Frequently Asked Questions
And answers from the experts!
FAQs
Every situation is different, and we’re here to help guide you through it. Below are answers to some of the most common questions about hoarding cleanup, cleaning for hoarders, and how our services work in Winnipeg. Remember, you are not alone and there is no job too big or too small for our team
Compassionate Help Is Available
If you or a loved one is struggling with hoarding disorder, know that you are not alone. Harriet’s Hoarding provides respectful, professional cleanup services in Winnipeg, paired with connections to mental health resources for long-term support.
Hoarding & Mental Health FAQ's
Is hoarding a mental disorder?
Yes. Hoarding is recognized as a mental disorder and is included in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). It is more than just collecting or being messy. People with hoarding disorder have persistent difficulty parting with possessions, regardless of their actual value.
Is hoarding a mental illness?
Yes. Hoarding is a mental illness classified as a specific disorder, though it can also appear alongside conditions like anxiety, depression, or obsessive-compulsive disorder. Recognizing it as a mental illness helps reduce stigma and encourages people to seek help.
What mental illness is hoarding connected to?
Hoarding disorder is its own diagnosis, but it is often linked to OCD, anxiety disorders, and depression. Some people may develop hoarding behaviours after trauma or loss.
What is hoarding?
Hoarding is the persistent difficulty discarding items, leading to the accumulation of clutter that disrupts living spaces. It often creates safety hazards, stress, and conflict within families.
What is hoarding disorder?
Hoarding disorder is a recognized mental health condition where people feel strong distress at the thought of getting rid of items. This distress leads to extreme clutter, unsafe conditions, and often social isolation.
What is a hoarder?
A hoarder is someone living with hoarding disorder, though at Harriet’s Hoarding, we prefer to see the person first — not just the label. Every client we meet has a unique story, and our goal is to provide respectful and compassionate help.
What is hoarding behaviour?
Hoarding behaviour can include saving items that most people would throw away, buying or collecting excessive amounts of things, and feeling unable to organize or discard possessions. Over time, these behaviours create dangerous clutter.
What is hoarding treatment?
Hoarding treatment often combines therapy, support groups, and practical assistance like professional cleanup services. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) has been shown to help people change thought patterns and behaviours related to hoarding.
What is hoarding disorder treatment?
Hoarding disorder treatment usually involves working with mental health professionals alongside supportive services like Harriet’s Hoarding. Our role is to create a safe, clean environment while clients receive ongoing psychological support.
Are hoarders mentally ill?
People with hoarding disorder are living with a recognized mental illness. This doesn’t mean they are “broken” or “hopeless.” With compassion, therapy, and hands-on support, many people make significant progress.
Where can I find hoarder support?
You can find hoarder support through local therapists, support groups, and services like Harriet’s Hoarding. We also provide hoarding resources to guide families toward ongoing help.
Do you provide help for hoarders?
Yes. We provide help for hoarders through compassionate cleanup, decluttering, and home restoration. We also guide families toward hoarding resources and mental health support.
Do you offer free help for hoarders near me?
While our cleanup services are professional and not free, we do offer free no obligation estimates and can connect clients to free help for hoarders near me through local community programs.
Do you provide free hoarding help for seniors?
Yes. Many seniors struggle with clutter, and we provide free estimates along with gentle decluttering services for seniors. For those needing financial support, we can also recommend community programs and housing resources.
What hoarding resources are available in Canada?
Canadian hoarders can access mental health services, housing support programs, and specialized cleanup companies like ours. While availability varies by province, we are committed to guiding clients toward the right hoarding resources.
The 5 Stages of Hoarding- FAQ's
What are the 5 stages of hoarding?
The 5 stages of hoarding are a way to measure the severity of clutter and how much it impacts daily life. They range from mild clutter to extreme unsafe living conditions.
What are the stages of hoarding?
The stages of hoarding help professionals and families understand whether a home has light clutter, moderate problems, or serious health and safety risks.
What is stage 1 hoarding?
Stage 1 hoarding looks similar to regular clutter. There may be a few extra belongings, light disorganization, or minor issues like a crowded closet. At this level, the home is still safe and functional.
What is stage 2 hoarding?
A level 2 hoarder may have multiple rooms with clutter, odors from garbage or pet waste, or blocked exits. Things are harder to manage, and visitors may notice problems.
What is stage 3 hoarding?
