1.     Assemble trash bags, rubber gloves, and cleaning supplies. Likely the hoarder has already bought these several times over and you will find them as you go.
2.     Starting with the first place you can comfortably perch, fill the trash bags with everything within reach. As you fill each bag, throw it into the cleared area.  3.     Take care to watch for: open sauce packets, needles, and money as they can cause disgust, pain, and screams of joy.
4.     Do not be slowed by things that look like they have value. This is the downfall of the Hoarder’s Child.
5.     When necessary, don’t be afraid to use a rake or shovel to clear a space or deposit a large amount of trash at once.
6.     Locate a large van or truck to transport the bags of trash to the dump. You will likely have to pay a fee to take trash to the dump or have it hauled away.
7.     If possible, the support of friends, siblings, or other family members can be incredibly beneficial. Be prepared for hysterical bouts of laughter that turn into tears and vice versa. Anger is also likely.
8.     Cleaning out the refrigerator requires a special skill set including an inability to smell.
9.     Be prepared to unearth important documents like unpaid bills, birth certificates, and car titles although unable to find other documents like the official will.
10.  Have a plan for what you will say to people who don’t know your parent was a hoarder. Will you be frank and risk speaking ill of the dead or avoid the topic while also trying to explain to the probate attorney why you don’t think it likely that you’ll be able to locate the last three years of tax returns or telling the cable company why you need to bring back three modems, six cable boxes, and fifteen remote controls?