Written by: Laura Spaulding, Founder & CEO of Spaulding Decon (20+ years in biohazard remediation and property restoration).
Hoarding is often tied to grief, trauma, anxiety, or overwhelm. The overwhelming feeling that the person feels is very real and that’s why a non-judgemental approach to hoarding cleanup is required. At Spaulding Decon, our Hoarding Cleanup Service is not only about encouraging people to seek professional support if needed. We also work with discretion and consent.
It’s because we understand that hoarding cleanouts aren’t a one-day “skip run” but are rather a slow, trust-led process that requires genuine understanding. Our work is deeply rooted in both an accurate understanding of the 5 stages of hoarding as well as in experience working with people who may have struggled for years to get help.
This article is based on a real hoarding-cleanup job shown in the video below.
What Happens After the Police Leave (And Where Hoarding Cleanups Fit In)
At Spaulding Decon, we cover many post-incident cleanups. These range from drug lab cleanups to homicide and other types of incidents that can have biohazard risks. One other type of cleanup that we do is hoarder cleanup. In this particular story, we focus on a hoarding situation and the human side of progress.
Hoarding vs “a messy house”
This client had been hoarding for years after tragic family events. The hoarding reached an extent that the client couldn’t get their car in their garage for literally years. In further discussions with the client, other challenges arose, such as whether an empty raisin packet should be kept or thrown away.
The process required compassion and respect for the client’s feelings. We were grateful to be a part of their process of healing and we respectfully recognized that their hoarding situation was not borne out of laziness. Instead, this is an emotional response and attachment that leads to distress about discarding.
Why Hoarding Cleanup Has to Be Slow (Even When You Want It Done Yesterday)
To give the best, most respectful, and compassionate hoarding help, we always have ongoing conversations with the client so that they are a part of the process. In this story, the key theme was going quiet, going slowly, and being patient. If you want to know how to help a hoarder clean, here are a few aspects to be aware of.
Decision fatigue is real
To the untrained person, decluttering a hoarder may seem like a simple task to achieve. But at Spaulding Decon, we recognize that it’s much more than throwing things away or donating them. It’s about having a deep understanding of the fact that people can get stuck on tiny items because the item represents safety, memory, control, or fear of loss. That was the case in this situation and we had to carefully work with the client to ensure they were comfortable enough to move ahead with the process.
Trust matters more than speed
And speaking of moving ahead with the process, it’s essential that one doesn’t rush any aspect of it. It’s essential to build trust as opposed to focusing on speed. Here, we started with two technicians who spent 8 hours clearing out a garage. It took a phone call that lasted over one hour to introduce a third technician to help. That’s why patience and understanding are so important. As is working at the client’s own pace.
The Real Example: One Garage, One Goal — Getting the Car Back Inside
As part of this story, we identified one goal that we worked toward with the client and that was to finally get the car into the garage after many, many years of parking it outside. Timewise, it took a full day to just get the garage cleared out to create sufficient space for the car. But despite the seemingly slow process, one important theme emerged: small wins change everything.
Why small wins change everything
Having and working toward a clear goal (such as parking the car in the garage) is a very important part of the process. When there is consensus and consent, it can create momentum and reduce conflict. This particular garage hoarding cleanup required great understanding and compassion and the establishment of the singular goal helped the client work through their own internal dilemmas, too, making progress emotionally.
How a Professional Hoarding Cleanout Works (Without Breaking the Client’s Trust)
Our experience-led hoarding cleanout process is driven by a deep understanding that every case is unique and requires a personalized approach. While we treat every client as an individual, there are a few common aspects of the process that may be replicated with the right compassionate approach. Here’s what you should know:
Set up simple sorting zones: keep, donate, dispose
In this case, we created simple sorting zones. One was for items that the client would keep, another was for donations, and the third pile was items that would be disposed of. As seen in the video, we started by removing obvious, low-value plastic first. This gave the client the feeling that we weren’t yet getting rid of anything that they were too emotionally connected to. We also suggested a “better organize it all” approach and that’s where the division into three zones started taking shape.
