You're so gentle, yet tough. I admire that. We have so much stuff in this country. There are hordes of people who feed and cloth themselves, their family, who make money on the side, picking through our trash. Sobering.
What I would recommend in this case is to go find another company who specializes in hoarding in the area, and then ask if they would be willing to accept the hoarding client. Once you find a business who will do that, then go to the client and say "I can no longer service your account," or something along the lines of what Angela stated, but then refer them to someone else who can do it. It would be nice to "transfer" the client to someone who can provide them the service they deserve so they don't feel like they're being abandoned. This isn't required, but it will be the extra mile of customer service that is appreciated. And ideally, this would go for any type of service you cannot offer someone, not just hoarding. Use your network.
I can just imagine how defensive and sensitive hoarders would be. Best to get out if you don’t have the special people skills it would take to handle them.
Wow 19 children! Can you please make a video about growing a big family and how to tackle house cleaning chores when you have many kids and you have to take care of everything. I have to admit that from the very beginning I had a feeling that you have a very special background. The way you see things and handle difficult situations is very special and inspiring. I learn a lot from you. Thank you very much for your videos! Anat
Angela!! Another great video! I love how your straight forward approach is almost humorous at times because of how real it actually is! Love your channel!
It depends on the extent of it. If it’s reached a point where moving stuff could put the client or cleaner in danger then a special service would be called in.
I appreciate Angela addressing this issue. Today it is accepted that hoarding is a mental illness. Even with psychological treatment it is extremely difficult to help them. There are companies willing to come in and do a one-time cleaning/clearing complete with hazmat suits; they should engage the services of a social worker or psychologist to work with the hoarder before and during the clearing out. Otherwise, the event will be deeply traumatizing to the occupant which will make them even worse off. Most will go right back to hoarding with or without help.
Thanks Virginia for bringing this up. It's true. Hoarding removal is not a one time ordeal - it's a process. Hoarding doesn't happen overnight, neither does recovering from it. And you are also correct that additional help is needed to help process the underlying issues that trigger hoarding tendencies.
I really appreciate your approach to the humans in these interactions. I have dealt with a hoarding situation once, for a friend, and I realized very quickly it’s not about the cleaning, but the emotional safety of the owner. And those waters, I think in most cases need professional navigation. We were able to get her space clear in one room, but it took over 30 hours of manpower, and the changes didn’t last. But I think with a lot of care, and a lot of signing over choice to her even when it was counterintuitive to her goal, we both walked away from it feeling accomplished, but I also decided I would need training specific to hoarding if I ever tackled another one.
Having a child and other family members that have hoarding tendencies, I have come to understand that there are so many factors involved in hoarding, their inability to let go, and being so overwhelmed that they cannot face dealing with all the mess. I am the complete opposite so it is a challenge, but I actually think that this is something I would be able to help with. Maybe not at first. : )
I want to hire someone to help me declutter my home. I recently became disabled and while recovering from surgeries over the past two years I wasn't able to deep clean like I used to, hence the need to declutter. I also can't drive anymore so I really need the person to also be able to take those items to the goodwill or dump if need be. Are there such people?
If it were me in this situation, I would hire a Professional Organizer to declutter and drop items off at donation centers and dump. Separately, hire a maid.
So who do a hoarder go to if they had a aha moment and realized they had alot of stuff and now they need help downsizing and getting rid of stuff and cleaning
This is true. They will be way out of their comfort zone just to ask for a clearer. Bring someone who knows and do a handover. These people are sick and need mental support that you need to train yourself beforehand.
@@AskAngelaBrown hi Angela, sorry if my message sounded directed to you but I was speaking in general, trying to be objective to readers who have similar business to yours. My comments are not a criticism from your work or approach especially because I very much agree with you in all points. I learned a lot from your videos, and this subject in special is too sensitive for the general public.
Me and my husband learned the very hard way, don’t do any kind of busy at all with a hoarder. They have mental problems that you can’t fix. It will end in disaster so just don’t do it. They are the only ones who can fix their problems, no one else can do it for them.
Oh no, it sounds like you've had a bad experience or two. My experience is vastly different. I've worked with lots of hoarders who didn't have mental problems at all. Many of them are accountants, lawyers, school teachers, doctors, and dentists. Typically they are people who serve others all day, and/or bring work home with them. They are grading papers or working on briefs for court into the wee hours and don't have time to organize their own home. They have too much stuff because a parent died and left them with a house, a storage unit, a shed, and a garage full of stuff. Often times the elder parent will come to live with them during their final years and bring gobs of stuff with them to an already filled, furnished, and decorated home. When they pass, the busy professionals mean to get around to clearing out the clutter, but with work, they just don't have the time and it's not pressing so it gets put on the back burner. You do, however, have the right to choose not to include hoarding homes in your workload - it's true it's not for everyone.
