A hoarder cleaning checklist provides a step-by-step guide to decluttering and thoroughly cleaning the living spaces of someone who has accumulated excessive amounts of items.
- Initial Preparation
- Gather cleaning supplies
- Wear protective gear
- Prepare a trash disposal plan
- Set up sorting boxes (Keep, Donate, Trash)
- Establish a staging area
- Decluttering
- Start with the entryway
- Clear pathways for movement
- Remove all trash first
- Sort items into boxes
- Dispose of expired food/drinks
- Living Room
- Clear surfaces
- Declutter furniture
- Organize shelves
- Dust electronics and fixtures
- Vacuum or sweep floors
- Kitchen
- Empty cabinets and drawers
- Wash and sanitize surfaces
- Clean appliances (fridge, microwave, oven)
- Dispose of spoiled food
- Organize utensils and pantry
- Bedrooms
- Remove unnecessary furniture
- Declutter closets
- Change and wash bedding
- Dust and wipe surfaces
- Vacuum or sweep
- Bathrooms
- Clear countertops
- Organize toiletries
- Clean mirrors and fixtures
- Scrub toilet, shower, and sink
- Launder or replace towels and mats
- Final Steps
- Dispose of trash responsibly
- Have donation items collected
- Vacuum and mop all floors
- Double-check for remaining clutter
- Ventilate house for fresh air