The word “hoarding” probably evokes a particular image, made more common by shows like Hoarders that highlight extreme examples. In reality, not all hoarders have rooms full of items piled high to the ceiling.
The Institute for Challenging Disorganization (now, there’s a relatable title!) has classified hoarding behavior into five levels on their Clutter-Hoarding Scale.Level 1 Hoarding
At Level 1, a home is not pristine, but the space is still easily accessible and sanitary. There is clutter, but no concern for safety. Most, if not all of us, have been in Level 1. Many people spend most of their time in this stage.
Here are the defining characteristics of this level:
At Level 2, the home is still very livable, but there’s more evidence of disarray. The home is in need of cleaning and may be starting to overwhelm the residents. The hygiene level isn’t optimal.
Most of us bounce between Level 1 and Level 2. However, here are the more defining characteristics of Level 2:
Level 3 is considered the turning point between manageable household disorganization and a more serious issue. Level 3 homes show extreme disorganization and indicate hoarding behavior.
Here are the defining characteristics of this level:
Level 3 households should consider hiring outside help. Although, it’s still possible to get it under control with a concerted effort from the whole family
At Level 4, the home shows excessive clutter.Those living in Level 4 conditions need professional help. At this level, part of getting help includes professional cleaning to transform the house into a safe, hygienic space where people can thrive. Mental health counselors and social workers may also step in to help residents change their habits.
Here are the defining characteristics of this level:
Level 5 is the highest level of hoarding behavior. Level 5 homes are alarmingly hazardous.
They require professionals with safety equipment and training to clean.
Here are the defining characteristics of this level:
If you or someone you know is struggling with these levels of hoarding we are here to help.
You can find more information at https://bioonemarioncounty.com/ or contact us at (317) 499-0614
Thanks to multiple TV shows, I think most of us are at least aware of the term "hoarding" or "hoarders." Maybe you've seen an episode of "Hoarders" where a person's home is overtaken by clutter and filth. Although it may be easy to watch someone deal with this on TV, the reality of hoarding is not dealt with in a single one-hour episode.
Hoarding is a mental health disorder that causes those suffering to compulsively acquire and keep items that may be considered useless or unnecessary. With hoarding disorder, sometimes even just the thought of getting rid of items can cause major distress for the individual.
Bio-One has assisted in the hoarding cleanup process for thousands of people across the US who struggle with this illness. At Bio-One, we take mental health seriously because the impact of those struggles can affect so many people, not just those who are personally afflicted. What may seem like basic clutter could be the early signs of a deeper issue. These situations can be mentally and emotionally taxing for all involved, so it is sometimes necessary to call professionals for help.
At Bio-One, we take pride in helping others and treating them with the utmost respect, no matter the nature of the scene. We understand how overwhelming and daunting a major cleanup or remediation can be, which is why we are here to help. If you know someone who has hoarding tendencies, there are mental health professionals who specialize in diagnosing and treating hoarding disorders.
Resources:
International OCD Foundation
American Psychiatric Foundation
Bio-One of Marion County is a locally owned and operated biohazard and hoarding cleaning company serving Indianapolis and surrounding areas. We specialize in blood, bodily fluid, and feces removal, rodent droppings cleaning, sewage cleanup, hoarding, and pet hoarding cleaning, gross filth cleanup, and odor removal services. Helping people who are faced with difficult situations to get their surroundings and lives back in order is our #1 priority.
Bio-One is here to help you 24/7, 365 days a year! Call (317) 499-0614, and you'll speak directly to one of us when you call; there is never an answering service. We'll treat you like a person with the compassion and respect that you deserve.
Clutter and hoarding can create a perfect environment for pests to thrive, making it difficult to control or eliminate an infestation. If you or someone you know is facing this problem, it's essential to take quick action to address the situation and prevent it from getting worse. Here's are the 4 steps you should follow:
The first step is to call a professional pest control company to assess the infestation and provide the best solution. They will be able to identify the type of pest and the extent of the infestation and recommend the appropriate treatment.