The “gentle bargaining” approach
Another area where our team used compassion was through a gentle bargaining approach. In this case, we had a team member and the client negotiating whether to keep a pillow or two vs the whole couch to reach the bigger goal. Ultimately, the couch left the garage and the client was able to get their car in for the first time in years.
The questions that help someone decide
We also asked multiple questions to help the client think the situation through and determine for themselves whether the item was worth holding onto. Examples of open-ended questions that we asked were: “how long has it been in this exact spot?”, “when was it last used?”, and “would you actually fix/finish it, or would someone else benefit from it?”
Donations that feel meaningful
Another aspect to consider is the donations and charity aspect. By offering this option, the choice to donate to places such as animal shelters are a great way to reduce guilt and make letting-go easier.
What You Don’t See on Camera: Safety, Hygiene, and Practical Risks
Naturally, we keep the identity of our clients protected as we respect their privacy. Much like we did in this case study. While we try to document progress, we are also aware that we are dealing with human emotion and wellbeing and that’s why we stopped recording after some time to give the client the space they needed for our team to do their job. What you don’t see on camera, though, are some of the safety, hygiene, and practical risks that may arise. Let’s take a closer look at these below.
Common risks in hoarded spaces
There are certain common risks that arise in hoarding spaces. Examples include trip hazards, blocked exits, mold, contaminated food waste, sharp objects, ammonia and litter issues, and many others.
Pets and welfare considerations
For people with hoarding issues, another consideration is pets and their welfare. After working with this client for several months (nearly a year), we noted great progress in that they were able to make more regular vet visits, which creates stronger routines and much safer conditions for animals that live in such environments, too.
Progress Over Perfection: How Long-Term Hoarding Help Actually Sticks
Our hoarding cleaning service for this client was long-term. We worked with them for a year and the client is now doing their own progress. These types of results make the team at Spaulding Decon feel great because we are honored to be a part of this process of healing.
Aftercare and relapse prevention
If not done properly and by a team of experts who know the emotional, psychological, and physical risks of hoarding, relapse is a major possibility. But with simple maintenance habits, small weekly targets, accountability, and scheduled pickups and donations, the aftercare process becomes embedded in the affected person’s routine, making it easier for them to work through their emotions.
When Cleanup Turns Into Restoration (Floors, Walls, Paint, Renovation Plans)
The results after a hoarding cleanup sometimes reveal the need for certain structural changes to the property. This process of hoarding remediation arose in this client’s case. At Spaulding Decon, we were asked to assist with renovation planning such as making fixes and doing walls, etc. to help bring the property to great condition.
Salvaging what matters (and letting go of what doesn’t)
Hoarding cleanup naturally comes with memories and emotions as many items have sentimental value. But that doesn’t mean necessarily letting go of them entirely. At Spaulding Decon, we recognize that certain memory items, documents, and heirlooms are precious. However, we also help the client understand the difference between damaged or unsanitary items to help them and our team better organize the items according to the three categories mentioned above.
If You’re Helping a Loved One, Start Like This
Supporting someone who struggles with hoarding is as much about communication as it is about cleanup. The wrong words can shut the process down before it begins, while the right approach builds trust and momentum.
What to say (and what not to say)
Avoid phrases like “Just throw it away.” Comments that minimize the emotional weight of belongings (no matter how insignificant they may seem to you) can feel dismissive or shaming. This often increases resistance and anxiety.
Instead, focus on goals, safety, and choice. Try language such as:
- “Let’s make this space safer for you.”
- “What area would you feel comfortable starting with?”
- “You’re in control. We’ll go at your pace.”
This shifts the conversation from judgment to collaboration, which is essential for long‑term progress.
A simple first session plan
The first session should be small, structured, and designed to create an immediate sense of success. Spaulding Decon teams use a method that families can borrow when they’re supporting a loved one between professional visits.
Start with: one corner, one category, one visible win.
- One corner: Choose a contained, manageable area. A single corner feels less overwhelming than an entire room.
- One category: Focus on one type of item, such as papers, clothing, dishes, or trash so decisions are simpler and faster.
- One visible win: Aim for a result your loved one can see and feel right away: a cleared walkway, an open doorway, a usable chair, or a clean surface.
Small victories build confidence. They also reinforce the idea that change is possible, which is something many people living with hoarding disorder struggle to believe.
