Bio-One of Alabama decontamination and biohazard cleaning services

Hoarding Cleanup Service in Tuscaloosa AL

Bio-One of Alabama is the #1 provider of Hoarding Cleanup Services in Tuscaloosa, AL.

First and foremost, hoarding cleanup is the single most common job we perform for our customers. We are passionate about helping hoarders and their families, and we stand by our work as being the most professional in all of Alabama.

Unlike standard junk removal companies, Bio-One of Alabama is more specific: we help hoarders and their families not only rid their homes of unwanted or discarded items, but we meticulously go through items to salvage what needs to be kept, recover any and all valuables, and then deep clean the home at the end.

Whether the situation is mild hoarding/pack-rat situation, or a property that is biohazardous - Bio-One of Alabama can help.

We also offer financing on our hoarding cleanup services, which is a big help to those on a budget.

All of our technicians are local Alabamians, and our company is family-owned. We serve Birmingham, Tuscaloosa, Cullman, Anniston and everywhere in between. We also have a Huntsville location and Montgomery location.

Call Bio-One of Alabama today for your free hoarding cleanup estimate: (205) 937-1708

Bio-One of Alabama Helps People With Decluttering in Birmingham, AL

Bio-One of Alabama is Alabama's clutter removal specialist. Known for services such as hoarding cleanup, biohazard cleanup, gross filth cleaning, deep cleaning, and other services such as mold remediation, odor removal, animal feces cleanup and more - Bio-One also helps with decluttering and junk removal.

Whether you have a garage filled with things you want to transport to storage or get rid of, or your home is in need of some decluttering, or if you want to donate some personal belongings, Bio-One of Alabama can help.

If what you need is more of a professional organization situation, we also work with partners who can help with systems so that your home can become more organized.

What to expect with you call Bio-One:

  • Come to your home for a free consulation
  • Discuss with you what you want, and offer our advice and expertise
  • Send you a comprehenisve estimate
  • Work with professional organizers and other partners if anything else is needed
  • Work at your own pace
  • Finish the decluttering job, and then deep clean your home if needed

Give Bio-One of Alabama a call today at (205) 937-1708. We serve Birmingham, Hoover, Cullman, Jasper, Tuscaloosa, Anniston and All Of North & Central Alabama.

Bio-One of Alabama is the #1 provider of Hoarding Cleanup Services in Birmingham, AL.

First and foremost, hoarding cleanup is the single most common job we perform for our customers. We are passionate about helping hoarders and their families, and we stand by our work as being the most professional in all of Alabama.

Unlike standard junk removal companies, Bio-One of Alabama is more specific: we help hoarders and their families not only rid their homes of unwanted or discarded items, but we meticulously go through items to salvage what needs to be kept, recover any and all valuables, and then deep clean the home at the end.

Whether the situation is mild hoarding/pack-rat situation, or a property that is biohazardous - Bio-One of Alabama can help.

We also offer financing on our hoarding cleanup services, which is a big help to those on a budget.

All of our technicians are local Alabamians, and our company is family-owned. Our Birmingham location serves Birmingham, Tuscaloosa, Cullman, Anniston and everywhere in between. We also have a Huntsville location and Montgomery location.

Call Bio-One of Alabama today for your free hoarding cleanup estimate: (205) 937-1708

There are varied reasons people hang on to things they don’t need based on their circumstances or deeper-lying struggles. A cluttered home—even one that would qualify as a Level 5 situation—doesn’t stem from laziness or lack of willpower. 

More often than not, a cluttered home is the result of a difficult-to-control situation, which is part of normal life.

What’s the source of your clutter? Following, are a few factors that may be contributing to your at-home clutter:

Kids Will Create Big Messes

Having children can bring an abundance of joy, but also plenty of clutter.

Baby gear that is only used for a short period of time, rapidly changing clothes sizes, and piles of toys accumulate quickly.

It doesn’t end with the baby phase, though. As all guardians know, older kids and teens bring their own messes into the home.

Food-related messes combined with sleep deprivation can make it difficult to keep up with housework.

With children leaving clutter everywhere and food-related messes needing immediate care, it can be difficult to keep up with housework. Especially when you consider the sleep deprivation that also comes with kids.

