Every hoarding case is different. Wildly different. However, there is a common thread: mental illness. That, in itself, means hoarding cleanup is not for everyone. Not for every company. Not for every technician or crew. Training is as important as the ability to be empathetic and build the trust of your client. The likelihood of successfully completing a hoarding cleanup job without the support and trust of the hoarder themselves is slim to none.

ServiceMaster San Francisco/San Mateo has been in business for more than three decades. Co-owner Josh Decker grew up in the business, which was started by his parents. Today, the company has about 27 employees and handles multiple hoarding jobs every month.