How Much Does a Clean Up on Hoarders Cost?

Think about walking into a house where you can’t see the floor. There are piles of old newspapers, broken TVs in the hallways, and lots of small things everywhere. This isn’t just a messy home but it’s a hoarder’s home. 

Cleaning it up is a big, expensive job. However, the cost of cleaning services for hoarders can vary widely depending on several factors. Factors that affect the cost of hoarder cleanup are:

1. Size of the Home: 

Bigger homes will cost more to clean because there’s more space to deal with. A small apartment might cost less than a big house with many rooms. For example, cleaning a 1,000-square-foot apartment will be significantly cheaper than a 3,000-square-foot house, even if the level of hoarding is similar.

2. Amount of Clutter:

The more stuff there is to sort through and remove, the more time and effort it will take, which means higher costs. Homes with floor-to-ceiling clutter in every room will cost more to clean than those with moderate clutter. The density of the clutter also matters – tightly packed rooms take longer to sort through.

3. Type of Items: 

Some things are easier to get rid of than others. For example, papers and clothes are usually simpler to handle than big furniture or appliances. If the hoard includes many large items like furniture, appliances, or vehicles, the cost will be higher due to the need for special equipment to move and dispose of these items.

4. Condition of the Home: 

If the hoarding has caused damage to the house, like mold or pest problems, it will cost more to fix these issues. Structural damage, such as sagging floors from the weight of hoarded items, can significantly increase the overall cost of the cleanup and restoration.

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5. Hazardous Materials: 

If there are dangerous items like chemicals or rotting food, special hoarders clean up services might be needed, which can increase the cost. The presence of biohazards like human or animal waste will require specialized cleaning teams and equipment, driving up the price considerably.

6. Location: 

Cleanup services in big cities or expensive areas might charge more than in smaller towns. For instance, a cleanup in New York City or San Francisco will likely cost more than a similar job in a small Midwestern town due to higher labor and disposal costs.

7. Time Frame: 

If the cleanup needs to be done quickly, it might cost more than if there’s no rush. Emergency cleanups, such as those required for legal reasons or imminent health hazards, often come with a premium price.

Average Costs for Hoarder Cleanup

Here is what you need to know:

1. Small Jobs (1-2 rooms in an apartment): 

For a small cleanup job, you might pay between $1,000 and $3,000. This could be for one or two rooms in an apartment that aren’t too cluttered. These jobs typically take 1-2 days and might involve removing 1-3 truckloads of items.

2. Medium Jobs (whole apartment or small house): 

Cleaning a whole apartment or a small house with moderate hoarding might cost between $3,000 and $5,000. These jobs usually take 2-3 days and could involve removing 3-5 truckloads of items. This price often includes basic cleaning and sanitizing after the removal of hoarded items.

3. Large Jobs (bigger homes or severe hoarding): 

For bigger homes or cases of severe hoarding, the cost can go up to $10,000 to $20,000 or even more. These jobs can take a week or longer and might require 5-10 truckloads or more to remove all the hoarded items. The higher cost reflects the increased labor, time, and resources needed for such extensive cleanups.

4. Extreme Cases: 

In the most extreme hoarding situations, where there’s a lot of damage to the home or dangerous conditions, the cost could be $50,000 or higher. These cases might involve homes that have been hoarded for decades, have severe structural damage, or contain hazardous materials. They can take several weeks to clean and often require specialized teams and equipment.

What’s Included in Hoarder Cleanup Costs?

A few of the important considerations are:

1. Sorting: 

Workers will go through all the items to decide what to keep, donate, recycle, or throw away. This process can be time-consuming and requires careful attention to avoid discarding valuable or sentimental items.

2. Removal: 

This includes taking away all the unwanted items and trash. The cost usually covers the labor for removal as well as the transportation of items to disposal sites, donation centers, or recycling facilities.

3. Cleaning: 

After the clutter is gone, the home needs to be cleaned thoroughly. This often involves deep cleaning of floors, walls, and surfaces that may not have been properly cleaned in years due to the hoarding.

4. Sanitizing: 

It is especially important if there are health hazards like mold or pests. Sanitizing may involve the use of industrial-strength cleaners and specialized equipment to ensure the home is safe for habitation.

5. Repairs: 

Sometimes, cleanup companies will do small repairs to fix damage caused by hoarding. This might include patching small holes in walls, fixing minor plumbing issues, or replacing damaged flooring.

6. Disposal Fees: 

The cost of getting rid of all the trash and unwanted items is usually included. This can be a significant portion of the total cost, especially if special disposal is required for hazardous materials.

7. Special Equipment: 

If special tools or protective gear are needed, that’s part of the cost too. This might include dumpsters, heavy-duty garbage bags, protective suits, masks, and gloves for workers.

Additional Costs to Consider

1. Pest Control: 

If there are bugs or rodents, you might need to pay for pest control services. This can cost anywhere from $300 to $5,000, depending on the severity of the infestation and the size of the home.

2. Mold Removal: 

Getting rid of mold can be expensive, sometimes costing $500 to $6,000 or more. The cost depends on how widespread the mold is and whether it has caused structural damage that needs to be repaired.

3. Biohazard Cleanup:

 If there are very unsanitary conditions, special cleaning might be needed, which can cost $500 to $5,000. This includes cleaning up human or animal waste, blood, or other potentially infectious materials.

4. Structural Repairs: 

If the hoarding damaged walls, floors, or other parts of the house, repairs could add thousands to the cost. Major structural repairs, like fixing a damaged foundation or replacing a roof, can easily add $10,000 or more to the total cost.

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5. Therapy or Counseling: 

Many people recommend that the person who was hoarding get help to prevent the problem from happening again. While not part of the cleanup cost, therapy can cost $100 to $200 per session, and may be needed long-term.

Ways To Reduce Cleanup Costs

1. Do Some Work Yourself: If you can, try to do some of the sorting and cleaning yourself. This can save money on labor costs. Even a few hours of pre-sorting can significantly reduce the time professionals need to spend on the job.
2. Get Multiple Quotes: Talk to several cleanup companies and compare their prices. Make sure to get detailed, written estimates that clearly outline what services are included in the price.
3. Donate or Sell Items: If there are valuable things in good condition, selling or donating them can offset some costs. Some charities will even pick up donations for free, saving you removal costs for those items.
4. Use a Dumpster: For big cleanups, renting a dumpster and filling it yourself can be cheaper than paying a company to haul everything away. A dumpster rental typically costs between $300 and $800 per week, depending on the size.
5. Break the Job into Stages: If you can’t afford to do everything at once, try cleaning up one room at a time. This can spread the cost out over time and make the project more manageable financially.
6. Look for Local Resources: Some communities have programs to help with hoarding situations, which might be free or low-cost. Check with your local health department or social services agency to see what assistance might be available.

Wrap Up

The cost of cleaning up a hoarder’s home can vary widely, from a few thousand dollars for a small job to tens of thousands for a large, complex cleanup. By understanding the factors that influence the cost and exploring ways to reduce expenses.

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