The phrase “waste not, want not” commonly results in people collecting items that may or may not be useful in the future. But when does “waste not, want not” become too much? This mentality can lead to people collecting things which serve no present or future purpose. In some cases, this situation could have resulted from an unconscious psychological condition, triggered by depression or brain trauma. Hoarding is a fairly common disorder that affects 1 in 20 people, according to the International OCD Foundation. Hoarders are notorious for their extensive collections of various material items without putting much value to any of it. These collections can over take entire homes, making the daily life more difficult.
Removal Strategies
There are several removal strategies recommended when cleaning up a hoarding situation. One strategy is through hiring a junk removal service. This takes a lot of the work out of your hands but can cost thousands of dollars to completely clean out a home.
Some regions have specialty cleanup companies that focus on hoarding. While similar to junk removal services, these companies are more informed on the psychological aspects surrounding hoarding and can be a gentler option.
Another option for hoarding cleanup is through dumpster rental. It allows for the mass removal of trash, broken furniture, papers and magazines, household items, and anything else. On average, most hoarding cleanups need a 30 or 40-yard roll-off dumpster to finish the job. While this seems like a hefty expense upfront, this is generally the most affordable cleanup option.
When cleaning, consider separating out items of value such as good furniture, unopened packages, and household items that could benefit others. Certain items can be donated to Goodwill or other local charities. Gently used furniture is coveted by organizations such as Habitat for Humanity. They will even come pick it up for you.
Recyclables including newspaper, cardboard, plastics and metals can also be sorted out and brought to a recycling facility to help prevent more items from ending up in a landfill. Some rental providers offer discounts for clean-loaded dumpsters for recyclables only.
Safety Precautions
It is important to be aware of the potential dangers involved in when cleaning up a hoarding situation. Here are some potential safety hazards to be aware of when cleaning:
- Bacteria and other biohazards associated with unclean environments
- Rodent or bug infestation
- Sharp edges from broken glass or other objects
- Tripping hazards
- Injuries caused by heavy lifting
Be sure to wear closed-toed shoes when working on a cleanup, and if necessary, a mask too. Take frequent breaks or as needed.
Benefits of Hoarding Cleanup
Cleanup can be quite daunting but there is a light at the end of the tunnel. There are many benefits to cleaning up a cluttered house, besides just a calmer, less cluttered state of mind. Cleanups have been known to lead to increased property values. In addition, they also help to create a safer living environment for all inhabitants of the house, along with substantially reducing the risk of fire, falls, and diseases.
Considering Dumpster Rental in Mobile, Alabama?
If you’re looking to schedule a residential or commercial roll off dumpster rental to help with your cleanup efforts in the Mobile, Alabama, look no further. Give Circle J Roll Offs a call at (215) 661-0001 or fill out our online form and we’ll get in touch with you.
