Pro Tech restoration
Hoarding is not simply excessive clutter. It is a complex condition that often involves anxiety, emotional distress, and difficulty letting go of personal belongings. In many cases, the individual does not recognize how serious the situation has become because the changes happen gradually over time. Rooms slowly become unusable, pathways narrow, and everyday tasks such as cooking, bathing, or sleeping safely become more difficult.
When hoarding reaches a point where living spaces are unsafe or inaccessible, professional cleanup is often necessary. This is not because the person has failed, but because the situation has grown beyond what can be managed alone.
ProTech Restoration provides hoarding cleanup services in Elk Grove Village, IL to help restore homes to clean, livable conditions while treating the affected individual with dignity and respect. Our goal is not to rush the process or discard belongings without consent. Instead, we focus on helping families and individuals regain a safer environment in a way that feels controlled, respectful, and manageable.
We work with homeowners, family members, landlords, estate representatives, and social service professionals throughout Elk Grove Village and nearby communities, each with different concerns and responsibilities.
Questions about hoarding cleanup in Elk Grove Village? Call (847) 558-6604
When Hoarding Becomes a Health and Safety Concern
Severe hoarding can create serious risks inside a home, many of which are not immediately visible. Over time, clutter restricts airflow and traps moisture, creating conditions where mold and bacteria can develop unnoticed. Dust and debris accumulate, affecting indoor air quality and making routine cleaning nearly impossible. National studies estimate that between two and six percent of adults meet the criteria for hoarding disorder, affecting millions of people across the United States.
Hoarding can lead to a variety of hazards inside the home. Common risks include:
- Blocked walkways and exits that increase the risk of falls and fires
- Accumulation of dust, mold, bacteria, and poor indoor air quality
- Pest infestations caused by food waste or damp materials
- Structural strain from excessive weight in certain areas of the home
- Code violations related to sanitation or blocked exit paths
In Cook County, residential fire departments frequently cite clutter and restricted exits as contributing factors during emergency responses. Emergency medical access can also be delayed when responders cannot safely move through the home. These risks often affect not just the individual, but neighbors, family members, and first responders as well. Between 2014 and 2022, according to a report by a U.S Senate more than 5,240 hoarding-related residential structural fires were reported, resulting in over $396 million in property damage, more than 1,367 fire service injuries, and over 1,119 civilian injuries.
Hoarding Cleanup Services in Elk Grove Village, IL
Our hoarding cleanup services are designed to address both the physical condition of the home and the emotional needs of the individual involved. Every situation is different, and we adjust our approach based on the level of clutter, the layout of the home, and the comfort level of the person living there.
During the cleanup process, our restoration experts carefully sort through belongings rather than removing items indiscriminately. This allows us to identify important items that are often hidden within hoarded materials, including personal documents, family photographs, jewelry, cash, and other valuables.
What We Do as a Part of Hoarding Cleanup?
- Careful identification and saving of valuables such as jewelry, cash, documents, and personal items
- Removal of excessive clutter and unwanted hoarded materials
- Sorting items for disposal, recycling, or donation
- Assistance coordinating donations when appropriate
- Deep cleaning and disinfection of affected areas
- Organization of remaining belongings to restore usable living spaces
- Help coordinating item delivery to family members if requested
- Assistance with documentation for attorneys, trusts, or government agencies when needed
Who We Commonly Help
Our hoarding cleanup services in Elk Grove Village are often requested by people who are concerned about safety, health, or housing stability.
This includes adult children helping aging parents, families who notice a loved one’s living conditions declining, property managers addressing units that are no longer habitable, and landlords preparing a property for re-occupancy. Estate representatives may also contact us when a home has been left unattended or requires cleanup before sale or transfer.
We also work with social workers and case managers who need cleanup services completed in a way that supports long-term housing and compliance with health or safety requirements. Each situation comes with different sensitivities, and we adapt our approach accordingly.
If hoarding has caused fire damage or mold growth in your home, don’t wait. Call (847) 558-6604 for immediate professional cleanup and restoration services.
Confidential and Respectful Hoarding Cleanup
Hoarding situations are deeply personal. Our team works discreetly and maintains strict confidentiality at every stage of the process. Vehicles can remain unmarked when requested, and communication is handled professionally and privately.
We follow proper cleaning and disinfection procedures and comply with applicable safety and sanitation standards to help restore healthier living conditions.
How Hoarding Cleaning Is Different From Junk Removal
Hoarding cleanup is not the same as junk hauling or standard cleaning. Removing items too quickly or without involvement can cause emotional distress and make future progress more difficult. Our technicians are trained to work methodically and respectfully, allowing the individual to remain in control while meaningful improvements are made to the living space.
