A recent conversation with a young woman led me to consider the number of times I have walked into a home that belonged to a “collector” (that is the more polite way to calling someone a hoarder). This woman had just helped a friend clear out “mom’s home” and it was an overwhelming and discouraging task.
Hoarding is a mental illness, often related to OCD but it manifests in an opposite way. People can find themselves holding onto all kinds of things… I am a bit guilty of it myself. We think we may need it some day, that the objects will increase in value, that something in good condition should not be thrown away, etc. At some point, however, the collecting can become out of control and threaten the hoarder’s well being. There are tests and treatments for this, so if you have a family member that collects compulsively, professional help may be needed; you cannot just go in and throw everything out.
I find this UK article on hoarding particularly informative and easy to read
Here in Quebec, families can find support through Ami-Quebec.
If you need to sell a home that is overrun with belongings, we can help. Your solution starts with finding the right people for the job. Integrity is key. Every document must be looked at before it gets shredded or burned, and items of value need to be carefully inventoried. Only once that is done can the revitalization happen and the house be marketed for sale.
Feel free to contact us for more information, we are here to help and are happy to discuss.
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