Stage 3 hoarding involves cluttered rooms, visible sanitation issues, pest activity, and unusable spaces. A stage 3 hoarder may be unable to use kitchens, bathrooms, or bedrooms properly due to items piled up.
What is stage 4 hoarding?
At stage 4 hoarding, the home often has structural damage, severe odors, mold, or infestations. Affected rooms are dangerous to use, and daily life becomes very difficult.
What is stage 5 hoarding?
Stage 5 hoarding is the most severe. A stage 5 hoarder may live without running water, electricity, or safe access to rooms. Belongings, garbage, and sometimes even human waste create extremely unsafe conditions. Professional help is urgently needed at this stage.
What are hoarder levels?
Hoarder levels describe the same thing as stages of hoarding. The terms hoarding levels and hoarder stages are often used interchangeably.
What is meant by hoarder home levels?
Hoarder home levels describe how much of the property is affected. This can range from just one cluttered room (stage 1) to an entire unsafe home (stage 5).
Why is it important to know the stages of hoarding?
Knowing the beginning stages of hoarding can help families step in early, before conditions worsen. Understanding the higher levels of hoarding helps ensure that professional hoarding cleaners and sometimes even city services are called in for safety.
Can Harriet’s Hoarding help with every stage?
Yes. Whether it’s the beginning stages of hoarding or a stage 5 hoarder home, our team has experience with all levels. We combine cleaning, decluttering, and compassion so every client feels supported — no matter how severe the situation.
Take the First Step Toward Recovery
If you or a loved one is struggling at any of the five stages of hoarding, help is available. Harriet’s Hoarding provides discreet, compassionate, and professional hoarding cleanup services in Winnipeg. Contact us today for a free no obligation estimate.
Cleaning Services FAQ's – Winnipeg
Do you provide home cleaning services in Winnipeg?
Yes. We offer full home cleaning services Winnipeg, including regular housekeeping, deep cleaning, and specialty cleaning projects. Whether you need a one-time service or ongoing help, we can tailor a plan for you.
What is included in house cleaning?
Our house cleaning Winnipeg service includes dusting, vacuuming, mopping, kitchen and bathroom cleaning, and general tidying. For more detailed jobs, we also offer deep cleaning services Winnipeg, which focus on harder-to-reach areas, appliances, and sanitization.
What is the difference between regular cleaning and deep cleaning services?
Regular cleaning covers the basics like vacuuming, floors, and surfaces. Deep cleaning services Winnipeg go further, tackling inside appliances, baseboards, walls, and built-up grime. Many clients schedule deep cleaning a few times a year or before special occasions.
Do you offer residential cleaning services?
Yes. Our residential cleaning services Winnipeg are designed for families, seniors, and busy professionals who need help keeping their homes clean, fresh, and comfortable.
Do you provide hoarder cleaning services?
Absolutely. Our team specializes in hoarder cleaning services that combine decluttering, sanitation, and restoration. We also provide hoarding cleaning services near me for families and individuals who need discreet, compassionate help.
Do you provide cleaning for hoarders?
Yes, our hoarding cleaners are trained professionals who handle sensitive jobs with compassion. We are not just cleaners we are problem-solvers who help people reset their homes.
Do you provide cleaners for large properties?
Yes. Our cleaners Winnipeg service can handle small apartments, large homes, or even estate properties. We scale our team size and equipment to fit the job.
What about hoarder houses?
We have extensive experience with hoarder houses in Winnipeg. These projects involve heavy clutter removal, deep sanitation, and sometimes repairs. Our motto is: there is no job too big or too small.
How much do cleaning services cost in Winnipeg?
The cost of cleaning services in Winnipeg depends on the size of the home, the level of cleaning required, and whether it is a regular service, deep clean, or hoarder cleanup. We always begin with a free no obligation estimate so you know exactly what to expect.
Organizing & Decluttering FAQ – Winnipeg
Do you offer decluttering services near me?
Yes, we provide decluttering services near me for homes of all sizes in Winnipeg and nearby areas. Whether you need help sorting through a few rooms or the entire house, our team can guide you through the process step by step.
What is the difference between decluttering and organizing?
Decluttering services focus on removing items that are no longer wanted or needed, while home organizing services create systems to keep the remaining items neat and functional. At Harriet’s Hoarding, we combine both — removing clutter and then setting up simple organizing solutions that last.
Do you provide house clearing services?
