ProTech Restoration
Serving Hoffman Estates, IL and Cook County Since 2003
Hoarding is classified as a mental disorder, and it affects millions of Americans and their families. The reason it is considered a mental disorder is because the common behaviors of hoarding are caused by underlying anxiety and depression that make it difficult for people to part with items they have brought into their home. As a result, the clutter of hoarded items will grow, creating a dangerous and unsanitary living environment. It is important to clean the homes of hoarders to restore safe living conditions, but this should not be done unless the affected individual consents to the cleaning.
At ProTech Restoration, we provide hoarding cleaning services in Hoffman Estates, IL to help affected individuals clean out their home. Our technicians understand the sensitivity of these situations and we work with the affected individual to remove unwanted items and clean the home to restore safe conditions.
The Dangers of Excessive Hoarding
Hoarding behaviors start out mild but become worse over time as those affected accumulate more items and allow their home to fall into disrepair. As the clutter builds, it can block doorways and pathways in the home which make it difficult to evacuate in case of an emergency like a fire. The clutter also increases the risk of a fire as the materials can burn up quickly and cause a potential fire to spread. As the items pile high, there is also a risk of the piles toppling over which can cause injuries.
The other danger is that hoarding creates unsanitary living conditions. The clutter can harbor harmful materials like mold and bacteria that can cause illness, and insects and pests can also thrive in the mess. These conditions can lead to serious health issues for the affected individual and anyone else living in the home.
Watch RestorationMaster video for more information on hoarding and disinfection services
Pro Tech Restoration Approach to Hoarding Cleaning, Hoffman Estates, IL
A big mistake that many friends and family members of hoarders make is that they are too abrasive when trying to help. A common misconception is that those afflicted with hoarding tendencies are lazy. The truth of the matter is that hoarding disorder incites extreme anxiety in affected individuals when they are faced with disposing of items. They are often too embarrassed to seek assistance, as a result. This is why compassion and understanding are a staple of our hoarding cleaning services.
If you know someone affected by hoarding who is ready to clean their home, reach out to our professionals at ProTech Restoration. We have developed a proven approach to hoarding cleaning in which we work with the affected individual to form a cleaning plan and decide what items to remove from the home. We build a sense of trust with the affected individual and nothing will be done without their consent.
Our hoarding cleaning services include the following steps:
- The establishment of trust with the individual before any cleaning actually takes place
- Removal of unnecessary items (with consultation from the affected individual)
- Assistance with deciding whether to throw away, recycle, donate, or keep belongings
- Decontamination, restoration, and deodorization of affected areas
- The creation of a cleaning plan that we leave for the affected individual so that they can better manage their hoarding disorder (we will periodically follow up)
Finally, it is important to note that we abide by the rules and regulations of the Department of Transportation, OSHA, and the EPA. This means that we are certified to assist you. We are also able to dispose of dangerous biohazard materials if needed.
Contact ProTech Restoration for Compassionate Hoarding Cleanup
If you have a loved one affected by hoarding, have a conversation with them about their situation to help them understand the danger of their living conditions. When they have agreed to clean out their home, you can call our professionals.
We provide complete hoarding cleaning services to restore sanitary living conditions while keeping the affected individual at the center of the process. To learn more about our hoarding cleanup services in Hoffman Estates, IL, give us a call at (847) 558-6604.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Hoarding
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 Tips For Hoarding Situations
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."
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