Levels IV & V: What Do They Look Like?Since Clutter&Hoarding Pros™ deals almost exclusively (80% of our jobs) with Level IV and V hoarding situations, we have seen almost everything imaginable when being called for a hoarded estate clear-out. We have seen plenty of dead animals under the filth and clutter of some of our jobs. Families call us for help with hoarded estate cleanup when a relative dies or is being moved to assisted living, and they discover the alarming and sometimes unbelievable conditions their relative has been living in. As dismayed as the relatives may be at the conditions they see, the desperation and confusion at how to fix the situation is equally high. There is often extreme embarrassment at letting anyone see what the home looks like, and a feeling of helplessness at how to proceed and who to call for help. At Clutter&Hoarding Pros™ we know
We have helped hundreds of families deal with the clear-out of the hoarded estates of their deceased or relocated loved ones, and we have had only 5-star reviews, both personal testimonials and on Yelp. [Please note: the pictures in this blog are of one of our recent jobs.] Institute for Challenging Disorganization SaysThe Institute for Challenging Disorganization (formerly the National Study Group of Chronic Disorganization) is the accepted authority on the definition of the five levels of hoarding. Here is how they describe a hoarded home at Levels IV and V:
Level IV. Structural damage older than six months, mold and mildew, inappropriate use of appliances, damage to two or more sections of wall board, faulty weather protection, hazardous electrical wiring and odor or evidence of sewer backup. Pets exceed local limits by four animals, more than three instances of aged animal waste, pet dander on all furniture, pet damage in home, excessive webs and spiders, [possibly] bats and raccoons in attic and flea infestation. Bedroom is unusable, hazardous materials are stored in the home, and flammable, packed materials are in the living area or attached garage. Rotting food on counters, one to 15 cans of aged canned goods with buckled surfaces, no clean dishes or utensils in kitchen. No bed covers, lice on bedding. Level V. Obvious structural damage, broken walls, disconnected electrical service, no water service, no working sewer or septic system. Standing water indoors, fire hazards and hazardous materials exceed local ordinances. Pets are dangerous to occupant and guests. Rodents in sight, mosquito or other insect infestation and regional critters, such as squirrels, inside the home. Kitchen and bathroom unusable due to clutter. Occupant is living or sleeping outside the home. Human feces, rotting food and more than 15 aged canned goods with buckled surfaces inside the home. Comments are closed.
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AuthorMichelle Quintana Featured Service Information
• Hoarding Clearout Saves More than "Stuff" · Why Clients Hire—and Trust— Clutter&Hoarding Pros · Levels IV & V Clear-Out · Is My Loved One a Hoarder? • After the Clean-Out • Animal Hoarding • Decluttering for the Elderly • What Is a Hoarding Clean- Out? • Hoarding vs. Clutter • Hoarding Help in Orange County • Hoarding Help in LA County • How to Choose a Hoarding Clean-Out Company • Why a Junk-Hauling Service Is NOT What You Need! • Paper, Paper, Everywhere! • Are You a Concerned Third Party? • Estate Clearing for a Loved One—You're Not Alone • Clearing a Hoarded Estate During the Holidays • Where Do You Fit In? • Deep Cleaning a Cleared Estate • "That's okay, we have insurance . . ." • Planning to Sell Your Hoarded Estate? • In-Home Assessment for Hoarding Remediation-- Second Step to Success • Is Your Relative's Home Red-Tagged? • 7 Simple Step to a Successful Estate Sale |