Yes. Our house clearing services include removing unwanted furniture, clothing, papers, and miscellaneous items from an entire property. This is especially helpful for estate cleanouts, downsizing, or preparing a home for sale.
What is a house declutter service?
A house declutter service is designed to reset a living space by removing clutter, reorganizing belongings, and refreshing the environment. This can be as small as a kitchen declutter or as large as a whole-house project.
Do you provide organizing and decluttering services near me?
Yes. If you searched for organizing and decluttering services near me, you have found the right team. We handle everything from small closet makeovers to full estate cleaning.
What is a home organizing service?
A home organizing service helps create order in your home by setting up storage systems, organizing closets, pantries, basements, and other areas that need attention. Our professional home organizers in Winnipeg make sure your space works for your lifestyle.
Do you provide personal organizer services?
Yes. Our personal organizer services include one-on-one support for individuals who want help sorting, decluttering, and creating organizing systems. This is especially helpful for busy families, seniors, or those who feel overwhelmed by clutter.
Do you provide help with downsizing?
Absolutely. Our help with downsizing service is designed for clients who are moving into a smaller space or simply want to live with less. We guide you through sorting, deciding what to keep, and removing what no longer serves you.
What is an estate cleaning service?
Estate cleaning services are for families managing the belongings of a loved one who has passed away or moved into care. We provide estate clearing services and estate cleanouts in Winnipeg, helping you respectfully and efficiently clear the property.
Do you provide move out cleaning services Winnipeg?
Yes. We offer move out cleaning services Winnipeg to make properties ready for sale or rental. This includes deep cleaning, junk removal, and decluttering to ensure the home looks its best.
Do you offer decluttering services for seniors?
Yes. Our decluttering services for seniors are gentle, respectful, and paced according to the client’s needs. We understand the sentimental value of belongings and work closely with families to make the process comfortable.
How much do estate cleanout services cost?
The cost of estate cleanout services depends on the size of the home and the amount of belongings to be cleared. We provide free no obligation estimates so families know what to expect before any work begins.
Junk Removal FAQ 's– Winnipeg
Do you provide junk removal in Winnipeg?
Yes, we provide professional junk removal in Winnipeg and surrounding areas. From single-item pickups to full property cleanouts, our team is here to handle everything quickly, safely, and with care.
What types of items do you take?
We remove a wide range of items, including:
- Furniture removal – couches, beds, tables, dressers, and more
- Appliance removal Winnipeg – fridges, stoves, washers, dryers, freezers
- Yard waste Winnipeg – branches, leaves, clippings, and other outdoor debris
- Garbage removal Winnipeg – household junk, bags of waste, and clutter
- Unwanted furniture removal – single pieces or entire rooms of outdated furniture
If you are not sure if we can take it, just give us a call.
How much does junk removal cost in Winnipeg?
Junk removal Winnipeg prices vary depending on the amount of junk, the type of materials, and the time required. A small job like a single sofa removal will be much less than a full garage clean out. We are always upfront with pricing and provide estimates before we start so there are no surprises.
Do you offer appliance removal in Winnipeg?
Yes. We handle appliance removal in Winnipeg for heavy items such as refrigerators, ovens, washing machines, and freezers. We safely remove these from your home and ensure they are disposed of or recycled properly.
Do you provide furniture removal in Winnipeg?
Yes. Our furniture removal Winnipeg service includes everything from small chairs and tables to entire bedroom sets, couches, and mattresses. We can remove a single piece or clear out entire rooms of unwanted furniture.
Do you provide yard waste removal in Winnipeg?
Absolutely. Our yard waste Winnipeg service includes bagged leaves, branches, shrubs, and other organic materials. We also provide yard waste collection Winnipeg and yard waste pick up Winnipeg, so you don’t have to load or haul anything yourself.
Can you handle construction or renovation debris?
Yes, we provide post renovation cleaning services and junk removal for construction debris. This includes drywall scraps, flooring, old fixtures, and leftover materials from remodeling projects.
Do you recycle furniture or other items?
Whenever possible, we practice recycle furniture and item donation to reduce landfill waste. If items are in good condition, we work with local charities and recycling centers to give them a second life.
Do you offer junk pick up in Winnipeg?
Yes. If you searched for junk pick up Winnipeg, you have found the right team. We provide curbside pickup for smaller items as well as in-home removal for larger jobs
Still have a question?
Call or email us today! We are happy to answer any questions or concerns you may have!