What Is the Average Cost to Clean a Hoarder House? A Helpful Breakdown

Cleaning a hoarder’s house is not just about sorting through clutter—it’s about restoring a safe and healthy living environment. For many individuals and families, this situation can feel overwhelming, both emotionally and financially. Cleaning costs can vary widely depending on the scale of the hoarding and the services required, leaving many to wonder where to start and what to expect.

This guide will provide a comprehensive breakdown of the costs involved in cleaning a hoarder’s house, along with the factors that influence those costs. Whether you need professional cleaning services or are considering a DIY approach, you'll gain valuable insights into planning and budgeting for this complex task.

Understanding Hoarding and Its Cleanup Costs

Hoarding is a psychological condition that goes beyond excessive clutter. It involves the persistent difficulty in discarding or parting with possessions, often to the point of overcrowding living spaces. Hoarding can lead to significant health and safety risks, including fire hazards, poor sanitation, and structural damage to properties.

Because of its severity, cleaning a hoarder’s home is often more intricate and expensive than a standard deep cleaning. The costs can vary widely depending on several factors, which we will explore below.

What Is Hoarding?

Hoarding behavior can take various forms and stems from underlying mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). It manifests as an overwhelming collection of items that render living areas unusable.

Why Does Hoarding Cleanup Matter?

Neglected hoarding situations can lead to:

• Structural Damage: Accumulated items and waste can harm the integrity of the property.

• Health Risks: Presence of mold, pests, and biohazards can create unsanitary conditions.

• Safety Hazards: Cluttered homes may block emergency exits or increase the risk of fire.

Acknowledging these consequences is key to understanding the urgency that often accompanies hoarding cleanup efforts.

Factors Affecting Hoarding Cleanup Costs

Cleaning a hoarder’s house entails a wide range of costs, many of which depend on the property details and the scope of the project.

1. Severity of Hoarding

The Clutter-Hoarding Scale from the Institute for Challenging Disorganization breaks hoarding into five levels:

• Level 1: Minimal clutter; the property is tidy but slightly disorganized.

• Level 2: Moderate clutter but still manageable.

• Level 3: Significant clutter; navigation is restricted in parts of the home.

• Level 4: Severe clutter; hazardous conditions present.

• Level 5: Catastrophic clutter; property may be uninhabitable.

The higher the severity, the more time, resources, and specialized services will be needed, which directly impacts the cost.

2. Property Size

Larger homes require more manpower, time, and materials to clean thoroughly, leading to higher expenses. Expect smaller apartments to generally cost less compared to multi-bedroom houses or larger properties.

3. Location

Geography also plays a role. Urban areas typically have higher costs for professional cleaning services and waste disposal, while rural areas may offer cheaper alternatives but fewer available services.

4. Hazardous Materials

Homes that contain hazardous materials like biohazards, mold, or asbestos require specialized cleaning teams trained to handle these risks. These additional services will increase the overall costs.

Key Cost Variables

• Type of debris being removed

• Accessibility of the home for workers and equipment

• Whether the property is still occupied or being cleared for sale/rental

Professional Hoarding Cleaning Services

Hiring professional services can be an efficient way to restore the property safely and thoroughly. These services combine expertise with the specialized tools necessary for a job of this complexity.

What Do These Services Include?

• Debris Removal

Professional cleaners provide equipment such as roll-off dumpsters and handle the disposal responsibly.

• Deep Cleaning

This involves sanitizing, disinfecting, and deodorizing to eliminate health hazards and odors.

• Organizing and Decluttering

Teams may assist with sorting through items, determining which to keep, donate, or discard.

Costs for Professional Cleaning

Expect costs to range between $2,000 to $10,000 or more, depending on the severity and size of the house. While this might seem expensive, professionals bring expertise, safety measures, and efficiency that are difficult to replicate on your own.

Specialized cleaning services, such as biohazard removal or mold remediation, can add an extra $1,000 to $5,000 depending on the scale and risks.

DIY Hoarding Cleanup Considerations

For families on a tighter budget or those who want to be more hands-on, a DIY approach can save costs. However, it also comes with considerable challenges and risks.

Benefits

• Reduced labor costs

• More control over which items are preserved

Risks

• Exposure to hazardous materials

• Difficulty handling emotional stress

• Time-consuming process

If pursuing a DIY cleanup, consider renting a roll-off dumpster, which costs $300 to $1,200, and purchasing protective equipment, such as masks, gloves, and goggles.

Safety Checklist for DIY Cleaning

• Wear protective gear.

• Ensure proper ventilation.

• Have a clear disposal plan for biohazards or sharp objects.

While a DIY approach can be effective for less severe cases, it may not be feasible for extreme hoarding conditions that require specialized tools and expertise.

Additional Costs and Resources

Disposal Fees

Removing large amounts of debris leads to landfill or municipal disposal fees, which may range from $100 to $1,000.

Sanitizing and Disinfecting

Deep cleaning, which includes disinfecting surfaces and removing bacteria or mold, often incurs additional charges of $200 to $5,000.

Free or Low-Cost Cleaning Services

Non-profits and certain government programs may offer free or subsidized cleaning services. These are often available to vulnerable populations, such as seniors or individuals with disabilities.

Research local organizations or grants that may provide assistance in your area.

How to Choose the Right Cleaning Service

If hiring professionals, choosing the right company is vital for a successful cleanup. Here’s a list of questions to ask before committing:

1. What is your experience with hoarding situations?

2. What does your cleaning process include?

3. Are disposal fees included in the quote?

4. Do you have certifications or licenses?

5. Can you provide references or reviews?

By gathering estimates from several companies, you’ll better understand industry-standard costs and services.

Take the Next Step Toward a Fresh Start

Cleaning a hoarder’s house is undoubtedly a challenging process, but the benefits far outweigh the obstacles. A clean and safe home is critical for your health, safety, and peace of mind.

If the task feels overwhelming, consider reaching out to professional cleaning services or exploring local resources that offer support. With the right plan in place, you’ll be one step closer to creating a healthy and clutter-free environment.