As if moving weren’t a stressful enough experience, doing so for a hoarder can be downright nightmarish. Not only do you have to deal with the physical and emotional stress of packing up and moving everything, but you also have to consider the mental state of your loved one. If you’re interested in helping a hoarder move to a new home, you should keep a few things in mind.
What Is Hoarding?
Hoarding is a mental disorder characterized by an obsessive need to hold on to things, even if they’re of no use or value. People who hoard often live in homes cluttered and crammed full of junk. But these items don’t mean waste for them—they hold sentimental value for them.
Hoarding can be a complex disorder to deal with, both for the sufferer and their loved ones. If you’re helping a hoarder move to a new home, it’s essential to be patient, understanding, and respectful of their belongings.
Difficulties Hoarders Experience When Moving
Imagine trying to pack up a lifetime of accumulation. For hoarders, this is a reality. And it’s not an easy task. Naturally, hoarders experience significant anxiety and stress when facing the task of moving. They may feel overwhelmed by having to sort through their belongings and decide what to keep and what to get rid of.
There’s also a moral dilemma that hoarders face when moving. They know that everyone else sees their belongings as junk, but these things have value to them. Throwing away or giving away their possessions can feel like a betrayal. Besides, most of them aren’t used to guests in their homes, so having strangers come in and help them move is emotionally daunting.
Helping A Hoarder Move To A New Home In Orange County
Now that we have a rough understanding of what hoarders go through when they move, let’s talk about how you can help:
Be Empathetic
It’s not just about understanding their situation but putting into actions and words that let them know you understand. Empathizing will put them at ease and make the whole process less daunting for you. Some steps you could take include:
- Asking them how they’re feeling and listening to the answer
- Avoiding judgmental language or tone
- Reassuring them that it’s okay to let go of things
- Helping them to see the value in starting fresh
Stay Positive
At some point, the process is going to get frustrating. There will be setbacks, and you might not always see eye to eye. For that, keeping up with the good vibes is essential. A positive attitude will go a long way in keeping the process as smooth as possible.
Avoid succumbing to the impulse of throwing away their things for them or making decisions without consulting them first. That’ll provoke nothing but anger and resentment, making the situation worse. Remember, the goal is to help, not take away their control.
Identify The Type Of Hoarder
There are different types of hoarders, and each type will present particular challenges. Here are a few types:
Animal hoarders: These hoarders tend to have more than the recommended number of pets and often live in unsanitary conditions. Their homes are usually cluttered with pet supplies, food, and waste.
Compulsive shoppers: These hoarders are addicted to buying things, even if they don’t need them. They could spend hours browsing through stores or online, looking for the perfect item. As a result, their homes are crammed full of clothes, electronics, and other random items.
Food hoarders: These hoarders stockpile food and often live in homes with expired or rotting food. They’re often afraid of running out of food or not having enough to eat.
Mail hoarders: These hoarders tend to hold on to things because they have sentimental value. They might have difficulty getting rid of birthday cards, letters, and other documents.
Design A Moving Strategy
Once you know what you’re dealing with, it’s time to come up with a plan. This is where having a professional organizer can be helpful. They can help you develop a strategy to make the process as smooth as possible. When moving a hoarder, getting professional help can be essential.
Choose OC Home Buyers And Sell Your House Now
At OC Home Buyers, we can help you to sell your house fast, no matter how much stuff you have. We don’t worry about the state of your home or whether it’s cluttered. We’ll make you a cash offer and take care of the entire process. So, if you’re ready to sell your home, click on the link below.