Hoarding cleanup checklist: before, during and after

Updated 2026-09-14

Before the crew arrives

• Agree with the resident on the three safety goals for day one (exit path, bathroom, stove).
• Walk the home once for documents: will, deeds, tax returns, insurance policies, medication, cash, jewelry, photos. Bag what you find; tell the crew what to keep looking for.
• Photograph every room, dated. It protects everyone.
• Confirm the written estimate lists labor, disposal, biohazard and cleaning as separate lines, and states what "done" looks like.
• Ask for proof of insurance and, for biohazard, bloodborne-pathogen training.
• Arrange dumpster placement and parking; call the city if a permit is needed for the street.
• Turn on water and power if they are off; crews need both.
• Arrange for pets to be out of the home.

On the day

• One family member on site, not five. The resident makes decisions; the family member supports.
• Keep, donate, recycle, trash zones set up before the first box moves.
• Check the "trash" pile before each load leaves. It is the last chance.
• Break every two hours. Fatigue is when people give up or get angry.
• Keep a running list of anything found (documents, valuables) with who has it.

Afterwards

• Deep clean and deodorize; treat for pests if needed, with a follow-up in two weeks.
• Fix what the clutter hid: leaks, wiring, floors.
• Set up the thing that stops the refill: a weekly cleaner, a therapist who treats hoarding disorder, a recurring donation pickup, a family member who visits on a schedule.
• Keep the estimate, invoice and photos together; insurers and estate attorneys ask for them.