Why Hoarding Cleanup Should Only Be Done by Professionals — A Cornerstone Guide for Chicago-Area Property Owners

Hoarding is far more than a clutter problem. It's a complex issue involving mental health, physical hazards, and long-term damage to property. When cleanup becomes necessary, it often presents extreme health and safety risks for family, friends, or building owners who attempt to handle it alone.

As a leading provider of specialty and trauma-informed cleaning services in the greater Chicago area, ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons has decades of experience handling sensitive hoarding cases with care, safety, and professionalism. This cornerstone guide explains why hoarding cleanup should only be entrusted to trained experts — and how we restore peace of mind in even the most difficult situations.

What Is Hoarding — and Why Is It So Dangerous?

According to the American Psychiatric Association (APA), hoarding disorder is a mental health condition characterized by persistent difficulty discarding possessions, regardless of their actual value. It affects approximately 2.6% of the population (source). Hoarding can:

• Obstruct essential living areas
• Increase the risk of falls and injury
• Invite severe biohazard conditions
• Cause fire hazards and structural strain

Extreme hoarding puts both the occupant and surrounding residents at risk — which is why timely, professional intervention is crucial.

Common Dangers Found in Hoarded Homes

1. Fire Hazards

Hoarded items often consist of flammable materials like paper, cardboard, clothing, and plastics. According to the NFPA, hoarding conditions can make it nearly impossible for firefighters to navigate during an emergency (NFPA guide). Clutter may block exits and obscure faulty wiring, increasing the risk of ignition.

2. Injury from Collapsing Debris

Stacks of items often reach ceiling height and can collapse unexpectedly. Narrow walkways or hidden objects underfoot lead to slips, trips, and falls — a serious concern, especially for seniors or first responders.

3. Biohazard and Disease Exposure

Infestations of rats, roaches, and other vermin are common. In homes with animal hoarding, the risk of zoonotic disease (e.g., leptospirosis, salmonella, toxoplasmosis) rises sharply. In severe cases, decomposing animals or human waste may be present.

4. Mold and Air Quality Issues

Hoarded environments often lack proper airflow. Hidden leaks or condensation combined with stacked organic material become a breeding ground for mold. Mold spores exacerbate respiratory issues and can trigger chronic illness.

5. Structural Instability

The accumulated weight of contents in hoarded homes can strain load-bearing walls and floors. We’ve seen floors sag, stairs buckle, and entire rooms closed off due to structural concerns — all requiring expert evaluation and repair.

Why Hoarding Cleanup Requires Professional Help

Trying to clean a hoarded property without training and PPE puts your health and safety at risk. Here’s why ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons recommends always hiring trained professionals:

1. Biohazard Protection & OSHA Compliance

We use full PPE (including Tyvek suits, gloves, respirators, and eye protection) to prevent exposure to bacteria, mold, animal waste, and airborne toxins. All waste is handled per EPA and OSHA standards.

2. Proper Disposal & Compliance

Hazardous materials like paint, propane, or medical sharps must be handled per City of Chicago and Cook County disposal regulations. We ensure legal, safe transport and disposal, including documentation.

3. Mental Health Sensitivity

Hoarding is often tied to grief, trauma, or anxiety. We work discreetly with families and, when appropriate, partner with therapists, elder care providers, and municipal agencies to coordinate care.

4. Full-Service Restoration

Cleanup is just the beginning. We offer:

• Air scrubbers to remove odors and allergens
• Mold remediation if moisture damage is present
• Fire/water repair if structural systems have been compromised
• Deep disinfection and deodorizing

Our Hoarding Cleanup Process

Every situation is unique, but our proven protocol includes:

1. On-Site Assessment
We evaluate the entire home and hazards present, document items requiring special handling, and provide a detailed estimate.

2. Containment and Air Filtration
Before work begins, we install HEPA-filtered air scrubbers to control dust and airborne contaminants.

3. Staging and Sorting
Items are removed by zone, with valuables, keepsakes, and photographs set aside for the family. Trash and biohazard materials are safely discarded.

4. Deep Cleaning & Disinfection
Once cleared, every surface is scrubbed, disinfected, and deodorized using EPA-approved cleaners.

5. Mold and Water Damage Assessment
If any signs of mold or structural compromise are found, we immediately deploy our mold remediation and water damage repair teams.

6. Content Cleaning or Disposal
Items deemed salvageable (e.g., furniture, heirlooms, framed art) are cleaned and returned or donated.

7. Final Clearance Walkthrough
We walk the site with the client or family to ensure the home is safe, functional, and free of hazards.

Who We Help — And When to Call

We assist:

• Family members overwhelmed by the condition of a loved one’s home
• Landlords and property managers facing tenant-related hoarding issues
• Elder care providers or estate attorneys managing post-eviction cleanouts
• Social workers or mental health advocates seeking trauma-informed support

If you encounter: mold, animal remains, rodent droppings, unsafe structures, or fire hazards — call us immediately. We respond 24/7.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hoarding considered a mental illness?
Yes. Hoarding Disorder is recognized by the DSM-5 and often co-occurs with OCD, depression, or trauma-related conditions.

Will you remove everything from the home?
Only what’s deemed unsalvageable or unsafe. We work with families to preserve important possessions where possible.

Can I be present during the cleanup?
Yes, although we often recommend a designated point of contact due to safety concerns and emotional difficulty.

Do you offer confidential service?
Always. All jobs are discreet, unmarked, and handled with respect.

What areas do you serve?
We serve Chicago, the North Shore (Skokie, Evanston, Wilmette, Winnetka), Oak Park, River Forest, DuPage County, and Lake County.

Why Choose ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons

• 40+ years of local experience
• IICRC-certified for trauma, biohazard, and mold cleanup
• Member of the Restoration Industry Association (RIA)
• Proud recipients of the BBB Torch Award, Stevie Award, and Skokie Business of the Year (Honorable Mention)

Book Your Confidential Hoarding Cleanup Consultation

Call (773) 376-1110 or contact us via our Specialty Cleaning Services page to schedule a free assessment.

We restore homes, and we restore dignity.

About the Authors

Sam Simon is an IICRC Master Fire & Water Restorer with over 40 years of experience in residential and commercial disaster restoration. He co-authored the book RESTORE: A Complete Guide to Protecting Your Home As Your Most Valuable Asset, available on Amazon.

Nasutsa Mabwa, CEO of ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons, specializes in trauma-informed restoration and leads field operations with OSHA compliance and empathy.

Services We Provide

• Water Damage Restoration
• Fire Damage Restoration
• Mold Remediation
• Specialty Cleaning Services
• Commercial Restoration