The most common mistake families make with a hoarding situation is treating it as a weekend project: rent a dumpster, gather the relatives, and clear the house while the person who lives there watches. It almost always ends in conflict, and the home often fills back up within months.
A better approach starts with a conversation. Agree on the goal, whether it's a safe path through every room, a working kitchen and bathroom, or a home ready to sell, and agree on categories of things that are off-limits. Paperwork, photos, and anything with sentimental value should be set aside, never thrown out without a second look.
Safety comes next. Long-term hoarding can hide pest activity, mold, spoiled food, and animal waste, and moving piles stirs all of it into the air. Professional crews work in respirators and protective suits for a reason, and family members helping out should at least wear gloves and masks.
Finally, plan for after. Once rooms are cleared, they need to be cleaned, sanitized, and deodorized to be livable again. And the person who lives there will need ongoing support, whether from family, a therapist, or a regular cleaning visit, to keep the space from slipping back.