Our Process
Hoarding Clean-Up Process
Tackling the challenging task of hoarding clean-up requires a systematic yet compassionate approach. We’ve got you covered with essential steps, from trash removal and sorting to de-cluttering, organizing, cleaning, sanitizing, packing, and moving. Let us support you on your journey to a clutter-free and fulfilling life.
Trash Removal & Initial Sorting
Once we have established a clear plan and are moving forward with a clean-up project, we start by working room by room determining what is trash and debris, and focus on removing that first. This is sometimes referred to as the Rough Sort.
Depending on the volume\density of accumulation, we may place a rental dumpster on the property to speed up the removal process. If there is not enough stuff to warrant a dumpster we will haul away the trash and debris with a truck\trailer.
All trash is taken to a state-approved landfill and disposed of in accordance with all environmental regulations. We also will remove recyclable items and hazardous materials such as old paint and see that these are recycled properly.
Sorting & De-Cluttering
Some degree of this phase may well start in Step 2 and that is fine. This phase is what we call the Fine Sort. This is where many times we are literally down to parsing carpet fibers for paper clips, coins, and pins. But, it is hugely important because this is where we might find something valuable and sentimental that has been lost for a long time such as a ring or broach. We have seen it happen many times.
This is the phase where we look at everything: Excess furniture, clothing, electronics, toys, books, and general household items, including the garage. Your Sorting Partner (SP) will again assist with the sort, making sure your wishes are acknowledged. We balance a gentle approach with respectful questioning when there is an issue about what to do with a particular item. After some gentle prodding, if a client is simply unwilling to part with something, we just let it go. Usually, there are literally hundreds if not thousands of items to sort through, and it’s not worth arguing. We will set it aside and move on.
Organizing
Many, many people that do find the strength and resources to obtain help with cleaning out their home, unfortunately, will allow their home to become cluttered again eventually. This step is designed to mitigate that possibility.
Even after we have cleared the trash and debris and removed all the giveaway items there is still a lot of work to do. Now we need to seriously look at what is left and find or create proper places for everything to stay so that they are out of the way. Every item should have a “home.” This is where we put on our professional organizing hats and assist with maximizing the space in the home to ensure that it remains a safe and fully functioning living space at all times!
It can be as simple as categorizing and dividing stuff across plastic bins and labeling them accordingly. Putting like things with like things. Tools with other tools, all gathered into one container or one area of the home that makes sense…like the garage! You see where this is going. It is NOT rocket science. Thank goodness!
Cleaning
Since any home in a similar situation probably hasn’t been professionally cleaned for a long time, this time is our opportunity to clean it from top to bottom! Think of all the build-up of dust and dirt, allergens, bacteria, and odors over time that will be eliminated with this step – especially true if the home has not had adequate and well-maintained ventilation and air conditioning over several years.
Sanitizing
We will apply our more than 10 years of cleaning experience to deeply and thoroughly sanitize the entire interior, including inside and outside of all appliances; inside of all cabinets, vanities, closets, shelves; window blinds, all woodwork (trim) such as baseboards, doors and trim; inside windows that may be reached by step stool; and all lighting fixtures and ceiling fans. These are inclusive of all the standard services: clean and sanitize kitchen and bathrooms, dust all rooms, vacuum all carpeting, damp mop laminates and hardwoods, and normal mopping of ceramic tile and stone. Laundry services are available if needed.
Our Deep Cleaning Checklist details all the steps we take to properly sanitize each living space in which we work.
Packing
While we primarily specialize in single-family residential in- and out-of-state moves currently, we sometimes will do office, apartment, and industrial moves. We will help with wrapping up personal items, packing boxes, loading and unloading wherever is needed. Our team takes extra care to make sure all items are packed safely and securely to reduce any damage throughout the moving process.
Moving
We handle local and out-of-state/cross-country moves. We partner with Penske and U-Haul to manage our costs and ensure that your family’s household items are protected and insured to the highest degree.
Our management team possesses a decade’s worth of experience in the residential and commercial moving sectors. We have seen it all and done it all. Our experience and knowledge speed up the process and gets your move scheduled and all details captured quickly and efficiently. When we move you, we know how to best pack your belongings in the van in order to maximize space while protecting from breakage and scratches to the utmost possible. Our loading and unloading efforts are focused, with a sense of urgency.
Our 2-, 3- or 4-man teams will be polite and accommodating, but they do have a job to do and work to ensure your move takes no longer than is absolutely necessary. So, at the beginning AND end of your move, you and your family may rest assured your belongings are in the safest of hands.
Repairs/Renovations
At the end of the hoarding cleanup process, properties often end up in disarray and need repair quickly. We’re happy to provide a range of repair and renovation services. Whether it’s one room or the whole house, we’re committed to restoring your space to its full functionality, appearance, and comfort.
Our services encompass everything from roofing replacements, handyman fixes, and home inspection repairs, to extensive tasks like home remodeling, smoke/fire/water restoration, and complete house rehabilitation. Plus, our owner is a Certified Aging in Place Specialist, enabling us to provide accommodations where necessary to ensure your home aligns with your specific needs.
Selling Your Home
In the wake of a successful cleanup project, some of our clients find themselves contemplating the sale of their homes due to potential repair complexities. We understand that extensive repairs can be a significant financial and emotional burden. That’s why we offer an alternative solution – selling your home ‘as-is.’
Our team has built relationships with reputable investment companies in all of our service areas. These companies specialize in purchasing homes in their current condition, eliminating the need for extensive repairs or renovations. This approach empowers individuals, friends, and families to swiftly embark on their next life endeavors.
