Different Types of Hoarding Explained

12/12/2022 (Permalink)

Risks of Hoarding

Hoarding is a mental health condition that affects 2% to 5% of people in the United States. It's characterized by a persistent inability to get rid of possessions due to a perceived need to save them. Over time, this can lead to dangerous situations and cause emotional stress on both the hoarder and those around them. There are several different types of hoarding, each with its own unique characteristics.

What is Hoarding?

Hoarding is a mental disorder that causes people to accumulate items in their homes to the point where it becomes dangerous to their health and well-being. Hoarding occurs when a person experiences severe distress at the thought of getting rid of any item, regardless of its value. This can lead to extreme clutter and many hazards associated with living in an unsafe environment.

Why do people hoard?

There are many reasons why someone may hoard, but the most common causes include:

• post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• depression
• anxiety disorders
• obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)

Risks of Hoarding

There are many ways that clutter can cause an unsafe environment. Clutter has been shown to increase the risk of falls and other types of accidents, and hoarding can also be linked to malnutrition, health care problems, and even fires.

This can cause problems with sanitation, food storage, and fire hazards. But the danger doesn't stop there. Hoarding also makes it hard for a person to keep their home clean and safe, which can lead to serious problems for both them and those around them. When you live in a cluttered space, you're more likely to get injured by tripping over things or having your belongings fall on top of you. The mess also creates an environment where mold can grow, or animals can live, which could lead to rodent infestation. It also makes it easier for fires to break out and quickly spread throughout the space.

Hoarding Cleanup and Restoration Services

Hoarding cleanup and restoration services are a relatively new industry. These companies specialize in helping people who are dealing with hoarding issues, by removing the items from their home, cleaning up the space and restoring it to its original state.

Some of the services provided by these companies include:

• Removal of trash, debris and other excess items
• Deodorizing or sanitizing the area 
• Hauling away unwanted materials to be recycled or disposed of properly
• Packing up valuables for storage (if required)

Don't be ashamed to live in a cluttered home. 

If you live in a cluttered home that makes you feel ashamed, don't be! There are many companies and professionals out there who can help. Companies such as SERVPRO of Providence can help you safely remove debris, deodorize and sanitize the area, and dispose of unwanted materials safely so that you can return to a clean and safe home.

Conclusion

Hoarding is a complex mental health condition that can be difficult to deal with. However, it's important to know that there are options out there for people suffering from this disorder. If you or someone you know has been struggling with hoarding or another type of OCD, contact us today! We have the professional resources needed to help get your home cleaned up.