Ways You Can Help a Someone Right Now

If you or someone you love is struggling with hoarding, there are small but meaningful steps you can take today that cost nothing:

• Start small – Pick one corner, one drawer, or one type of item (like newspapers or dishes) to sort with care.
• Be present, not pushy – Offer emotional support without forcing change. Just being there can ease shame and isolation.
• Create a safe space to talk – Hoarding often has emotional roots. Listen without judgment and let your loved one set the pace.
• Make it visual – Use clear bins or open boxes to show progress. Even small wins are motivating.
• Celebrate every step – Removing just one bag or clearing one table is a success. Acknowledge it together.
• Document what matters – Offer to take photos of sentimental items before letting them go. This makes parting easier.

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Additional Advice for Families of Hoarders

1. Lead with Compassion, Not Control
Avoid ultimatums or throwing things away without consent. That may break trust and cause deeper emotional harm. Instead, acknowledge their feelings and fears with empathy. Ask questions like: “What would make this space feel more peaceful to you?”

2. Don’t Shame — Understand the “Why”
Hoarding is often tied to grief, trauma, or anxiety. It may feel “safer” to hold onto things than to risk losing something meaningful. Recognize this isn’t laziness or stubbornness — it’s pain that needs patience.

3. Offer Your Presence, Not Just Your Opinions
Sometimes the best help is sitting beside them without judgment. Let them talk. Let them lead. Even offering to be nearby while they sort one box can build trust and momentum.

4. Set Gentle, Realistic Goals
Instead of saying “Let’s clean the whole room today,” try “Would you be open to going through just this one basket?”Make success achievable and celebrate each win — even a small one.

5. Don’t Go It Alone
This is emotional and exhausting work. Reach out to a professional cleaning service with hoarding experience (like us), mental health counselors, or community support groups. You don’t have to carry it all yourself.

6. Create a Safe Sorting Space
Set up an area with labeled boxes: “Keep,” “Donate,” “Trash,” and “Unsure.” Having clear options lowers anxiety and gives the person more control over each decision.

7. Take Breaks — For Everyone
The emotional toll of decluttering a hoarded space is heavy for both the hoarder and their loved ones. Don’t rush the process. Don’t neglect your own needs. Step away when needed.

8. Celebrate Emotional Milestones Too
Sometimes, letting go of one thing that held pain or grief is a bigger win than filling up five trash bags. Acknowledge that healing is happening, even when progress seems slow.

At Murray’s Cleaning Service, we understand that hoarding is more than just clutter—it’s deeply emotional, often tied to loss, trauma, or overwhelming life events. Whether you’re a loved one trying to help, or someone ready to take the first step toward reclaiming your space, we’re here to support you with empathy, professionalism, and discretion.

Our team is trained to:

• Gently declutter and organize with respect and patience
• Clean and sanitize thoroughly to restore safety and comfort
• Inventory and preserve meaningful items that matter most
• Pack and donate items as desired, never discarding anything without consent
• Accommodate special needs including helping with estates and hoarded homes after a loved one has passed

We offer non-judgmental help for hoarders and their families, making the process less stressful and more empowering. Let us walk alongside you on this journey toward a cleaner, more livable home.

📞 Contact us today for a confidential consultation.