How to Handle the Emotional Journey of a House Cleanout with Ease

Published On: February 10, 20230 Comments on How to Handle the Emotional Journey of a House Cleanout with EaseTags: Last Updated: January 26, 20245.4 min read

Take a look around you and see the things you have managed to accumulate over the years. On an intellectual level, you may agree that you have a lot of things. Things you have not touched or used for several years. And part of you tells you to declutter and only keep what you need. But there is also the emotional aspect of a house cleanout. We all have sentimental feelings for the things we own. That sofa sitting in the garage may have been the one you bought with your first salary. The baby cot, whose owner is now a young adult, brings back memories of being a first-time parent. Or how about that lucky sweatshirt that you can’t let go of, despite the obvious signs of aging? Indeed, for some people, there is a story to each and everything they have in the house.

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Well, what you may be suffering from is a condition some refer to as “object attachment.” The attachment is often to an inanimate object, and you will feel a sense of loss if you part with it. Interestingly, the condition becomes more extreme in adults who use this as compensation for a lack of interpersonal attachments. Well, you may not have reached the level of qualifying for a diagnosis of object attachment. But looking at the house’s clutter tells you it is time to call in the junk removal service providers. Yet, you can’t help but feel trepidation at losing some of the items. Well, we will show you how to handle the emotional journey of a house cleanout with ease.

Get Your Mind Right for the Full House Clean Out

Let’s be honest: a full house cleanout can be brutal. Since it typically occurs before a foreclosure, demolition work, or estate clearing for new buyers, it can be emotionally draining. Yet, the same also applies to a partial house cleanout. Targeting specific rooms full of things you need to remove is difficult. The first step to preparing for any emotional event is to get your mind right.

So, when it comes to the full house cleanout, it helps if you can answer some simple questions such as:

  • Why do I need to do a full house cleanout?
  • What will I gain by doing this?
  • How am I damaging myself by holding on to some items, including junk?
  • Why do “things” matter so much to me?
  • What am I ready to let go of? And why do I feel the need to hold on to other things?

There are also logical questions you need to ask yourself.

  • Do I have space for all these items?
  • Can I afford the storage locker fees if I need to put them in storage?
  • If I must transport the items cross-country, can I afford a huge U-Haul, etc.?

With clarity on some of the questions, you will find that your mind starts to be more at ease.

Hire Professional House Cleanout Service Providers for Peace of Mind

There is peace of mind knowing that expert house cleanout service providers are handling your beloved items. Such companies specialize in full, partial, and bulky waste removal. But beyond that, they take time to understand and fulfill client wishes. Also, a full house cleanout can be tedious if there is a lot of junk to remove. This will add to the stress of letting go of your items. The house cleanout professionals bring efficiency to the process, so you don’t have to deal with the hassle.

So how do you find the right professionals? Well, all you need to do is search for house cleanouts near me. Do take time to conduct due diligence on the companies before narrowing them down to one. Focus on factors like:

  • Industry expertise
  • Number of years they have been operating
  • What happy clients have to say about the services, etc.

stuff in boxes

Take Inventory of the Things You Have: And Be Ready To Let Go

You need to be able to let go of so many things you have accumulated over the years. So, you should take an inventory of the things you have.

Professional cleanout house services providers will tell you to take stock of what you have. A good tip is to have four separate areas, namely:

  • Items you will keep
  • Items you can sell
  • Items can be donated to charities or the needy. The simple, selfless act of donating will be emotionally satisfying. Indeed, it will make it easier to let go of some of the items this way.
  • Items that you can trash

It doesn’t hurt to bring in an appraiser for high-value items you can resell or keep. You may discover an item that has managed to appreciate rather than depreciate over the years. Also, keep a close eye on important documentation. You may want to take care of those so no strangers can see them. Alternatively, shred any documents that you no longer have use for. Here’s a tip worth considering. Get someone you trust and love to help with this part. Having someone nudge you or celebrate your decisions can be a big help. But, it must be someone who is firm. We all know how easy it is to move an item from the trash to the “keep” pile.

Seek Emotional Professional Help If You Need To

As we shared, different situations can necessitate a full house cleanout. Junk removal from a deceased person’s home, for instance, can be quite tough. You may still be dealing with the emotional aspect of losing your loved one. And now, you have to let go of things that are the remaining representation of the departed soul. If you find the process overwhelming, there is no shame in seeking professional help. Therapists can help deal with the emotions that come up. The first thing they will help you manage is your loss. After that, you will find it easier to do a full house cleanout.

Final Thoughts

A full or partial house cleanout can be tough. Indeed, it often evokes deep emotional feelings that can be challenging to overcome. We have shared some tips on how to deal with the situation above. Also, avoid the stress of doing the work yourself by hiring professional house cleanout service providers. Entrusting the job to professionals brings peace of mind and removes the stress of junk removal and disposal.


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