If you feel unwell at any point, stop and see a doctor. Work in short bursts with regular breaks, and never try to lift heavy or unstable items alone.
If the home has water damage, such as from a burst pipe or leak, the situation becomes more complex. Water can weaken floors and ceilings, and it can promote mold growth. In that case, you may need to call in local water damage pros to assess the structural safety before you proceed.
Sort and Categorize Belongings
Work through one room at a time, or even one corner of a room. Create three piles: keep, donate, and discard. Be honest about what you really need. The goal is to reduce clutter, not to make decisions harder than they have to be.
For items damaged by water, like soaked cardboard boxes or ruined furniture, they usually need to be thrown away. Water-damaged items can harbor mold and bacteria, so keeping them is rarely a good idea. Check with your insurance company about what might be covered.
Policies vary, and your insurer decides what is covered.
If you are overwhelmed, consider hiring a professional organizer or a cleaning service that specializes in hoarding situations. They can help you sort through belongings without judgment, and they know how to handle difficult situations with care.
Remove Hazardous Materials
Hoarder homes often contain hazardous materials that need special handling. This can include expired chemicals, cleaning products, batteries, and medical waste. Do not mix unknown substances together, as this could cause dangerous reactions.
For biohazards like human or animal waste, do not handle them yourself. These require professional cleaning with special equipment and disinfectants. The pros have the training and tools to safely remove these materials and disinfect the area.
- Wear a mask that filters dust and fumes
- Do not eat, drink, or smoke while working
- Keep children and pets away from the work area
- Use separate bins for recyclables, trash, and donations
- Take photos of valuable items before discarding them
- Wash your hands thoroughly after each session
Clean and Disinfect Surfaces
Once the clutter is gone, you need to clean every surface. This includes walls, floors, ceilings, and any built-in fixtures. Use a strong disinfectant to kill bacteria and viruses, and pay extra attention to areas where food or waste was present.
For water-damaged areas, you may need to remove damaged drywall or flooring. This is a big job that often requires professional help. Water damage can seep into the structure of the home, and simply cleaning the surface won't solve the problem.
If you have water-damaged carpets or flooring, check the water-damaged flooring removal page for more details. The pros can remove and replace materials that are beyond saving, and they can also check for hidden moisture in walls and subfloors.
- Use a HEPA vacuum to pick up fine dust and allergens
- Wipe down walls and baseboards with a disinfectant solution
- Wash all fabrics or dispose of them if they are contaminated
- Air out the home for several days after cleaning
- Replace air filters in your HVAC system
- Consider an air purifier to help with lingering odors
Address Water Damage and Repairs
After the cleaning is done, you may find that the home needs repairs. Water damage from a leak or flood can cause drywall to crumble, wood to rot, and mold to grow. These issues need to be fixed to make the home safe and livable again.
If you live in Mesa, look into the drywall water damage repair page for guidance on what to expect. The pros can inspect the extent of the damage, remove affected materials, and install new drywall and insulation. They can also check for mold growth, which is a serious health risk.
A thorough inspection after cleaning is always a good idea. The water damage inspection page can help you understand what to look for, such as stains, soft spots, or musty smells. Catching problems early can prevent more expensive repairs down the road.
Need help right now?
Phones are answered 24/7 for Mesa and nearby communities.
Call Now (480) 898-4279Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to clean a hoarder home?
The time varies greatly depending on the size of the home and the amount of clutter. A small apartment might take a few days, while a large house could take weeks or even months. Working in short daily sessions can help you make steady progress.
Should I hire a professional for hoarding cleanup?
For homes with severe clutter, biohazards, or water damage, professional help is often the safest choice. The pros have the right equipment and experience to handle dangerous situations. They can also work faster and more efficiently than you could alone.
What should I do with items that are not damaged?
Items that are clean and in good condition can be donated to local charities. If you are not sure what to keep, set them aside and decide later. Just make sure they are not contaminated by mold or pests before bringing them into another space.