Between art and science projects on the counter and smelly gym bags and laundry

left around the house, things can get (or stay!) messy.

It doesn’t help that children aren’t well-known for cleaning up after themselves!

Other Clutter-Causing Issues

Old Age

As adults age, they may struggle to keep up with their housework.

Think of all the reaching and bending over. Consider all the hard scrubbing. With health issues, simple cleaning tasks take much longer to accomplish, if it can still be done.

Decreased mobility and increased health issues can make cleaning overwhelming or even impossible.

In addition, it can be difficult to let go of possessions accumulated over a lifetime.

Anxiety Disorders

Anxiety can make it difficult to throw away possessions.

People with anxiety may hold on to items in excess in case of a feared emergency or indecision about what to do with items.

Depression

Finding the motivation to clean and declutter is often a struggle for someone suffering from depression.

The stress of an out-of-control home situation (whether it’s actually out of control

or simply perceived to be) can create a negative feedback loop.

What’s a negative feedback loop?

For example, maybe you’re struggling with depression and lack the motivation to do the dishes. This means the dishes quickly pile up and within a week or two every surface in your kitchen could be covered in dirty dishes.

Now, you’re facing an overwhelming mess that can make you feel even worse—piling on exhaustion, guilt, and shame—and making you even less likely to find the motivation to clean up.

This cycle can leave those struggling with depression feeling more overwhelmed and less able to approach their home situation.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Individuals with ADHD often have intense, passionate interests and may accumulate items related to that interest. In addition, it can be difficult for a person with ADHD to create and stay focused on a plan for a big cleaning project. Anytime there are multiple steps involved, it’s easy for people with ADHD to get distracted.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Obsessive-compulsive disorder is characterized by obsessive, intrusive thoughts and compulsive behaviors. People with OCD sometimes deal with anxieties and emergencies by compulsively buying items. They may have obsessions about running out of essential items or a buying ritual that is difficult to break out of.

Trauma and Stressful Life Events

Trauma can be a trigger for accumulating clutter. If someone grew up without:

  • Sufficient food
  • Clothing
  • Hygienic products
  • Love and support

They may feel driven to hold onto things rather than throw them away when they are no longer needed. Research shows that childhood emotional abuse and physical neglect in particular predict higher levels of hoarding symptoms.

Items that have sentimental value.

People who have experienced loss may also accumulate possessions to soothe the ache of missing their loved one. Buying new things triggers a brief dopamine high, bringing temporary emotional relief.

Generational Habits and Heredity

If you grew up in a home where clutter was common, you are more likely to show these behaviors yourself. You may have a genetic disposition toward it through related diagnoses like anxiety or depression. You may also be more used to an environment where clutter, mess, and even the higher levels of hoarding are the norm.

Clutter Is Normal… But It Can Cause Stress

No matter the reason clutter starts, it’s normal to feel overwhelmed and stressed by the situation. Home maintenance is a big task under any conditions. Certain factors can make the situation feel impossible such as:

  • Trauma 
  • Medical issues
  • Mental health struggles
  • Interpersonal issues

Stress can lead to big messes and big messes can lead to stress.

Stress can lead to disorganized homes, and disorganized homes can increase stress. Natalie Christine Dattilo, PhD, clinical health psychologist and instructor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School, calls it a chicken-or-egg dilemma.

“Recent studies have shown that clutter in our homes is associated with higher cortisol levels [our stress hormone], but it’s still unclear which comes first,” says Dattilo.

“Is it that when we are under stress, our ability to maintain a well-organized home becomes impaired? Or when our home is in disarray, does that make us feel more stressed, overwhelmed, and anxious?”

Regardless of the root of the issue, there is a way out. Resources are available to help you deal with your home situation. Bio-One can help! Our services can help ease your stress. For more information on how we can help you with your clutter call (205) 937-1708.

The word “hoarding” probably evokes a particular image, made more common by shows like Hoarders that highlight extreme examples. In reality, not all hoarders have rooms full of items piled high to the ceiling.

