1) they are to tired for straight out 2) they do want to keeps practically everything... 3) They are thinking of someday someone needs those item....
Why I'm writing this, because my very nice neighbors are very bad hoarders... One of lady who sees me wants have a cup of coffee with her, OMG! inside her house I can't go find any chair to sit.... I do nicely offered for organised the ton of papers and boxes and more boxes... Another lady whom she ask me to help clean her house so I'm glad to do it for 2hrs a week. OMG again! She is keeping everything from fast food's nasty containers, many times used paper plates, ton of used fabric softener go on and on.... also she needs those container for gift to relatives or her friend... Please not to me
We are living very nice mobile-home park, both those ladies lives by themselves. I asked my live in boyfriend( 81), what he said" Humor them"????
My concerns are how to approach them for clean up fire hazard and everyone would live safely!!
You are in no position to change them, in my opinion. Hoarding is a deep-seated psychological problem. It is very difficult even for professionals to successfully address.
If they just need help, I think law enforcement will make that determination and possibly move forward.
You are so nice to be concerned and want to help. Since they don't think they are charity, I might tell them that I needed to make some money and could I clean their house for $5.00. They may think they are helping you out and agree and you could take out some trash.
It's worth a try. Maybe, they will surprise you.