The Best Ways to Move a Hoarder

Moving is much more complex for hoarders and their loved ones. Hoarders often develop a psychological attachment to their possessions and have a hard time letting go of them. However, you can use a number of strategies to divide and conquer what can seem like an impossible task. Initially, hoarders may balk at the idea of letting go of some of their belongings. However, as they start to see the progress in the available space and experience the freedom of letting go of their excess possessions, they may become more willing to participate.

Start Early

• Starting early gives a hoarder more time to let go of some of their belongings. There are only four options that must be decided for each item: keep it, sell it, donate it or throw it away.

Call in Professionals

• Many times, a mental health professional can be of great service. Hoarding is often caused by an over-attachment to objects and can be the result of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). A professional can help hoarders work through their issues so they are able to let go of their unhealthy attachments to items and move only those that have meaning.

One in 10 Rule

• Many professional organizers subscribe to the "one in 10" rule. For example, if a hoarder has 800 books, have the person go through stacks of 10 books, keeping one from each stack. It is much easier to move just 80 books.

Enlist Friends and Family

• Consider scheduling a trash day on which the hoarder, family and friends can rent a dumpster and dispose of items that aren't appropriate for sale or donation. If there are many items of value, organize a garage sale. Anything that doesn't sell should immediately be taken to a secondhand store for donation.