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Hoarding disorder is a mental health problem characterized by persistent difficulty letting go of or parting with possessions, regardless of their actual value. In other words, it’s a condition in which a person feels a strong need to keep a large number of items, whether they have actual value or not. Individuals with hoarding disorder often accumulate an excessive amount of clutter in their homes or workspaces, to the point where it interferes with daily activities, causes distress, and poses safety and health risks.
At The Junk Tycoons, we are familiar with hoarding disorder and the consequences associated with it. Let’s walk you through the hidden long-term costs of hoarding and what you can do to overcome the disorder.
Hoarding can have a significant impact on an individual's quality of life. Hoarders may become isolated, as clutter can make it challenging to entertain visitors or socialize with others. Besides, they may experience emotional distress due to the feelings of shame and embarrassment associated with their living conditions. Everything from social isolation and restricted mobility to poor living conditions and emotional distress can lower a hoarder’s quality of life.
Hoarding can create hazardous living conditions that increase the risk of physical injury, falls, and other health problems. Excessive clutter can create unsanitary living conditions and promote the growth of mold, mildew, and bacteria, which can lead to respiratory problems, allergies, and infections.
Hoarding can damage property over time. Piles of clutter can cause structural damage to walls, floors, and ceilings, and cost you thousands of dollars in repairs. The weight of clutter can cause serious damage to floors, particularly in upper levels of homes. Clutter can also make it difficult to clean up spills and messes, particularly in areas like kitchens where spills are common. This can lead to the buildup of dirt, grime, and bacteria over time.
Hoarding disorder can increase the risk of fire in a property. Not only can clutter cause a fire in a home, but it can also cause it to spread rapidly. Besides, clutter can block exits and make it harder to escape in the event of a fire. Blocked exits and narrow internal pathways can make it harder for firefighters to navigate a home and extinguish flames.
To overcome hoarding disorder, it's important to seek professional help. This can include therapy, counseling, or medication, depending on individual needs and circumstances. Next, develop a plan for decluttering and organizing your space. This plan should be realistic and tailored to your specific needs and abilities. It's important to start small and work at a comfortable pace. You can seek help from a professional junk removal company.
The experienced junk haulers at The Junk Tycoons can help you get rid of a wide range of items, including old furniture, household items, electronics, appliances, construction waste, metal, clothes, and more. Our uniformed junk haulers are committed to offering a satisfactory junk removal experience for each of our clients.