Hoarder Cleaning Checklist - Planning, Supplies & Safety (Download or Print)

In order to properly clean out a hoarder's house, it will be important to have a plan.  Use this checklist to help make the process more streamlined; a list for planning, all the way to a list for specialty equipment.  Click on the image near the bottom of the page for its full-size downloadable to use on your project.

Hoarder Cleaning Project Overview

To start, you will want to make a plan.  Check out our article on how to clean a hoarder's house for more info, but don't forget to utilize this list as well as the others below to keep from forgetting anything important.

These are the primary aspects you need to consider when assessing a project prior to starting.  It will help determine whether you need any special items or equipment.  It will also be important when deciding what kind of personal protective equipment you will need.

• Is it possible to safely walk around inside the home?
• Are there signs of hazardous materials, such as:
  • Drug use or manufacturing
  • Mold or heavy mildew
• Are there signs of animal infestation?
• How much garbage is in the house? Which situations apply:
  • Can't enter rooms
  • Can't walk without stepping on things
  • Only certain rooms are full

Safety Supply Checklist

There are some basic safety supplies you will need for every project and some other gear that will be needed in more severe hoarder cleaning projects.  This list covers the basic items that you should have for any cleaning project that is more than just typical spring cleaning.

• Eye protection
  • Safety glasses
  • Goggles for heavy scrubbing, especially overhead
• Hand protection
  • General work gloves for picking up typical trash
  • Latex or nitrile gloves for damp areas
  • Chemical Gloves for heavy cleaning and scrubbing
• Boots with ankle coverage and support
• Respiratory protection
  • Large box of lightweight dust masks
  • Small box of N-95 Masks 
• Clothing and body covers/protective clothing
  • Long sleeve shirts
  • Long pants
  • A few Tyvek suits for really bad areas (these can go over your clothes to keep them somewhat cleaner)
• Testing equipment
  • pH Paper (for checking the acidity and alkalinity of certain substances or areas)
  • Mold test kit
  • Lead test strips

Standard Cleaning Supplies

Let's go over the basics. This list covers a typical house that wouldn't be considered a health risk. These supplies apply in situations in where there isn't a larger amount of odors and mold is non-existent or purely surface level.  

• Organizing and garbage cleanup
  • Heavy-duty garbage bags
  • Moving boxes for organizing and better storage
  • Garbage pickers (extensions)
• Tools
  • Broom
  • Mop
  • Dust pan
  • Box of rags
  • 5-gallon buckets
  • Large sponges
• Bathroom cleaning supplies
• Wood floor cleaner
• Window cleaner
• Dish soap
• Laundry detergent

Specialty Safety Gear and Equipment

Some houses are bad enough that special equipment will be advised.  This is above and beyond what is normally required, and in some cases, the items are for reference purposes only.  If it gets to the point where you need some of the items below, then it's is best to have professionals come in.

• Chemical suits (typically yellow) with chemical gloves: If it gets to this point, you have established that there are some major issues. Consider calling specialists in.
• Respirator: Get fit tested and use a proper respirator if there are issues like mold or breathing concerns.  Make sure to use the proper cartridges for whatever the problem is in the home.
• Large dumpster: Rent a large dumpster from your local landfill or transfer station.  Make sure to get the right size dumpster based on your garbage evaluation.  If it's more than one truckload, it's worth considering a 20 yard to 40 yard dumpster if space permits it.
• Ozone machine for odor removal: It can typically be rented from your local rental company. --  Some tips on removing odors

Conclusion: Hoarder House Cleaning Materials are Essential

These lists are a great reference tool with a printable PDF version to download and use for any size project, and you can utilize the checkboxes and notes area so you don't forget anything.  Taking on any cleaning project can be troublesome, but a hoarder house can require a lot more attention, and using these lists can help you from having to go back to the supply store over and over again.  Get more info on other costs associated with cleaning and repairing one of these homes; there can often be a lot of hidden costs.