Clutter with a health risk in it
Hoarding cleanup in Yonkers, when the home has become unsafe
A crowded home is not a biohazard. It becomes one when there is human or animal waste on the floors, food that has rotted where it was left, or a bathroom and kitchen that can no longer be used. That is the kind of job the companies reached through this number take on.
Phone answered at every hour, weekends and holidays included
Say what is there before anyone visits
Cleanup companies differ in what they accept. Some will not clear a home that is only full; most will if there is waste involved. Describe it honestly on the call and you will not lose a day to a wasted visit.
- Is there urine, feces or vomit, and from people or from animals?
- Are there animals living there now, and how many?
- Is the fridge working? Is there rotten food in the rooms?
- Can you reach the bathroom, the stove and every exit?
- Have you seen rodents, insects or sharp objects in the piles?
- Does the person who lives there agree to the work?
That last answer matters most. A clear-out done against someone's will tends to end with the home refilled and the family no longer welcome.
If the person cannot manage, or refuses
Adult Protective Services
Westchester County's Adult Protective Services works with adults who, because of a physical or mental impairment, cannot protect themselves and have nobody to help. Any concerned person may make a referral. Intake is (914) 995-2259 on weekdays, and (914) 995-2099 after hours.
What it cannot do
The county says it usually cannot provide services to someone who refuses them. It steps in when a person is at risk and unable to understand the consequences. Short of that, patience and one trusted person do more than pressure.
How these jobs usually run
Paths and exits first
Enough is moved to make the home safe to walk through and to open the doors fully.
Waste and spoiled food out
Bagged, sealed and taken away, with the fridge and kitchen dealt with early because of the smell.
Sorting, with the owner if possible
Documents, money, medication, photographs and keepsakes are set aside. Agree beforehand who decides what stays.
Cleaning what is underneath
Floors, bathroom and kitchen are scrubbed and disinfected. Flooring that has absorbed urine may have to come up.
Walk-up buildings and homes reached by long outside stairs take longer to empty. Mention the stairs and the parking when you call.
Hoarding questions
My tenant's apartment is in this state. Can I just have it cleared?
Not without the tenant's agreement or a legal process. Speak to your attorney first. The page for landlords and co-op boards has more.
Can it be done in stages?
Often, yes, and it is sometimes kinder. Ask the company whether it will do the kitchen and bathroom first and come back for the rest.
Once the police hand the home back, phone
The person who answers works for an independent cleanup firm active in and around Yonkers. Put any question to them. Whether to hire them is up to you.
Phone answered at every hour, weekends and holidays included
Calls can be recorded. How that works: privacy, and how this service is paid.