@@AskAngelaBrown The types of people you are explaining seem like “very busy” people with demanding lives. I don’t think people like this are hoarders…a true hoarder has deep psychological issues that need to be addressed before the cleaning process can begin. All types of people have a habit of collecting certain items but non-hoarders are able too understand why they are collecting butter tubs ir whatever they think may be useful but then later decide it’s no longer useful for them and they don’t need the items or collections. A hoarder is much more complicated .
Take a look at this playlist of similar videos we made on hoarding - Hoarders. More fab info.
ua-cam.com/play/PLh1fKdNH3piRf92YFtLwvJdbtWFkeReoC.html
You're so gentle, yet tough. I admire that. We have so much stuff in this country. There are hordes of people who feed and cloth themselves, their family, who make money on the side, picking through our trash. Sobering.
You are a masterclass in public speaking and presentation. You are so poised and well-spoken.
Oh wow, thanks so much for the compliment. I appreciate your feedback. :-)
What I would recommend in this case is to go find another company who specializes in hoarding in the area, and then ask if they would be willing to accept the hoarding client. Once you find a business who will do that, then go to the client and say "I can no longer service your account," or something along the lines of what Angela stated, but then refer them to someone else who can do it. It would be nice to "transfer" the client to someone who can provide them the service they deserve so they don't feel like they're being abandoned. This isn't required, but it will be the extra mile of customer service that is appreciated. And ideally, this would go for any type of service you cannot offer someone, not just hoarding. Use your network.
Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts on this topic. 👍
19 children! Wow!
You’ve been cleaning your whole life.
No wonder you are so good.
I can just imagine how defensive and sensitive hoarders would be. Best to get out if you don’t have the special people skills it would take to handle them.
Wow 19 children! Can you please make a video about growing a big family and how to tackle house cleaning chores when you have many kids and you have to take care of everything.
I have to admit that from the very beginning I had a feeling that you have a very special background. The way you see things and handle difficult situations is very special and inspiring. I learn a lot from you. Thank you very much for your videos! Anat
Thanks so much for the video suggestions. 👍
19 children?!? Whoa! I recently found you and I'm so happy I did. You're an amazing woman sharing so much with us. Thank you!
Thank you so much for your kind words Susan, I appreciate it!
I love your gentle yet tough approach. I enjoy your videos I learn so much
Thanks for watching and taking the time to drop me a line. I appreciate you and your feedback. :-)
Wow! That is some of the wisest advice I have heard in a long time. You gained me as a subscriber with your attitude. I am impressed!
Oh wow, thank you so much! I appreciate your kind words and thanks for subbing!
Angela!! Another great video! I love how your straight forward approach is almost humorous at times because of how real it actually is! Love your channel!
Thank you so much for taking the time to write this comment Chelsea, I appreciate it!
I think your amazing, insightful, and can have compassion. Be thankful God gave you so many gifts! Love your videos!
Bravo. Your advice shows both compassion and assertiveness. What wisdom you have in running your business.
Thank you so much, I appreciate it!
I love the way you treat people! You’re amazing!
-someone who has a parent that hoards :)
Thank you so much for your kind words and for taking the time to write this comment, I appreciate it! 🤗
How would you clean a hoarding house to begin with?
It depends on the extent of it. If it’s reached a point where moving stuff could put the client or cleaner in danger then a special service would be called in.
I appreciate Angela addressing this issue. Today it is accepted that hoarding is a mental illness. Even with psychological treatment it is extremely difficult to help them. There are companies willing to come in and do a one-time cleaning/clearing complete with hazmat suits; they should engage the services of a social worker or psychologist to work with the hoarder before and during the clearing out. Otherwise, the event will be deeply traumatizing to the occupant which will make them even worse off. Most will go right back to hoarding with or without help.
Thanks Virginia for bringing this up. It's true. Hoarding removal is not a one time ordeal - it's a process. Hoarding doesn't happen overnight, neither does recovering from it. And you are also correct that additional help is needed to help process the underlying issues that trigger hoarding tendencies.
I really appreciate your approach to the humans in these interactions.
