Compulsive hoarding is a condition that is becoming increasingly common across the world. Hoarders, uncontrollably fill their homes with excessive possessions such as clothing, newspapers, and books. They see value and potential in items that many people would throw away. This is often due to an emotional attachment or fear of losing items of importance. But this can make their homes disorganized, impractical and dangerous to live in. The sooner a person faces their hoarding issues, the easier it is to regain control of their life and home. If you think you might be a compulsive hoarder, use this guide to help you get your home back to a comfortable state.

Start small

If your home is full of endless piles of items, the task of decluttering can seem overwhelming. Instead of thinking of your entire home, start by focusing on a small area instead. This could be a coffee table or the kitchen sink for instance. Clean, throw away or donate the items that have accumulated in these areas. Then move onto another small area the next day. This should only take 10-15 minutes to complete and makes the process more manageable. If you start to panic about throwing certain items away, step away for a moment. You can count to ten or use breathing exercises to help you relax. Once you feel better, return to the task. Ask your partner or a friend to support you throughout.

Only handle items once

It’s very easy to move items from pile to pile. While this is often a short-term solution, these piles will continue to grow, and you won’t dispose of anything. The best way to clean your clutter effectively is by handling each item once and making instant decisions. You can decide to keep or throw away. Try not to spend too much time analyzing each item and decide it’s fate there and then. Prioritize keeping important documents, family heirlooms and photographs. But get rid of broken electronics, empty packaging and old clothing you no longer wear. Donating items that you no longer use but are still in good conditions is another option.

Ask for help if you need it

If you find that you deal with your condition, always ask for help and support. You can talk to your doctor about your issues with hoarding. They can then refer you to a counselor who can help you pinpoint why you are unable to let go. If you have an extensive hoard of items, you can also contact specialist cleaners such as ServiceMaster by Zaba . They can help you declutter and clean the rooms in your home, making it hygienic and tidy again. Family and friends support will also be essential to keep you motivated and focused. Dealing with your compulsive hoarding alone can be incredibly stressful and challenging. So seek out and accept help as soon as you can.