Hoarding is one of the most misunderstood and stigmatized challenges a family can face. It affects an estimated 2-6% of the population — meaning hundreds of thousands of Utah families are touched by hoarding disorder either directly or through a loved one.
When a hoarding situation reaches the point where professional cleanup is needed families often don’t know where to turn. The situation feels overwhelming, embarrassing, and complicated.
We want to help — and we want to start by saying this:
There is no judgment here. Only help.
What Is a Hoarding Situation?
Hoarding disorder is a recognized mental health condition characterized by persistent difficulty discarding possessions regardless of their value. In severe cases hoarding creates living conditions that are:
• Unsafe — blocked exits, fire hazards, structural stress from the weight of accumulated items
• Unsanitary — accumulated waste, food, and organic materials create biohazard conditions
• Unhealthy — mold, pests, and air quality issues create serious health risks
Professional hoarding cleanup is needed when the accumulated items and conditions have reached a level that requires specialized equipment, training, and disposal resources.
Why Hoarding Cleanup Requires Professionals
Families sometimes attempt to clean a hoarding situation themselves. This is understandable but often creates problems:
Emotional challenges
The person with hoarding disorder may have extreme distress about items being removed. Without proper handling this can damage relationships and derail the cleanup.
Biohazard risks
Severe hoarding situations often involve accumulated waste, decomposing food, animal waste, and other biohazardous materials that require professional protective equipment and disposal.
Hidden structural damage
The weight of accumulated items and the conditions created by a hoarding situation often cause structural damage, mold growth, and pest infestation that require professional assessment and remediation.
Proper disposal
Items from hoarding situations often cannot go in standard trash. Hazardous materials, biohazardous waste, and large volumes of items require proper disposal channels.
How Best Option Restoration Approaches Hoarding Cleanup
We approach every hoarding cleanup with the same principles:
Compassion first
We understand that the person whose home we’re entering has a complex relationship with their possessions. We treat every person and every situation with dignity and respect.
No judgment
Our team is trained to approach hoarding situations without judgment — toward the person with hoarding disorder or toward the family members who are trying to help.
Collaboration
Where possible we work with the individual and family to make decisions about items — sorting what can be donated, what should be discarded, and what is truly important to keep.
Discretion
Our vehicles are unmarked. We work quietly and professionally. Your neighbors don’t need to know what’s happening.
Safety first
Before any cleaning begins we assess the structure for safety hazards — unstable piles, compromised floors, fire hazards, and biohazard conditions.
The Hoarding Cleanup Process
Initial assessment
We visit the property to assess the scope of the situation, identify safety hazards, and develop a cleanup plan. This assessment is free and confidential.
Safety stabilization
We address immediate safety hazards first — clearing exit pathways, addressing structural concerns, and identifying biohazard areas.
Sorting and removal
Working systematically we sort through accumulated items:
• Items to keep — organized and set aside
• Items to donate — handled properly for donation
• Items to discard — removed and disposed of properly
• Biohazardous materials — removed with proper protective equipment and disposed of per regulations
Deep cleaning
Once items are removed we conduct a thorough deep cleaning of all surfaces — floors, walls, ceilings, appliances, and fixtures.
Biohazard remediation
If biohazardous conditions exist — animal waste, human waste, decomposing organic materials — we conduct professional remediation following proper protocols.
Mold and pest remediation
Hoarding situations frequently involve mold growth and pest infestation. We address both as part of the cleanup process.
Restoration
As a licensed B100 General Contractor we can handle any structural repairs, flooring replacement, painting, and other restoration work needed to return the home to a safe and livable condition.
Talking to a Loved One About Hoarding Cleanup
This is often the hardest part. Some guidance:
Lead with love not criticism
Focus on your concern for their safety and wellbeing — not on the condition of the home.
Involve them in the process
People with hoarding disorder feel more comfortable when they have control over decisions about their belongings. Involve them as much as possible.
Consider professional support
A therapist or counselor who specializes in hoarding disorder can be an important part of the process — both before and during cleanup.
Be patient
Hoarding cleanup is rarely a one-day process — especially when the individual is involved in decision making. Patience leads to better outcomes.
We’re Here to Help
If you’re a family member dealing with a hoarding situation involving a loved one please know that you don’t have to face this alone.
Best Option Restoration provides confidential hoarding cleanup consultations throughout Salt Lake County. We can talk through the situation, answer your questions, and help you understand your options — with no pressure and no judgment.
📞 Call or Text: 385-376-8300
Available 24/7 | Confidential | Compassionate | Licensed B100 General Contractor
Serving South Jordan, West Jordan, Sandy, Draper, Riverton, Bluffdale, Murray and all of Salt Lake County.