Hoarding is a Bigger Problem than Clearing Out Junk

During these unprecedented times, we take our role as an essential service provider seriously and we remain open to service our customers. We understand that everyone is very concerned with the potential spread of the Coronavirus. We’re following the guidelines put in place by the federal government, local governments and the CDC.

Below are some of the safety precautions we’ve implemented to protect our team and our clients:

We’re offering discounts for our customers who are able to stage their items outside of their property for pickup
We’re vetting our customers before scheduling appointments and while en-route to make sure they’re not showing signs and symptoms of illness
If the customer has access to masks or face covers, we ask that they wear them (if masks are unavailable, please maintain a safe distance of 6 feet at all times)
We are sending home any staff member exhibiting any symptoms of illness for the recommended period of time established by the CDC
All team members have been assigned masks and gloves
We are not assigning more than two team members to a truck
Our trucks and equipment are being disinfected daily
We’ve shut down our office from outside visitors and anybody who can work virtually is being encouraged to work from home
The company continues to hold regular team-wide virtual meetings to emphasize transparency and keep the lines of communication open
The decision to come to work remains 100% voluntary

With reality television shows like “Hoarders” and “Hoarding: Buried Alive,” people are becoming aware of not only the existence of hoarders, but the process of clearing out their overstuffed homes. The shows are helpful because they bring to light the fact that hoarding is a serious risk to health and property.

Even though it may seem as if you can simply go into the home and remove the clutter, it is not that easy. This is a problem that goes far beyond the label of “Pack Rat;” the problem generally stems from what is known as a “hoarding disorder.”

Defined by the Mayo Clinic, hoarding disorder is a persistent difficulty discarding or parting with possessions because of a perceived need to save them, regardless of their actual value. A person with this disorder experiences distress at the thought of getting rid of the items. It may be a disorder on its own, or can be combined with other disorders such as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), obsessive-compulsive personality disorder (OCPD), or depression.

When clearing out a hoarding situation, empathy and compassion are required. Sometimes, a professional counselor is involved, or family members step in to help. At other times, the home must be cleared to avoid legal actions or eviction. We have worked with city and county officials in this capacity as well.

Most items hoarded have little or no monetary value and include excessive clutter, books, food, newspapers, craft items, homewares, trash, files and papers, or even animals. It accumulates until is no longer possible to live in the home or use it in a normal capacity.

123JUNK Treats Hoarders with the Dignity They Deserve

The team at 123JUNK is trained to work with hoarding situations and will provide courteous and considerate service to avoid any shame or embarrassment. You and your loved ones will be treated with dignity as we work together to remedy the problem. We can also assist by providing the names of professional organizers we have worked with.

If you need help or know of someone who may be at risk in their home in Northern Virginia, Washington D.C. or Maryland, call 123JUNK. We will sort the treasures from the junk, recycle them back into the community through our charity partners, and dispose of the rest.