I’m 21 and I clean hoarder homes for a living – this is why I do it and the moment I found a $40,000 item I found under a mouldy carpet
The awful smells and insurmountable mountains of rubbish might be too much for most people, but a 21-year-old Australian woman has revealed why cleaning hoarders’ homes is one of the “most rewarding” jobs she’s ever had.
Charlotte Bosanquet started her own cleaning business in 2022 because she wanted to “help people get their homes back,” the Sydney woman told FEMAIL.
While Charlotte works with all levels of cleaning, her company, Care Cleaning Services, has completely transformed several collectors’ homes in Australia.
Charlotte charges between $5,000 and $20,000 to clean the houses because it is a lot of work to get the job done.
“The first time I cleaned one of the houses it was extremely tiring but it’s the most rewarding thing I’ve ever done. Being able to help people who feel like there’s no way out is the best feeling in the world. You just have to keep your head and go for it,” Charlotte said.
In all her years of working with clients, Charlotte said the most shocking thing she found on the job was a 1930 Australian penny worth nearly $40,000, which she subsequently returned to the homeowner.
“It was under a moldy carpet,” she said. “It is one of the rarest and most valuable copper coins ever minted. My heart was pounding – IImagine discovering that underneath all the ‘Dust and dirt – now that’s a hidden treasure!’
During a recent renovation, Charlotte’s team completely gutted and thoroughly cleaned a house that was filled with months of filth and rotting food.
Charlotte Bosanquet, founder of Care Cleaning Services in Sydney (pictured), cleans the homes of collectors for a living
During a recent renovation, Charlotte’s team completely gutted and thoroughly cleaned a home where months of dirt and rotting food had accumulated.
The cleaning took 12 people eight hours and was a huge job
The cleaning took 12 people eight hours and was a huge job.
When asked why houses are in this condition, the professional replied that there are several reasons.
“It ranges from mainly mental health issues like depression and hoarding, to inheritances and single parents just finding it hard to keep track of everything,” she said.
Often this problem can build up over months or even years. By the time the client realizes that he or she needs help, he or she is ashamed and does not realize that he or she is not alone in this.
Charlotte focuses on small areas at a time to avoid feeling overwhelmed while cleaning
‘Clients with hoarding disorder also do not realize how serious the problem is, because they often do not leave their home situation.’
What are Charlotte Bosanquet’s 5 best cleaning tips?
Step by step: Focus on one small area at a time to avoid feeling overwhelmed. Decluttering is a marathon, not a sprint!
Sorting and sieving: Create three categories – keep, donate, throw away. Be determined and stick to your choices.
Go vertical: Use storage space or wall shelves to make the most of the space and keep the floor tidy.
Clean thoroughly, not just superficially:Once the mess is gone, vacuum every nook and cranny with a good vacuum cleaner and a trusty disinfectant.
Celebrate the small victories: Every cleared corner is a victory! Reward yourself with a break or a treat after each zone is completed.
When it comes to cleaning, Charlotte revealed that she swears by the Shark Hydrovac
When it comes to cleaning, there’s one tool Charlotte absolutely can’t live without.
“The right tools can make all the difference,” she said. “The Shark HydroVac has been an absolute game-changer for me – it’s like having a cleaning superhero on your side because it’s a 3-in-1 floor cleaning system.”
The $399.99 device vacuums, mops and cleans itself, so you don’t just move dirt around, you actually remove it.
Charlotte claimed it was ‘perfect’ for removing stubborn layers of dirt and stains that had built up over time.
“The vacuum works on hardwood, tile, marble and carpets. Plus, the self-cleaning brush roll means you don’t have to constantly stop to untangle messes, which is a huge time saver when you’re transforming an entire home,” she said.