A Crisis Closer to Home Than You Think
In recent years, hoarding has become a widely discussed topic, thanks to television shows like Hoarders and American Pickers, and Hoarding Cleanup Chicago. But in Chicago and its North Shore suburbs, hoarding is not just a television drama—it’s a very real issue affecting families, neighbors, and entire communities.
At ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons, we’ve helped families from Evanston to Oak Park reclaim safe and livable homes after years of severe hoarding. This blog outlines what hoarding is, why it’s dangerous, and how our certified cleanup professionals can help restore both your home and peace of mind.
What Is Hoarding Disorder?
Hoarding disorder is a mental health condition defined by the ongoing difficulty to discard or part with possessions, regardless of their actual value. This behavior often leads to living conditions that are dangerously overcrowded, unsanitary, and unsafe.
People struggling with hoarding may experience:
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Anxiety when discarding items
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Emotional distress tied to perceived value of possessions
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Isolation or shame
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Unsafe or inaccessible living spaces
The American Psychiatric Association recognizes hoarding disorder as a mental health diagnosis requiring specialized, trauma-informed interventions—not judgment.
Hidden Dangers Inside a Hoarded Home
Cleaning a hoarded property involves more than removing clutter. Below are the most common safety threats found in hoarded homes:
1. Fire Hazards
Hoarded items—especially paper, cardboard, and fabrics—are highly flammable. They can block vents, hide faulty wiring, and prevent emergency exits. Fires in hoarded homes tend to burn hotter and spread faster, making rescue more difficult.
2. Injury & Entrapment
Falls are common due to unstable walking paths. In many Level 4 and 5 hoarder homes, ceiling-high piles of clutter can collapse, leading to serious injuries or trapping occupants beneath debris.
3. Mold & Moisture Damage
Obstructed plumbing or hidden leaks promote mold growth. Mold spores thrive in low-ventilation, high-moisture environments often found beneath hoarded materials. Respiratory illness is a common consequence, particularly for children, seniors, and immunocompromised individuals.
4. Infestation & Disease
Rodents, insects, and other pests are drawn to food waste and debris. Animal hoarding cases may involve accumulation of waste or deceased animals, which increases the risk of disease transmission.
5. Compromised Air Quality
Dust, mildew, ammonia, and decaying waste all contribute to poor indoor air quality. Without professional filtration equipment, these homes are unsafe to occupy for extended periods.
6. Structural Collapse
Excessive clutter can place strain on floor joists and load-bearing structures. Homes in Skokie, Glenview, and Oak Park—especially older buildings—may suffer long-term damage requiring costly repairs or demolition.
Our Process: Professional Hoarding Cleanup Chicago from ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons
Every hoarding cleanup project is approached with discretion, compassion, and safety. Here’s how our certified teams serve the greater Chicago and North Shore communities:
Step 1: On-Site Evaluation
We begin with a confidential walkthrough to assess the situation. Safety, salvageable contents, and customer preferences are all reviewed.
Step 2: Safety Preparation
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PPE (personal protective equipment) for all technicians
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OSHA- and IICRC-compliant protocols
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Fire extinguishers, respirators, and air scrubbers deployed
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Coordination with first responders if needed
Step 3: Staging and Sorting
A staging area is created on-site (e.g., driveway or yard). Items are sorted into:
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Trash (disposed via licensed haulers)
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Hazardous waste (e.g., paint, chemicals, sharp objects)
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Recyclables
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Salvageable items for cleaning, donation, or return
Step 4: De-Cluttering & Debris Removal
Rooms are cleared systematically starting near the exits. Our team removes trash, broken items, spoiled food, and biohazards with caution and respect.
Step 5: Deep Cleaning & Disinfection
After debris removal, we conduct a full sanitation process including:
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Odor neutralization
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Mold and mildew remediation
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Pathogen-grade disinfecting
Step 6: Optional Repairs & Restoration
Our team can assist with:
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Drywall and flooring replacement
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Mold removal
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HVAC duct cleaning
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Upholstery and content restoration
Hoarding Cleanup Costs in the Chicagoland Area
Pricing varies depending on the volume of items, condition of the home, and biohazard involvement. Here’s a general guide:
| Severity Level | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Mild Clutter | $2,000–$4,500 |
| Moderate Hoarding | $4,500–$9,000 |
| Severe Hoarding | $10,000–$20,000+ |
Most homeowner insurance policies do not cover hoarding cleanup, but we offer flexible payment arrangements and third-party financing options.
Areas We Serve
We proudly provide hoarding cleanup services to:
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City of Chicago: Logan Square, Humboldt Park, Bronzeville, Lakeview
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North Shore: Evanston, Skokie, Wilmette, Glencoe, Lake Forest, Northbrook
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Western Suburbs: Oak Park, River Forest, Elmwood Park
Looking for discreet hoarding help in another neighborhood? Contact us and we’ll assist.
Discreet, Compassionate, Confidential Service
At ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons, we understand the deep emotional and psychological impact of hoarding. Our crews are trained in trauma-informed communication and arrive in unmarked vehicles upon request.
We treat every client—and every item—with dignity, privacy, and professionalism.
Need Support? Start Here
If you or a loved one is struggling with hoarding, we recommend contacting:
Check out ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons RESOURCE GUIDE. It will help answer some questions.
You can also read our book, RESTORE: A Complete Guide To Protecting Your Home As Your Most Valuable Asset, for insights into disaster recovery and home protection strategies.
Contact ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons
We’re available 24/7 for urgent hoarding cleanup requests.
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Chicago Office: 773-376-1110
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North Shore Office: 847-316-9145
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Email: info@servicemaster-rbs.com