“Hoarding disorder is defined as a persistent difficulty discarding or parting with possessions because of a perceived need to save them. A person with a hoarding disorder experiences distress at the thought of getting rid of the items. Excessive accumulation of items, regardless of actual value, occurs.” - mayoclinic.org
We at Bio-One try to keep this in mind when we first arrive at an estimate for a client’s hoarded home. Many people have a hard time understanding how we can enter these homes or even clean them, but for us it’s much deeper. We realize that by taking the step to call us and allow complete strangers into their home, that alone is huge. If we walk in judging or with bad energy, it immediately sets a tone and may lead them to think they have made a bad decision. We always are open minded, compassionate and honestly there for them to share their stories. In most cases some form of trauma has led to their isolation, therefore the hoard began. We don’t claim to be therapist but simply offer a human touch of kindness and empathy.
If you stop to think how much you accumulate over one year, imagine being deathly afraid of letting anything go as you bring in new items. This is how hoarders feel. They tend to associate memories with material things. One of the ways we use to help our client’s part with items is by snapping a photo with their phone. That way they can look back on the photo but do not need to hold onto the actual object. We also try to donate as much as possible. We work with many non-profit organizations such as Beds for Kids who provide beds and essential furniture to children and their families in need. They are a truly inspiring group of people who have done so much for the Charlotte community.
One of the main ways that we differ from other companies is that we offer after care services. Once we come in and help regain your home and offer a fresh start, we don’t want our clients to fall back into their old routines. Thus, offering a service that can be as often as weekly, bi-weekly or even monthly. We partner with a wonderful Organic cleaning company Called Next to Godliness Organic Cleaning . With our client’s consent of course, Next to Godliness will come towards the end of our time at the client’s home and meet with them and talk about next steps. We want our clients to still feel in a safe space with us there and make the transition as easy as possible. During this past year we have been able to offer this service to all of our hoarding clients and have helped so many regain their homes and their lives. Living this way doesn’t have to be forever, and although it may seem daunting to begin a cleanup of such magnitude, I promise we can help. Call us today if you, a friend or a family member could use our services. We offer a judgement free zone and a no obligation estimate. The world is a beautiful place and you deserve to be a part of it.
Written by Jennifer Symons
Bio-One Charlotte
704-726-5905
info@bioonecharlotte.com