The Institute for Challenging Disorganization (now, there’s a relatable title!) has classified hoarding behavior into five levels on their Clutter-Hoarding Scale.Level 1 Hoarding

At Level 1, a home is not pristine, but the space is still easily accessible and sanitary. There is clutter, but no concern for safety. Most, if not all of us, have been in Level 1. Many people spend most of their time in this stage.

Here are the defining characteristics of this level:

  • All stairways, doors, and windows are accessible, not blocked by clutter.
  • The home has good ventilation and is free of bad odors.
  • The number of pets in the home is appropriate and compliant with zoning regulations.
  • Pet hair and waste is cleaned up and disposed of properly.
  • There are no visible pests like insects or rodents.
  • Appropriate alarms like smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are installed.

At Level 2, the home is still very livable, but there’s more evidence of disarray. The home is in need of cleaning and may be starting to overwhelm the residents. The hygiene level isn’t optimal.

Most of us bounce between Level 1 and Level 2. However, here are the more defining characteristics of Level 2:

  • One important exit is blocked with clutter.
  • Pet waste and hair can be found in the home.
  • Electrical and/or plumbing issues are present. There may be a major appliance that has been broken for more than one season.
  • Garbage containers are overflowing.
  • Some mild odors are present, related to overflowing dishes, laundry, uncleaned bathrooms, etc.
  • Occasional presence of household pests in the home are quickly dealt with

Level 3 is considered the turning point between manageable household disorganization and a more serious issue. Level 3 homes show extreme disorganization and indicate hoarding behavior.

Here are the defining characteristics of this level:

  • Mild insect infestations from pests like lice, cockroaches, ants, or bedbugs are present.
  • Piles of objects are obstructing key living areas.
  • Multiple appliances in the home are broken and unusable.
  • Spills may be left uncleaned for several days. Food preparation and eating areas are left visibly dirty.
  • One room is no longer being used for its intended purpose, like bedrooms being used exclusively for storage.
  • Noticeable unpleasant odors are present in the home.
  • Dirty laundry is left throughout the home.

Level 3 households should consider hiring outside help. Although, it’s still possible to get it under control with a concerted effort from the whole family

At Level 4, the home shows excessive clutter.Those living in Level 4 conditions need professional help. At this level, part of getting help includes professional cleaning to transform the house into a safe, hygienic space where people can thrive. Mental health counselors and social workers may also step in to help residents change their habits.

Here are the defining characteristics of this level:

  • Structural damage is present, such as water damage, broken doors, and plumbing issues.
  • Excessive pets and pet waste may be present.
  • Clutter is blocking access to stairs, rooms, and exits.
  • Expired and rotting food is present in the home and contributes to odors.
  • Multiple rooms are cluttered to the extent that they cannot be used for their intended purposes.
  • A medium level of insect infestation is present. There may be bats, squirrels, and/ or rodents in the attic or
  • basement.
  • Sewage is backed up

Level 5 is the highest level of hoarding behavior. Level 5 homes are alarmingly hazardous.

They require professionals with safety equipment and training to clean.

Here are the defining characteristics of this level:

  • Extreme indoor clutter makes important living spaces unusable.
  • There is no ventilation in the home.
  • Structural damage is irreparable.
  • Water and/or electrical services have been disconnected.
  • Pets living in the home are at risk due to living conditions.
  • Occupants of the home in danger due to pet behaviors, numbers, and/or health conditions.
  • Household appliances are unusable due to disrepair or being blocked by clutter.

If you or someone you know is struggling with these levels of hoarding we are here to help. 

You can find more information at https://bioonealabama.com/ or contact us at (205) 937-1708

Bio-One offers affordable and compassionate Hoarding Cleanup Services in Birmingham, Tuscaloosa, and all of Alabama

Bio-One of Alabama is your go-to source for all help with Hoarding Cleanup. Located locally in Birmingham, Bio-One offers Hoarding Cleanup Services throughout all of Jefferson County, as well as Hoover, Tuscaloosa, Jasper, Anniston, Clanton, Cullman - and with our two other local offices in Huntsville and Montgomery, we offer Hoarding Cleanup Services throughout the State of Alabama.