Trash Removal & Initial Sorting
Once we have established a clear plan and are moving forward with a clean-up project, we start by working room by room determining what is trash and debris, and focus on removing that first. This is sometimes referred to as the Rough Sort.
Depending on the volume\density of accumulation, we may place a rental dumpster on the property to speed up the removal process. If there is not enough stuff to warrant a dumpster we will haul away the trash and debris with a truck\trailer.
All trash is taken to a state-approved landfill and disposed of in accordance with all environmental regulations. We also will remove recyclable items and hazardous materials such as old paint and see that these are recycled properly.
Sorting & De-Cluttering
Some degree of this phase may well start in Step 2 and that is fine. This phase is what we call the Fine Sort. This is where many times we are literally down to parsing carpet fibers for paper clips, coins, and pins. But, it is hugely important because this is where we might find something valuable and sentimental that has been lost for a long time such as a ring or broach. We have seen it happen many times.
This is the phase where we look at everything: Excess furniture, clothing, electronics, toys, books, and general household items, including the garage. Your Sorting Partner (SP) will again assist with the sort, making sure your wishes are acknowledged. We balance a gentle approach with respectful questioning when there is an issue about what to do with a particular item. After some gentle prodding, if a client is simply unwilling to part with something, we just let it go. Usually, there are literally hundreds if not thousands of items to sort through, and it’s not worth arguing. We will set it aside and move on.
Organizing
Many, many people that do find the strength and resources to obtain help with cleaning out their home, unfortunately, will allow their home to become cluttered again eventually. This step is designed to mitigate that possibility.
Even after we have cleared the trash and debris and removed all the giveaway items there is still a lot of work to do. Now we need to seriously look at what is left and find or create proper places for everything to stay so that they are out of the way. Every item should have a “home.” This is where we put on our professional organizing hats and assist with maximizing the space in the home to ensure that it remains a safe and fully functioning living space at all times!
It can be as simple as categorizing and dividing stuff across plastic bins and labeling them accordingly. Putting like things with like things. Tools with other tools, all gathered into one container or one area of the home that makes sense…like the garage! You see where this is going. It is NOT rocket science. Thank goodness!
Cleaning
Since any home in a similar situation probably hasn’t been professionally cleaned for a long time, this time is our opportunity to clean it from top to bottom! Think of all the build-up of dust and dirt, allergens, bacteria, and odors over time that will be eliminated with this step – especially true if the home has not had adequate and well-maintained ventilation and air conditioning over several years.
Sanitizing
We will apply our more than 10 years of cleaning experience to deeply and thoroughly sanitize the entire interior, including inside and outside of all appliances; inside of all cabinets, vanities, closets, shelves; window blinds, all woodwork (trim) such as baseboards, doors and trim; inside windows that may be reached by step stool; and all lighting fixtures and ceiling fans. These are inclusive of all the standard services: clean and sanitize kitchen and bathrooms, dust all rooms, vacuum all carpeting, damp mop laminates and hardwoods, and normal mopping of ceramic tile and stone. Laundry services are available if needed.
Our Deep Cleaning Checklist details all the steps we take to properly sanitize each living space in which we work.
Packing
While we primarily specialize in single-family residential in- and out-of-state moves currently, we sometimes will do office, apartment, and industrial moves. We will help with wrapping up personal items, packing boxes, loading and unloading wherever is needed. Our team takes extra care to make sure all items are packed safely and securely to reduce any damage throughout the moving process.
Moving
We handle local and out-of-state/cross-country moves. We partner with Penske and U-Haul to manage our costs and ensure that your family’s household items are protected and insured to the highest degree.
Our management team possesses a decade’s worth of experience in the residential and commercial moving sectors. We have seen it all and done it all. Our experience and knowledge speed up the process and gets your move scheduled and all details captured quickly and efficiently. When we move you, we know how to best pack your belongings in the van in order to maximize space while protecting from breakage and scratches to the utmost possible. Our loading and unloading efforts are focused, with a sense of urgency.
Our 2-, 3- or 4-man teams will be polite and accommodating, but they do have a job to do and work to ensure your move takes no longer than is absolutely necessary. So, at the beginning AND end of your move, you and your family may rest assured your belongings are in the safest of hands.
Repairs/Renovations
At the end of the hoarding cleanup process, properties often end up in disarray and need repair quickly. We’re happy to provide a range of repair and renovation services. Whether it’s one room or the whole house, we’re committed to restoring your space to its full functionality, appearance, and comfort.
Our services encompass everything from roofing replacements, handyman fixes, and home inspection repairs, to extensive tasks like home remodeling, smoke/fire/water restoration, and complete house rehabilitation. Plus, our owner is a Certified Aging in Place Specialist, enabling us to provide accommodations where necessary to ensure your home aligns with your specific needs.
Selling Your Home
In the wake of a successful cleanup project, some of our clients find themselves contemplating the sale of their homes due to potential repair complexities. We understand that extensive repairs can be a significant financial and emotional burden. That’s why we offer an alternative solution – selling your home ‘as-is.’
Our team has built relationships with reputable investment companies in all of our service areas. These companies specialize in purchasing homes in their current condition, eliminating the need for extensive repairs or renovations. This approach empowers individuals, friends, and families to swiftly embark on their next life endeavors.
Take the First Step Towards Freedom!
Don't let clutter control your life any longer. Contact us today and our friendly team will reach out to schedule an onsite assessment. Together, we'll create a tailored solution to meet your specific needs.