Last Updated on March 13, 2023 by Ahmad Shahzad
There are so many downsides to hoarding. For one, it can be dangerous in more ways than one. People who suffer from this affliction often find themselves with little actual living space in their homes, surrounded by large columns of excess amounts of stuff. It is possible for these columns to cause injury if they are not structurally sound and eventually end up falling on a person. Not only that, but it is impossible for hoarders to keep their homes free of health hazards such as animal waste and pests. In addition, hoarding can isolate a person from those they love, who are unlikely to want to visit a home in such a state, and thus negatively impact their mental health. Thankfully, there are some steps people can take to stop this behavior.
Seek Help With Cleaning
There is no shame in seeking help when you need it, especially when doing so could change your life for the better. There are professionals whose sole job is to assist with hoarder cleanup. The great thing about this option is that you will be dealing with people who have experience helping others deal with similar situations. That means they will be equipped to handle your specific situation and will not be surprised by what they encounter as they help you bring your home back to an orderly state.
Seeking this kind of assistance can help you get your life back. After all, living in fear of what you might find in one of your columns is a terrible way to live. For example, there may be hazardous material like rat droppings that could make you sick in them. There could also be literal pests such as cockroaches living in them. These are all things that will go away once your home is properly cleaned. Best of all, you will actually be able to use your home as intended because so much more open space will be available. Therefore, your loved ones will be more likely to visit you.
Seek Assistance From a Mental Health Professional
The desire to hoard is not something you can overcome overnight. You will need the help of a mental health professional to keep yourself from starting to do so again. This is an important step that cannot be overlooked. Otherwise, the cleaning that was completed might have been for nothing if you fall back into your old habits.
The great thing about these professionals is that they can help you realize some important things about yourself. This includes things such as the situations and feelings that trigger your desire to hoard. Once you become aware of this kind of vital information, you can take the appropriate steps to, for example, avoid those situations entirely, if possible, or find ways to counteract those feelings. Knowing what your triggers are is the first step to overcoming them.
The Benefits of Decluttering Your Home
Hoarding can be a dangerous and isolating behavior that negatively impacts one’s mental and physical health. However, the benefits of decluttering go far beyond simply cleaning up a messy living space. In fact, studies have shown that decluttering can lead to increased happiness, reduced stress, and even improved physical health.
One of the most significant benefits of decluttering is the reduction in stress levels. Living in a cluttered and disorganized space can create a sense of chaos and overwhelm, which can lead to anxiety and stress. Clearing out excess items and organizing your home can create a sense of calm and order, which can in turn reduce stress levels and improve overall mental health.
Another benefit of decluttering is increased productivity. When your home is cluttered, it can be difficult to focus and accomplish tasks efficiently. Clearing out unnecessary items can create a more functional living space, making it easier to complete daily tasks and achieve goals.
Decluttering can also lead to improved physical health. Excess clutter can create a breeding ground for dust, dirt, and allergens, which can negatively impact respiratory health. Clearing out excess items and maintaining a clean living space can help improve air quality and reduce the risk of respiratory issues.
The benefits of decluttering go far beyond simply having a clean living space. From improved mental health to increased productivity and even better physical health, decluttering can positively impact every aspect of your life. By seeking the help of professionals and mental health experts, it is possible to overcome hoarding behaviors and live a more fulfilling and organized life.
You can stop hoarding and get your life back on track. In order to do so, you can seek the help of trained cleaners and mental health professionals.