Unlike other "junk removal companies" who just come to your home and simply throw everything away, Bio-One takes a more comprehensive, compassionate approach. When you hire Bio-One to help solve your Hoarding problems, this is what you will expect:

  • Free Estimates
  • Free Pre-Planning Meeting - Bio-One will meet with you/your family to determine the game plan, make lists with what is to stay, and what is to go.
  • No Pressure - we work with on the customer's time frame, and can work as fast (or as slow) as desired.
  • A Large Crew of Specialists - so that we are maximizing the work being done per day.
  • A Designated Crewmember For The Customer - to go through things without stopping the work being done.
  • Performing a Deep Clean - Bio-One deep cleans, disinfects and deodorizes the home at the end.
  • Discretion - Bio-One does not share photos of the job, and shows up to the job in unmarked cars so nosy neighbors don't take notice.
  • Offering Other Services - Bio-One also specializes in Biohazard Cleanup, Mold Remediation, Rodent Droppings Cleanup, Odor Removal, and other services that may benefit you.

Call Bio-One today for a free, no obligation estimate for Hoarding Cleanup at (205) 937-1708.

And How Bio-One Helps Hoarders Clean Their Homes

Hoarding Is Extremely Common - And Helping Hoarders Is Our Passion
Hoarding disorder is an ongoing difficulty throwing away or parting with possessions because you believe that you need to save them. You may experience distress at the thought of getting rid of the items. You gradually keep or gather a huge number of items, regardless of their actual value. 

Hoarding often creates extremely cramped living conditions with only narrow pathways winding through stacks of clutter. Countertops, sinks, stoves, desks, stairways and all other surfaces are usually piled with stuff. You may not be able to use some areas for their intended purpose. When there's no more room inside your home, the clutter may spread to the garage, vehicles, yard and other storage areas. 

Hoarding ranges from mild to severe. In some cases, hoarding may not have much impact on your life, while in other cases it seriously affects your daily functioning. People with hoarding disorder may not see it as a problem, so getting them to take part in treatment can be challenging.  

THE 5 LEVELS OF HOARDING 

LEVEL 1 - Minor Clutter 

LEVEL 2 - Clutter blocking one exit, pet feces in one area, some minor electrical/plumbing problems, overflowing trash cans, dirty dishes piling up, minor mold growth

LEVEL 3 - Extreme disorganization throughout home, insect infestation, piles of objects in key living areas, multiple broken appliances, spills not cleaned for days/weeks, one room not being used anymore for its intended purpose

LEVEL 4 - Structural damage to home, plumbing not operating properly, excessive amount of pets and pet waste, clutter preventing most exits and stairs, rotting food, odors, sewage backups.

LEVEL 5 - Severe unsanitary conditions, entire living space unusable, no ventilation, irreparable damage to home’s structure, no utilities working, pervasive mold, animals in home are danger to humans, larger pest infestation (rodents, snakes, insects), dead animals in home. 

Bio-One can help at any stage, and can help in any capacity. From helping families meticulously go through item by item to locate valuables, to helping getting ready for an estate sale, and emptying an entire house, performing demolition and deep cleaning sanitization - Bio-One is here to help.

Bio-One also specializes in biohazard cleanup, mold remediation, sewage backup cleanup, rodent droppings cleanup, odor removal and more. 

Bio-One Huntsville:         256-677-6111
Bio-One Birmingham:     205-937-1708
Bio-One Montgomery:    334-523-9191

Bio-One is Tuscaloosa's Blood Cleanup Specialist

Alabama's only local Biohazard Cleanup Company - Bio-One has three local offices in Montgomery, Birmingham and Huntsville. Unlike water restoration companies who may clean up biohazards on the side, all Bio-One's technicians are properly trained to handle anyone's worst-case scenario.

Bio-One is Alabama's only specialist in the cleanup of blood, trauma, suicide, homicide, accidents and unattended death/decomposition.

In addition to being trained and certified in all-things Biohazard, Bio-One's professionals are also equipped with the sensitivity and discretion required to handle someone else's worst day of their life.

Bio-One is available for families 24/7 to handle the cleanup of any tragedy. When we arrive at your home, our vehicles are unmarked and discreet, and they cater to any of your needs.

Bio-One handles blood cleanup in Tuscaloosa, AL, but also all other surrounding communities of Centreville, Birmingham, Jasper, Clanton, Selma, Anniston, Cullman, Hoover, Montgomery and elsewhere.