Unlike standard removal services, hoarding cleanup requires:
- A consent-based process where the individual remains involved
- Awareness of emotional attachment to belongings
- Identification of hidden valuables and important documents
- Attention to sanitation, biohazards, and indoor environmental conditions
- Documentation and organization when legal or medical matters are involved
Our 3-Phase Hoarding Cleanup Process
It is important to remember that hoarding is a sensitive issue; therefore, the affected individual must be treated with respect and included in the cleaning process at all times. Our technicians take a 3-phase approach to hoarding cleaning, first connecting with the individual before the cleaning begins:
Phase 1: Initial Assessment and Trust Building
- A detailed inspection of the home is completed to understand the scope of the situation
- Time is taken to discuss concerns, priorities, and comfort levels
- The affected individual is informed that they remain in control throughout the process
Phase 2: Customized Cleanup and Organization
- A clear cleanup plan is developed based on the home’s condition and individual needs
- Unwanted items are removed only with approval
- Remaining belongings are organized to restore functional spaces
- The home is cleaned and disinfected to improve sanitary conditions
- Disposal, recycling, and donations are coordinated responsibly
Phase 3: Follow-Up and Ongoing Support
- A simple maintenance plan may be provided when appropriate
- Follow-up communication helps ensure progress is maintained
- Additional visits can be scheduled if further assistance is needed
Call Us Now for Professional Hoarding Cleaning in Elk Grove Village, IL
If you are concerned about a hoarding situation involving a loved one or property, early intervention can help prevent further health and safety risks and make long-term solutions more achievable.
ProTech Restoration is available 24/7 to provide professional hoarding cleanup services in Elk Grove Village, IL.
Call (847) 558-6604 to speak with a knowledgeable, compassionate professional who can explain the next steps.
Serving Elk Grove Village and Nearby Areas
Hoarder House Cleaning Services in Mt. Prospect, IL
Residential Hoarder Cleanup Professionals in Des Plaines, IL
Hoarder Cleaning Team and Services in Schaumburg, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Does homeowners insurance cover hoarding?
Homeowners insurance typically does not cover hoarding since it’s not seen as an unexpected event. If there is some coverage, the insurance company may deny claims for several reasons:
- Negligence
- Failure to Protect Property
- Policy Limits
- Timely Reporting
If a claim is investigated, the insurance company may adjust the policy or make a decision based on the findings.
What are the levels of hoarding?
Hoarding is typically categorized into five levels:
- Level 1: Mild clutter; living spaces are mostly functional, with minimal items scattered.
- Level 2: More clutter is present; some rooms may be difficult to use, but basic functions are still possible.
- Level 3: Significant clutter; rooms are hard to navigate, and some areas may be unusable.
- Level 4: Severe clutter; most living areas are compromised, creating safety and health hazards.
- Level 5: Extreme hoarding; homes are filled with items, making them unlivable and posing serious risks to health and safety.
Helpful Hoarding Blogs
How to help a parent who hoards?
Parents may hoard for various reasons, often linked to emotional and psychological struggles. Many have experienced trauma or loss, making it difficult to let go of belongings as they seek comfort in their possessions. Additionally, some parents struggle with perfectionism or fear of making the wrong choice, which can lead to clutter accumulating over time. Understanding these reasons can help family members come up with a solution. Here are some steps to consider:
- Have an Open Conversation
- Offer Your Support
- Take It Slow
- Be Patient
- Set boundaries
Hoarding Cleanup Do’s and Dont’s
Cleaning up a hoarded space can be tough, but having a solid plan can make it easier. Whether you’re helping a family member or handling the situation yourself, it’s important to know the do’s and don’ts of hoarding cleanup. This process requires care, patience, and a thoughtful approach to ensure everything goes smoothly. In this blog, we’ll share helpful tips for a successful cleanup and point out common mistakes to avoid. By following these guidelines, you can create a healthier living space and support those affected by hoarding.
Recent Reviews
Review by Amy Jachna
"Had a great experience working with Marshall when we had an emergency leak at my mom’s house. He immediately started working to salvage what we could. I felt like he absolutely understood the urgency, and treated my mom like his own! He and the rest of the team were super easy to work with and answered our (many) questions along the way. They were very transparent about the process which was extremely helpful as this was our first time with this kind of issue in 30+ years of owning the house. We so appreciate ProTech for aiding us during our time of need."
Review by Lynn Gibson
"My experience with ProTech was wonderful from the first visit thru the last. Ben did a great job of evaluating the work that needed to be done and explaining everything to me. Frank and Sergio were great to work with because they were pleasant AND they were so very careful about everything they did. All in all, I give the ProTech team an A+!"
Review by Kelsey Swyter
"I had a pipe burst and subsequent leakage into my basement. At first I thought that we maybe stopped it in time since we could not see obvious damage but Marshall at ProTech said it would be a good idea to check it out anyway and came out within a couple of days. I’m so glad he did since there was more damage than we anticipated. Marshall explained the damage thoroughly using his imaging techniques and provided a quote within the day. Pricing was good and our insurance accepted the proposal immediately. The ProTech team was able to do the water damage mitigation about a week after the incident and on a Saturday no less. Everything was done super quickly and professionally. While I do not want to deal with any more water damage, the repairs using ProTech were painless. I would recommend this company and especially Marshall to anyone in the same situation."
See All Reviews
