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Cleaning your rental property after a hoarder moves out


Finding good tenants for your rental property is a challenging task for every landlord. No matter how much time you invest in a tenant screening process, you can rent your property to someone who won't take good care of it. For example, your tenant can be a hoarder. Hoarding is a severe disorder that occurs when a person accumulates an excessive quantity of goods and keeps them in an unorganized way, resulting in unmanageable levels of clutter. This condition makes their lives harder, and the landlord's as well. After all, you're the one that will end up cleaning out everything. This task may seem impossible at first, but it's manageable if you have a proper plan in place. So, let's talk about cleaning your rental property after a hoarder moves out.


Make a plan


When it comes to cleaning your rental property after a hoarder moves out, you need to take it one step at a time. We're talking about an abundance of items overflowing your rental from floors to ceilings. Therefore, you need to assess the property and overall situation. Then, create a cleaning strategy to help you stay organized and on top of this whole process. You cannot just dive into the pile of items and clean everything at once. This is a time-consuming process, and you have to prepare for it properly.


We suggest focusing on cleaning up smaller sections at a time and creating smaller tasks for each section. This way, you'll be able to keep track of your progress and stay on top of everything happening along the way. Resolve one problem at a time, and you'll be done sooner than you think! Otherwise, your property value will significantly decrease.


Decluttering


Now comes the most complicated part - getting everything out of your rental property. However, don't worry - here, too, you won't have any problems with a good plan when it comes to decluttering. So, let's talk about what you'll need for this part of the cleaning process:


  • Manpower - You'll probably need two or three strong people to assist you with cleaning. It all depends on the size of the property and project, so think carefully since cleaning your rental property after a hoarder moves out is no easy task!
  • In addition, long-term hoarding may often cause furniture to deteriorate to the point where it must be discarded. Having a few people to assist you is an excellent method to make the work more doable.
  • Trash bags and boxes - You need to get ahold of large and strong trash bags and boxes that will be able to take all that trash you need to throw out of your rental property. You don't want a trash bag ripping after filling it with junk, do you?
  • Large dumpster - To get rid of all the garbage and heavy junk, you'll need to rent a dumpster from a waste disposal company. Many dumpster rental companies will also dispose of your rubbish for you. So, keep that in mind when hiring them.
  • A moving truck - Once you get to your furniture and other possessions, you'll need to transfer them somewhere. We suggest hiring local movers from Massachusetts to transfer all your staff and renting a storage unit, so you have a safe place to keep them until you decide what to do with them. In a situation like this, you want to let experts deal with it instead of struggling with the whole process yourself. You have enough on your plate already.
  • A dumping location - Remember to plan where you will dispose of your waste. Call the city dump or a garbage removal company ahead of time and tell them what you're about to do. They might not be able to manage such a massive task when you deliver it, so be sure they're ready.
  • Sanitize everything - Once you finally declutter your rental property, it's time to start cleaning and sanitizing. Unfortunately, health hazards are common in a place where hoarder lives. They neglect sanitation in every room, and the bathroom and kitchen are the most critical ones. Sometimes, they create such a dangerous living environment that no one can live in that place after them. So, if you don't want to sell your property, we suggest you do everything in your power to clean it properly.

Before starting the cleaning process, make sure you have everything you need. If you discover biohazards in your rental property, you must contact a professional cleaning service to dispose of them. Throwing anything harmful in the garbage is typically illegal. Find out how to properly dispose of other household objects like paint and outdated medications by contacting your dumpster provider or municipal sanitation agency. Now, let's see what cleaning supplies you'll need:

  • Bucket and mops
  • Dustpans and broom
  • Vacuum cleaner
  • Rags and sponges
  • All-purpose cleaners and disinfectants
  • Trash bags and boxes
  • Pest repellent

Furthermore, wear protective gear at all times, including thick gloves, masks, eye protection, hard helmets, and sturdy boots, and keep a first aid kit on hand. There's no such thing as being too cautious when cleaning your rental property after a hoarder moves out. In addition, after the initial pass, discard any cleaning items that cannot be sanitized and use clean rags, wipes, and dusters to verify that everything is properly cleaned.


Deodorize your rental property


Strong odors are a significant issue in hoarders' homes. That strange smell is unpleasant and can also cause irritation, migraines, and respiratory problems. Therefore, if you want to collect new rent soon, you need to deodorize your rental property ASAP.


Certain cleaning products can aid in absorbing odors in the air, soothing both your nose and your mind. These products are white vinegar, charcoal, and baking soda. Fortunately, you can find all these products in youtextr local grocery store. If you don't fancy the smell of white vinegar, add a few drops of essential oil you like, and you'll instantly refresh your rental property.


Conclusion


Cleaning your rental property after a hoarder moves out is not an easy task. That's a fact. However, with these cleaning tips, you'll overcome this obstacle trouble-free. You need a proper plan, a few friends to help you out, excellent cleaning supplies, and time. Make sure to stick to your initial strategy and overcome one task at a time. This way, the cleaning project will be over sooner than you think!