I have dealt with a hoarding situation once, for a friend, and I realized very quickly it’s not about the cleaning, but the emotional safety of the owner. And those waters, I think in most cases need professional navigation.
We were able to get her space clear in one room, but it took over 30 hours of manpower, and the changes didn’t last. But I think with a lot of care, and a lot of signing over choice to her even when it was counterintuitive to her goal, we both walked away from it feeling accomplished, but I also decided I would need training specific to hoarding if I ever tackled another one.
You are so right, sometimes professional help is needed. But you are an awesome friend for helping out. Wishing you the best and sending hugs.
Having a child and other family members that have hoarding tendencies, I have come to understand that there are so many factors involved in hoarding, their inability to let go, and being so overwhelmed that they cannot face dealing with all the mess. I am the complete opposite so it is a challenge, but I actually think that this is something I would be able to help with. Maybe not at first. : )
Thank you for this, and for your understanding!
Just found your channel!
You are amazing in what you do
Thank you so much for leaving such a nice comment. I’m so glad you like the channel and appreciate you watching it. 👍
I do like the containers that Hillshire Farms lunch meat comes in! I keep about 3 on hand to send leftovers home with my son when he comes to dinner.
Great use of the containers.
You’re amazing!!! Thank you!
Thank you for stopping by. It's great to have you here. :-)
Thanks
You're welcome!
I enjoy ur vids so much. Wise words no matter who you are in this world.
Thank you! You are too kind, I am very humbled.
You are amazing
Thanks for saying so. You are too and I appreciate you connecting. :-)
I want to hire someone to help me declutter my home. I recently became disabled and while recovering from surgeries over the past two years I wasn't able to deep clean like I used to, hence the need to declutter. I also can't drive anymore so I really need the person to also be able to take those items to the goodwill or dump if need be.
Are there such people?
If it were me in this situation, I would hire a Professional Organizer to declutter and drop items off at donation centers and dump. Separately, hire a maid.
Tried It Gal, Great tip!
So who do a hoarder go to if they had a aha moment and realized they had alot of stuff and now they need help downsizing and getting rid of stuff and cleaning
@@AskAngelaBrown little by little and being consistent..I believe that helps ... America is alot of consumerism
This is true. They will be way out of their comfort zone just to ask for a clearer. Bring someone who knows and do a handover. These people are sick and need mental support that you need to train yourself beforehand.
Thank you for sharing your thought and feedback on the subject. It is appreciated!
@@AskAngelaBrown hi Angela, sorry if my message sounded directed to you but I was speaking in general, trying to be objective to readers who have similar business to yours. My comments are not a criticism from your work or approach especially because I very much agree with you in all points. I learned a lot from your videos, and this subject in special is too sensitive for the general public.
Me and my husband learned the very hard way, don’t do any kind of busy at all with a hoarder. They have mental problems that you can’t fix. It will end in disaster so just don’t do it. They are the only ones who can fix their problems, no one else can do it for them.
Oh no, it sounds like you've had a bad experience or two. My experience is vastly different. I've worked with lots of hoarders who didn't have mental problems at all. Many of them are accountants, lawyers, school teachers, doctors, and dentists. Typically they are people who serve others all day, and/or bring work home with them. They are grading papers or working on briefs for court into the wee hours and don't have time to organize their own home. They have too much stuff because a parent died and left them with a house, a storage unit, a shed, and a garage full of stuff. Often times the elder parent will come to live with them during their final years and bring gobs of stuff with them to an already filled, furnished, and decorated home. When they pass, the busy professionals mean to get around to clearing out the clutter, but with work, they just don't have the time and it's not pressing so it gets put on the back burner.
You do, however, have the right to choose not to include hoarding homes in your workload - it's true it's not for everyone.
@@AskAngelaBrown The types of people you are explaining seem like “very busy” people with demanding lives. I don’t think people like this are hoarders…a true hoarder has deep psychological issues that need to be addressed before the cleaning process can begin. All types of people have a habit of collecting certain items but non-hoarders are able too understand why they are collecting butter tubs ir whatever they think may be useful but then later decide it’s no longer useful for them and they don’t need the items or collections. A hoarder is much more complicated .
Lol, I have cream cheese and sour cream containers 😁 I do need to get rid of those.... Will do👍
LOL. I know exactly what you're talking about. Thanks for watching. :-)
See Midwest Cleaning for hoarder homes to make you 🤮 but he and his son getter done. ✅
Thank you for the recommendation
You appear to be a virtual reality artificial intelligence rendering. Those do exist these days.
I’m as real as real can be, lol!