How do we clear hoarded properties?
At iClear Property Services, we offer fast, efficient and confidential hoarding house clearance and deep cleaning services. Our approach is built around a sensitive solution for hoarding situations.
Our goal is to get individuals and families back on track and moving forward. We understand the emotional complexity involved, so we handle every case with care.
Our bespoke hoarder clearance service starts with a full hoarding house clearance, followed by a deep clean. We have developed and refined this process over many years.
This end-to-end service is why we are the go-to choice for:
- Probate Solicitors
- Executors
- Relatives both overseas and in the UK
How does a hoarder clearance work?
Dealing with a property affected by hoarding can feel like a nightmare for everyone involved, whether you’re a friend, a relative, or an executor. At iClear Property Services, we know a smooth hoarder clearance relies on the right tools and a gentle approach.
Hoarding is a formally recognised mental health condition characterised by a persistent difficulty in discarding or getting rid of possessions, regardless of their value. This struggle leads to clutter and unsafe living spaces. In extreme cases, rooms become inaccessible, and homes suffer serious problems such as hazardous waste and pest infestations.
It’s important to distinguish true hoarding from just clutter. Hoarding means you can’t use areas of the home for their intended purpose – for example, you can’t get into the bathroom or sit on the sofa.
What happens during our hoarder clearance?
First, we need to assess the severity of the hoarding as the required intervention varies greatly. This ranges from the least severe, where the home looks tidy, with exits accessible, storage maxed out, and clutter contained, to the most severe.
The highest severity level is an uninhabitable property – one that may not have basic utilities, has severe biohazards, exits blocked, structural damage and immediate health risks that require emergency professional intervention. This assessment determines the course of action and whether specialised house clearance is needed.
Once we understand the scope, we move to planning. This involves choosing a focus point, often the least challenging room and listing out all the tasks: removing large items, safely disposing of waste and deep cleaning.
We conduct a comprehensive risk assessment in accordance with a detailed Risk Assessment Method Statement (RAMS). This process identifies hazards such as pests, mould, and unstable structures, identifies who is at risk, and provides step-by-step instructions for safe completion. Throughout the process, our team uses Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) – gloves, masks, safety goggles and protective clothing – to prevent contact with or inhalation of hazardous materials.
Hoarder clearances: The process
After assessing the property, the core of the clearance plan involves a systematic method for sorting all possessions. This phase focuses on categorising every item – this means deciding whether to keep, donate, sell, or recycle.
We strongly advise retaining non-soiled essentials, such as basic furniture, and sentimental valuables, such as photos, jewellery, and family heirlooms. Items in good, usable condition -like clothing or bedding – should be targeted for donation to local charities and organisations. For items with recognised monetary worth, such as antiques, collectables, or valuables like paintings and coins, the priority shifts to selling.
Our dedicated approach at iClear Property Services is defined by a strict zero-to-landfill commitment. We guarantee that every item we handle is processed in the most environmentally responsible manner possible, prioritising recycling, reusing, and charitable donation to ensure nothing is wasted.
What are the next steps?
After sorting, the next step is responsible waste disposal. Hoarded properties have all sorts of waste from general rubbish to biohazardous materials. Bagging and removing this waste is crucial for health and safety, as proper disposal prevents pest infestations and the spread of bacteria.
Once the bulk of the hoard is cleared, a professional clean is necessary due to the hazards. This is not just a standard clean; we use specialist equipment to sanitise all surfaces, kill mould and pests, neutralise odours, and purify the air. The result is immediate: a hazardous environment becomes a safe, clean and liveable space.
Finally, we stress the importance of ongoing emotional and psychological support for the individual. This final step keeps the environment safe and is essential for the individual’s long-term recovery and well-being.
Get in touch to find out more
To find out more, please get in touch at 07926 867347 or email info@iclearpropertyservices.co.uk now.
