Hoarding

 

Hoarding is the persistent difficulty discarding or parting with possessions, regardless of their actual value. The behavior usually comes with harmful effects—emotional, physical, social, financial, and even legal—for a hoarder and family members.

For those who hoard, the quantity of their collected items sets them apart from other people. Commonly hoarded items may be newspapers, magazines, paper and plastic bags, cardboard boxes, photographs, household supplies, food, and clothing.

 

A lack of functional living space is common among hoarders, who may also live in unhealthy or dangerous conditions. Hoarders often live with broken appliances and without heat or other necessary comforts. They cope with malfunctioning systems rather than allow a qualified person into their home to fix a problem.

 

Symptoms and Behavior

 

Someone who hoards may exhibit the following:

 

·Inability to throw away possessions

·Severe anxiety when attempting to discard items

·Great difficulty categorizing or organizing possessions

·Indecision about what to keep or where to put things

·Distress, such as feeling overwhelmed or embarrassed by possessions

·Suspicion of other people touching items

·Obsessive thoughts and actions: fear of running out of an item or of needing it in the future; checking the trash for accidentally discarded objects

·Functional impairments, including loss of living space, social isolation, family or marital discord, financial difficulties, health hazards

 

ServiceMaster has partnered with Matt Paxton, host of the the popular T.V. show, "Hoarders," in order to assist homeowners and their families with any clean-up needs that exist. We understand the stress and anxieties that go along with disgarding collected items, regardless of their value. Our goal at ServiceMaster by Bailey is to help make living conditions for you or a loved one beyond acceptable.

 

Call today to schedule your free estimate and to find out how ServiceMaster Restoration by Bailey can not only restore your home, but also your peace of mind.  

 

AADA, "Hoarding: The Basics," 2014 www.aada.org.