Once the pests have been identified, remove any cluttered items harboring the pests, including cardboard boxes, old magazines, and other items that provide shelter and food sources. Any contaminated items should be bagged and disposed of immediately. We recommend that you use proper protective equipment during this stage. If this feels overwhelming, you can always call a biohazard company to help. Their technicians know how to identify areas that may be contaminated and use specialized techniques and equipment to remove any hazardous materials.
Because pest infestations can pose serious health risks, it is crucial to clean and disinfect any contaminated items to prevent the spread of disease-causing pathogens after decluttering. Use a strong disinfectant and pay extra attention to areas that may have been contaminated, such as cupboards, drawers, and other hidden spaces. This will help remove any remaining pests and their eggs and eliminate any unpleasant odors that may have developed.
If you want the peace of mind that the cleaning and disinfection are done correctly, you can hire a biohazard company. They will take all necessary precautions to protect themselves and others from exposure to hazardous materials during the cleaning and disinfecting process. This includes wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) and following proper decontamination protocols. Biohazard companies use specialized disinfectants that are specifically designed to kill disease-causing pathogens. These disinfectants are highly effective and can help prevent the spread of illness.
To prevent future pest infestations, it's essential to implement measures to keep your home and surroundings clean and tidy. This includes regular cleaning, proper storage of food, and sealing any cracks or crevices where pests may enter.
Hiring a biohazard company after a pest infestation is crucial to ensure the proper cleaning and disinfection of contaminated items. Biohazard companies have the expertise, equipment, and processes to effectively clean and disinfect your home or business, ensuring that it is safe for you and others. While hiring a biohazard company may seem expensive, it is often the most cost-effective solution in the long run. This is because proper cleaning and disinfection will prevent the spread of illness and potential lawsuits, saving you money in the long run.
Call us 24/7 at (317) 499-0614 for a free estimate, or find out more about hoarding remediation services at BioOneMarionCounty.com/hoarding-cleanup.
Learn more about the biohazard services we provide to residents in Indianapolis and surrounding areas at BioOneMarionCounty.com/services
The phenomenon of hoarding has become increasingly prevalent in recent years. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) in Massachusetts, an estimated 5% of the population in the United States alone suffers from the disorder. Hoarding is a psychological disorder that can lead to extreme accumulation of items, often creating hazardous living conditions. This can lead to an unsafe environment for the hoarder and any visitors.
Hoarding can pose a serious safety risk. Piles of belongings can create a fire hazard, and the sheer amount of clutter can make it challenging to move around the home safely. When you enlist a hoarding cleaning service like Bio-One of Marion County, they can help restore your home's safety by removing the clutter and ensuring all pathways are clear.
When a hoarding situation arises, it is essential to enlist the help of a professional biohazard cleaning company like Bio-One of Marion County to ensure the safety of all involved. We specialize in removing hazardous materials, such as human and medical waste, and other items that may have been exposed to various infectious diseases or viruses. Our certified technicians use specialized equipment, such as HEPA filters, to safely and effectively remove these items from home.
Call us 24/7 at (317) 499-0614 for a free estimate, or find out more about hoarding remediation services at BioOneMarionCounty.com/hoarding-cleanup.
Learn more about the biohazard services we provide to residents in Indianapolis and surrounding areas at BioOneMarionCounty.com/services
Have you ever seen hoarding shows on TV? Our team has first-hand experience remediating these situations with care and compassion. From clutter, trash, to animal hoarding, we understand that the removal of items can be stressful and sometimes overwhelming for families involved. Bio-One will make it a priority to establish trust to ensure everyone is comfortable and ready for each day to begin.
It's as simple as 1, 2, 3.
First, we always offer estimates at no cost to you. An experienced crew leader will tour the home and propose a plan based on your needs, expectations, and goals.
Second, our certified technicians are trained to be mindful of all possessions. We make it a priority to find and save items of value whether that's a wallet, coin collections, legal documents, photo albums, or baseball cards.
Third, we want to make sure you are 100% satisfied and happy with our work. If for some reason something else needs to be done, we are here for you.
