Welcome to our world, Sweetheart! 🙂

Most of us here are very familiar with that paralizing feeling of being overwhelmed! For many of us this site is our safe place... Our sanctuary where we come together to help eachother through. I can barely describe how nice it feels to be able to give a little bit of advice and encouragement to those who are going through some of the same things I've dealt with, and to be able to receive the same in the face of new challenges and obsticles. You're among friends here Dear.
Many of us meet in the Sunday night live chat session also... You're more than welcome to join us, and I sincerely hope you stay in touch!

~Tina

Tina,
Thanks so much for the concrete advice! So simple, but I'm so overwhelmed, I'm struggling to even think!
I certainly understand the issues of infection control, but managing the mountain of stuff has gotten me so anxious and overwhelmed.....
there seems to be lots of research on children of hoarders.... but what about loving mothers???
or parents more specifically 😉

Thanks so much for the help.

I know it's beyond stressful, but hang in there Dear - You can do this! 🙂

Lowest cost immediate solution for clearing the area for the exterminator:
-Rent a storage unit from the nearest location.
-Gather all friends and family members you possibly can who are available & willing to help.
-Discard all obvious trash. (This may include mattresses & any other furniture which shows signs of contamination.)
-Bag all bedding, drapes, clothing, stuffed animals & anything else made of cloth that can be laundered.
-Box up remaining items & move all bags and boxes to storage facility.

*Do not return any items to the home until they have been laundered & solid items such as toys, nicknacks, keepsakes, etc. have each been thoroughly inspected. (Do not bring the original cardboard boxes used for storage back into the home either. After each item has passed inspection, repack them into a fresh container before bringing them back home.)

Not absolutely sure if an item is safe? "When in doubt - TOSS IT OUT!"

Professional cleaning companies & maid services are also an option if you find you need extra helping hands to get the job done. Their rates will vary, so break out your local phone book (or search online) and start calling around.

Best Wishes!