How To Help a Hoarder Move: Pack & Leave Belongings Behind

Moving is challenging enough as is, but it becomes considerably more difficult and complicated when you find yourself dealing with hoarding tendencies. Hoarding is a mental health condition that is classified as a type of obsessive compulsive disorder, and makes it difficult for people to let go of their possessions.

In this article, we will go over the unique challenges that come with moving a hoarder, and provide tips to help navigate this sensitive situation.

The challenges that come with moving while hoarding

There are a unique set of challenges that come with moving your belongings while struggling with hoarding. Below we’ve included our list of what those potential challenges may be so that you can be prepared when tackling your move.

Possessions are hard to let go of

The nature of hoarding is not necessarily the need for excessive accumulation of items in their home, but more so the overwhelming reluctance to throw items away due to the emotional attachments they've created to their possessions. Hoarders oftentimes do not see these things as “useless junk”, but rather things they may need or could use down the line. This attachment makes it challenging for hoarders to let go of their things when preparing for a move, and is undoubtedly the first stress and challenge when someone with hoarding tendencies moves.

The pressure of other people seeing the hoarding

Moving requires other people entering the hoarder’s home, whether it’s family members and loved ones, or professional movers. This can cause a lot of depression, anxiety, and stress for a hoarder due to embarrassment, shame, and a fear of judgment. This reluctance can make it difficult for a hoarder to call movers or ask for help.

Living conditions can be dangerous to work around

In very severe cases of hoarding, living conditions can become hazardous or sometimes even toxic. The clutter of objects can cause obstructions, making it difficult to maneuver through the home. Hoarded items can also create fire hazards, or harbor pests. These are all safety concerns for movers and make the process even more complicated.

For the person that is hoarding, moving can be terrifying

Moving is a significant change for anyone, but for a hoarder, it can be particularly traumatic. So much of hoarding involves control, and a new environment can represent losing control for a hoarder.

Organization is expectedly troublesome

The nature of hoarding is clutter, and this leads to a lot of disorganized chaos within their home. It will be challenging for both the moverss and the hoarder to organize the clutter and pack up.

The best tips to help a hoarder move

Now that we’ve gone over the potential challenges of someone with hoarding tendencies moving, we now will go over our tips from a professional mover to help someone with this problem move.

Understanding a hoarder’s situation

Try to approach the person you are helping, and the situation, with empathy and compassion. Familiarize and educate yourself with the disorder so that you are armed with as much knowledge as you can to provide help. Feel free to ask questions to make them comfortable. 

Create a plan to work around the hoarder’s accommodations 

Try to keep in mind how difficult this process may be for someone who is hoarding. As such, it’s important to respect their boundaries as much as possible and work with them on a plan to get the move done while also keeping in mind their needs.

Keep a positive attitude

Remember to be positive and non-judgemental. This may be difficult for you, but it’s much harder for the person you’re helping. Be as encouraging as you can, and highlight the benefits of removing clutter and having a fresh start.

Be patient with the process

Part of the plan you create with the hoarder to make them more comfortable might be doing the move at a more slow and gradual pace. Understand that because of the unique situation, it may take longer than usual, and there may be setbacks and emotional moments. Just be supportive and patient throughout the journey. 

Never forget, safety first

Prioritize you and your mover’s safety during the process. There will potentially be safety hazards like unstable structures, and blocked exits. Spend some time to clear walkways and make the environment safe for the move to avoid any potential accidents.

If need be, seek out professional help to clear the hoarding 

In severe cases of hoarding, there may be an immediate need for help from a professional organizer or a therapist that specializes in hoarding disorder to help with the situation. Work in conjunction with the professionals to create a plan to clear the hoarding so that you can continue with the move. In addition to moving, Kowalski Moves offer junk removal services. Once you’ve decided on everything you’ll get rid of, we’ll take it away for you!

If you ever face yourself with a move, let Kowalski Moves take care of it!

At Kowalski Moves, we understand the importance of a fresh start and are here to assist you with your moving needs, no matter how unique or how difficult the situation. From moving homes to removing junk, we’ll take care of everything with compassionate service!