How to Handle a Hoarder House Cleanout: A Step-by-Step Plan
Cleaning out a hoarder home is not like a typical junk removal job. It requires sensitivity, planning, and the right team. At Anytime Junk Removal, we’ve helped families, landlords, and property managers across Santa Fe, Albuquerque, and Northern New Mexico take on these overwhelming cleanouts.
If you're facing a hoarding situation — whether it’s yours, a loved one’s, or a tenant’s — this step-by-step guide will help you prepare, stay organized, and move forward with confidence.
Step 1: Understand the Emotional Side
Hoarding is often linked to emotional or mental health challenges. It’s not just about “too much stuff” — it’s a deeply personal and emotional experience. Approach the process with:
Empathy — Avoid judgmental language.
Patience — Some people may be resistant or overwhelmed.
Support — Consider involving family, friends, or a therapist.
🔗 Mayo Clinic – Hoarding Disorder Overview
Step 2: Make a Plan Before You Touch Anything
Don’t just start tossing items. Create a plan to stay safe, focused, and efficient:
Set a timeline: Will it take days or weeks?
Secure the right help: Contact a junk removal company early.
Decide what stays vs. goes: Work room by room if needed.
📄 Create a checklist: kitchen, living room, garage, etc.
Step 3: Prioritize Safety First
Hoarder homes can hide hazards. Before you begin:
Wear gloves, boots, and a mask
Be cautious of mold, pests, and unstable piles
Turn off utilities if needed
Bring flashlights or headlamps
🔗 CDC – Cleaning Guidance for Health Risks
Step 4: Bring in Professional Help
Hoarder house cleanouts are overwhelming without help. At Anytime Junk Removal, we:
Send a crew with the tools and manpower
Sort and remove items quickly and discreetly
Load and haul debris, appliances, furniture, and trash
Donate or recycle usable goods when possible
📞 Call us at 505‑490‑1211 for a free estimate or book online
Step 5: Separate Items into Categories
To stay organized, sort into 4 groups:
Keep – Truly valuable or necessary
Donate – Items in good condition
Recycle – Electronics, paper, metal
Trash – Broken, expired, or infested items
🔗 Habitat for Humanity ReStore – Northern NM
🔗 Goodwill New Mexico Donation Guide
Step 6: Deep Clean After the Junk is Gone
Once the junk is cleared, it’s time to disinfect and deodorize. Hire a local cleaning service or do it yourself with:
Bleach for mold/mildew
Enzyme cleaners for odors
Pest control if needed
🔗 City of Santa Fe Cleaning & Disinfection Guide
🔗 Albuquerque Environmental Health Resources
We Help All Over Northern New Mexico
We’ve helped clients with hoarder house cleanouts in:
Santa Fe
Albuquerque
Española
Rio Rancho
Taos
Los Alamos
Bernalillo
Las Vegas, NM
White Rock and more
💡 Final Tip: Compassion Is Key
A hoarder cleanout isn’t just junk removal — it’s a fresh start. Whether you’re helping a family member or preparing a property for sale, remember that small steps make a big difference.
Let Anytime Junk Removal handle the heavy lifting while you focus on what matters most.
