No judgement, just help
Many people who contact us about hoarding have waited a long time before picking up the phone. They worry about being judged, being told off, or losing things that matter to them. We understand. Homes become full for all sorts of reasons: grief, illness, low mood, trauma, a busy life that got on top of things, or simply finding it very hard to let things go.
Hoarding is recognised as a mental health condition, not a character flaw. Our job is not to judge anyone. It is to help make a home safer and easier to live in, in a way the person living there can cope with.
Who gets in touch
- People who want help with their own home and don't know where to start
- Sons, daughters and friends worried about someone they love
- Support workers, social workers and housing officers arranging help for a client
- Families clearing the home of someone who has died, where a bereavement clearance also involves years of build-up
Going at the person's pace
If you are worried about someone else, please try not to arrange a surprise clear-out. Taking things away without agreement can be very distressing and often leads to the home filling again. The person living there needs to be part of the decisions. That might mean several shorter visits rather than one big day, and that is fine.
We work in a way that keeps control with the person. We ask before anything goes. We can hold things up one at a time, or work through a list agreed in advance. If someone needs a break, we stop. If a visit becomes too much, we can come back another day.
Safety comes first
Where a home is very full, we usually start with what matters most for safety: clear routes through the house, a way out in case of fire, access to the kitchen, bathroom and bed, and space around the boiler, cooker and heaters. Cleveland Fire Brigade offers home fire safety checks, which can be a good next step once paths are clear.
What a visit looks like
- A quiet first chat. By phone or in person, with whoever the person would like there. No pressure to book.
- Agreeing the plan. Which rooms, what is staying, what is not to be touched, and how many visits.
- Working together. We clear in small, agreed stages, checking as we go.
- Looking after the details. Papers, post, photos, money and anything personal are set aside to be checked, never thrown out unseen.
We aim to be discreet with neighbours. Just say if you'd prefer the van parked a little way down the street, or the front door kept shut while we work.
Where things go
Many people find it easier to let go of items when they know they will be used again. So we try hard to find new homes for things, passing good items to charity and separating materials so they can be recycled. Throwing away is the last option, not the first. Our page on giving items a second life says more.
Some very full homes also have damp, pests or other hazards. If we see anything that needs a specialist cleaner or pest control, we will tell you honestly and help you think about next steps.
Support beyond the clearance
Clearing space is only one part of the picture. Lasting change often comes with emotional support too. These organisations can help:
- Hoarding UK is a national charity for people affected by hoarding, with support groups, a helpline and resources for families.
- Mind explains what hoarding is and the treatment available, and has advice on helping someone who hoards.
- Your GP can talk through support and talking therapies.
When you feel ready
There is no rush. If the home also needs a fuller clear-out later on, our general house clearance page explains how that works. Whenever you feel ready, contact us for a confidential chat and a free, no-obligation quote.
