Why SERVPRO®? Here to Help Your Hoarding Situation

1/16/2021 (Permalink)

Hoarding can be a serious problem in today’s society. Do you know someone who is a hoarder? If so, help exists. The heroes at SERVPRO® of Cape Girardeau & Scott Counties will be your solution. Why SERVPRO®? Because we are here to help your hoarding situation “Like it never even happened.”

According to the Mayo Clinic, “A hoarding disorder is 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.” Many people with a hoarding disorder do not find their habits to be a problem.

Hoarded items are often things others would throw away or look at as junk or garbage, such as old newspapers, junk mail, or packaging. 

Hoarding can lead to homes filled with extreme clutter to full capacity from years of accumulation, which makes living conditions unsanitary and crowded. Bugs, fleas, rats, and other vermin may be present, at which point an exterminator would need to be called. At times, hoarding may spread to the outside perimeter of the home as well, to storage facilities, or even the garage or yard. 

SERVPRO® franchises encounter hoarding situations in many capacities, so we have the experience to effectively handle those types of jobs. Many times, we’re called for a fire or water loss, and we encounter a hoarding situation when we arrive on-site. Our heroes here at SERVPRO® of Cape Girardeau & Scott Counties will communicate with the insurance company regarding their contents coverage, and, after approval, contents can be packed out and possibly cleaned, dried, and safely stored at our local franchise, or relocated to a storage facility so the fire or water loss work can be performed.

Another way SERVPRO® franchises encounter hoarding jobs is through calls from landlords, caseworkers, real estate agents, or family members, often after the death of a loved one. In these situations, our professionals will see if they should look for any items of importance while they clean the job. Sometimes, family members will come and try to help the hoarder sort through their contents as well. 

Hoarding jobs are often sensitive situations, and each case is very different. Our heroes at SERVPRO® of Cape Girardeau & Scott Counties are here to help make the mess “Like it never even happened.” If you encounter a hoarding situation at one of your properties or with your insureds, contact us. Remember, we are here to help your hoarding situation. Call us today: 573-339-1948.