Hoarding: More Than Just a Mess
Hoarding is not simply about having so much clutter that your home looks untidy — it is a recognised mental health condition that can significantly affect the safety, health, and everyday living of those involved. People with a hoarding disorder experience ongoing difficulty in letting go of possessions, even if these items have little or no actual value. This can lead to unhygienic conditions, fire hazards, and pest infestations that endanger both the person hoarding and the wider community.
In Dublin, hoarding problems are more common than many realise. From plastic bags, junk mail, bills, magazines, books, clothes, leaflets piled high in living spaces, to cardboard boxes of household supplies blocking exits, the dangers are real and serious.
Understanding Hoarding Health Risks
Hoarding can create multiple hazards that threaten both health and safety. These risks are not limited to the hoarding person; family members, neighbours, and even pets can be affected.
- Fire Hazards: Clutter can quickly become fuel in the event of a fire, making it difficult for occupants to escape and for firefighters to enter. Fire incidents in hoarders’ properties often result in greater damage and higher fire risk due to blocked exits and flammable materials.
- Pest Infestations: Accumulated rubbish and food waste can lead to rodent or insect infestations. Left untreated, these can spread disease and cause structural damage. (Learn more about how we deal with pest infestations.)
- Health Problems: Mould growth, human faeces, and rotting food create unhygienic conditions that can cause respiratory issues, skin infections, and other serious illnesses.
- Mobility Problems: In extreme cases, the clutter interferes with movement, increasing the risk of falls — particularly among older adults.
The Mental Health Side of Hoarding
According to the Health Service Executive (HSE) in Ireland, a hoarding disorder is a situation where a person gathers a large amount of items, usually in a chaotic manner, leading to clutter that interferes with everyday living and causes distress to the individual or their family.
The reasons why a person begins hoarding are not fully understood. It may also start after a stressful life event, such as bereavement, relationship breakdown, or illness.
Some risk factors include:
- Family history of hoarding disorders or other mental health conditions.
- Poor relationships and social isolation.
- Self-neglect and decline in personal hygiene.
Book a hoarding cleanup survey — free quote
Fast, confidential surveys by our local Dublin team. We handle declutter, deep cleaning and pest control when needed.
Book a free survey Call: 01-8310353Cognitive behavioural therapy or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) may be part of a treatment plan when treating a hoarding disorder.
Many people with a hoarding disorder experience significant distress when asked to throw things away. Items like receipts, containers, electronic data, and household supplies may feel essential, even when they interfere with everyday tasks and paying bills.
Why Professional Hoarder Cleaning is Essential
A professional hoarder cleaning service is vital because hoarding is not just about tidying up — it involves challenging situations that require trained teams, specialist equipment, and a compassionate approach.
Professional cleaning companies can:
- Safely remove hoarded items without causing harm to the person hoarding or their property.
- Address pest infestations and sanitise unhygienic conditions.
- Work alongside mental health professionals, social services, and local authorities to ensure long-term improvements.
- Handle hazardous materials such as bodily fluids, human faeces, and mould.
For Dublin residents, having a local, experienced team means faster response times and services tailored to the needs of the community. (Learn more about our professional hoarder cleanup process)
Protecting Health, Safety, and Dignity
Hoarding cleanup is not about judgment — it is about restoring living spaces to a safe, healthy condition while respecting the dignity of the individual. When carried out with care, hoarding cleanup services improve safety, support mental health recovery, and help people rebuild their lives.
If you or someone you know is facing a significant problem with hoarding, do not wait for health risks or fire incidents to happen. Early intervention is key to improving outcomes and protecting both the home and the people inside it.
Book a safety-first cleanup with our experienced Dublin team. We’ll restore your home to a safe, liveable condition while working respectfully with you or your loved one.
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FAQS
Can hoarding affect my physical health?
Absolutely. Hoarding health risks include respiratory problems, infections, and injuries from falls or blocked exits.
How do you deal with pests in a hoarder’s property?
We provide complete pest control services to eliminate infestations and prevent them from returning. This is an essential part of restoring safety in a home.
Is hoarding a fire hazard?
Yes. Excessive clutter provides fuel for fire and often blocks doors or windows, making it harder to escape and for firefighters to reach those inside.
Can hoarding cause mould or respiratory issues?
It can. Damp belongings and food waste often lead to mould growth and dust build-up, which may trigger asthma, allergies, and other breathing problems.
When should you call a professional?
If clutter blocks key rooms or exits, pests or strong odours are present, or health and safety are at risk, professional cleaners should be called to restore safe living conditions.
Need a hand right now?
Book a hoarding cleanup survey — free quote
Fast, confidential surveys by our local Dublin team. We handle declutter, deep cleaning and pest control when needed.
Book a free survey Call: 01-8310353
