Unlike popular belief, hoarding is a very common thing in many Australian households. In fact, it's estimated that hoarding is a disorder that affects six hundred thousand Australians.
For some hoarders its old newspapers and magazines, for others its drawers filled with things they can't bear to part with. To hoarders getting rid of stuff that appears worthless to others can be agonising.
However, hoarding can affect safety and function and the overall household environment. Here are the dangers of hoarding and how a reputable rubbish removal service can help you deal with the build-up.
Rodents
One of the most dangerous effects of hoarding is rodents like mice, cockroaches, spiders, insects, and rats that are attracted by mass junk and rubbish.
Rodents create homes in environments filled with rubbish where they are free to populate. This can be dangerous for a family living in such an environment since the accumulation of rodent waste can lead to a biohazard situation.
Evidence of rodents in a home calls for an immediate clean up to avoid increased health risk.
Structural damage
Continued accumulation of items can cause structural damage to a home. The contained increase of content inside a home generates a higher risk of collapse due to structural damage.
Many homes are not built to withstand the weight of the collections many residents put in them. Over time, hoarding can lead to structural damage or collapse of the building itself.
Falling debris
A hoarder has an inclination to stuck up piles of junk as high as the room will allow. The higher the pile goes, the greater the risk of a collapse hazard.
Falling debris pose potential danger especially during cleaning efforts. When cleaning, start with more manageable items to minimise the potential of collapse hazard.
Health hazards
A cluttered home can lead to serious health hazards. Dust and odours from decaying waste products can affect the air quality in a home.
It can be difficult to breathe in a cluttered space which can lead to respiratory problems and overall health problems over time. Also, cluttered environments harbour mildew and fungus which pose serious health risks.
Don't let clutter take over you, call a reputable rubbish removal service
In addition to seeking medical intervention, rubbish removal can help you overcome the tendency to store items you don't need in your house. Teaming up with rubbish removal professionals can help you de-clutter, clean and organise your home.