Additionally, Bio-One's blood cleanup services are covered under your homeowner's insurance policy - and they handle the claims process for you.

Bio-One also offers additional services when they are required - such as hoarding cleanup, mold remediation, junk removal, odor removal, feces/urine cleanup, hazardous materials cleanup and others.

Call any of the local Bio-One offices below for immediate help:

Bio-One of Montgomery (334) 523-9191

Bio-One of Alabama (205) 937-1708

Bio-One of Huntsville (256) 677-6111


Bio-One Weekly Wrap-Up Week 4 Hoarding Trauma Scene Back the Blue

Bio-One teams across the U.S. answer calls to help their communities and remediate a variety of scenes. In our new blog series, we'd like to bring you into the Bio-One world by sharing stories of the unique and important work we do for local communities.

Here is Week 5 of our Bio-One Weekly Wrap-Up. 

Chocolate Spill Makes for a Sweet Cleanup

In Scranton on March 25, Juan and Nicole Morales received a call for a "chocolate" cleanup. Assuming this was code for a sewage back-up, they rushed to scene to find a different situation entirely. Approximately 100 gallons of milk chocolate had spilled, covering asphalt outside a local business.

This is certainly the sweetest smelling job a Bio-One office has ever taken, but Nicole clarified, "That smell was nice for the first few minutes but at the end I felt sick. Good thing we had an awesome team that pushed through and got this done!" 

After scraping the chocolate with a forklift and pressure washing the area, the Bio-One team received a five-star review. Well done!  

Bio-One Milk Chocolate Spill Review
Bio-One Milk Chocolate Spill Before and After

Behind the Scenes with Citizen's Academy

Many Bio-One owners sign up for their local Citizen's Police Academy to acquaint themselves with the activities of their local police department. This week, Bio-One owner, Ginger Akemon, in Jacksonville, FL earned her Citizen's Police Academy certificate from the Clay County Sheriff's Office

"Definitely a learning process. Each County has their own, my goal is to go to each county's classes. This was 10 weeks long and over an hour drive each way, but well worth it, " said Ginger. 

Hoarding Transformation in Long Beach

In Long Beach, the Bio-One team has been working hard on several hoarding projects. These before and after pictures show the detail and expertise our teams bring to each job. 


Bio-One Weekly Wrap-Up Week 4 Hoarding Trauma Scene Back the Blue

Bio-One teams across the U.S. answer calls to help their communities and remediate a variety of scenes. In our new blog series, we'd like to bring you into the Bio-One world by sharing stories of the unique and important work we do for local communities.

Here is Week 4 of our Bio-One Weekly Wrap-Up. 

New Start for New Haven Veteran

In New Haven County, Bio-One and Junkluggers answered the call to help a veteran and his disabled wife. The couple were overwhelmed with a hoarded home and much of their furniture would need to be disposed due to biohazardous conditions. With Bio-One's Help First, Business Second motto in mind, Bio-One owner, Matthew Hill, teamed up with Junkluggers to re-furnish the home with gently used furniture at no cost to the client. 

“Anytime we can give a little more to our clients, we always seize the opportunity,” said Hill. “Junkluggers has been an awesome organization with a great mission that fits nicely into what we are trying to accomplish.”

#HelpFirst for Heart-Breaking Scene

In South Carolina, Bio-One owner, Kris Elliott, was called to disinfect and clean a heart-breaking trauma scene. After hearing the family's story, he generously decided not to request payment for his services and shared their GoFundMe page on Facebook. As of March 20, Bio-One offices in North Carolina and South Carolina have contributed just under half of the total donations. This is #helpfirst at it's finest. 

If you'd like to learn more about the family and donate, please visit their GoFundMe page

Poker Run Supports Law Enforcement

Supporting local law enforcement is a 24/7 activity at Bio-One! In Tuscon, AZ, the Bio-One team participated in the South Arizona Law Enforcement Foundation (SALEF) poker run. SALEF collaborates with law enforcement to understand their greatest needs, and work with businesses in the community to raise money by presenting community events and submitting for grants. 

Looks like they were gifted a beautiful day for cards, corn hole, and backing the blue.