How Much It Costs to Clean a Hoarder House

If you’re faced with the daunting task of helping a loved one or friend with a hoarding problem, or if you find yourself dealing with hoarding tendencies, one of your main concerns is likely the cost of hoarding cleanup. Hoarding cleanup services come with various factors that contribute to the final price. At Hometown, we understand the importance of finding the best cleanup services at a reasonable cost. In this article, we will explore the average costs of hoarding cleanups, the variables that affect the cost, and how to find the best hoarding service.

Average Costs for Hoarding Cleanups

When it comes to hoarding cleanups, it’s challenging to define an exact “average cost” due to the many variables involved. What some may perceive as hoarding could simply be severe disorganization and clutter. However, homes that have been overwhelmed by hoarding pose significant safety risks and may have lost much of their functionality.

National averages suggest that hoarding cleanups can cost upwards of $1,000 per day. Typically, hoarding cleanup services charge between $0.75 and $2.50 per square foot of living space covered with belongings and trash. Additionally, there’s an extra cost of $25 to $60 per hour, per laborer. It’s important to note that these figures are based on straightforward projects, and hoarding situations often present additional challenges.

Variables That Affect the Cost of Hoarding Cleanups

The cost of hoarding cleanups can vary greatly, ranging from a few hundred dollars to tens of thousands of dollars. Several variables influence the final cost:

Amount of Material

The extent of the hoarding mess is a significant factor in determining the price. Hoarding cleanups are often priced based on a fee per square foot in combination with an hourly labor rate. More material means more square footage to clean and a longer duration for the removal experts to complete the task.

Type of Material

Different hoarding situations involve different types of materials. Some individuals hoard new or unused items, while others struggle to part with unsanitary items like household waste and trash. Disposing of items that can be donated or resold is more cost-effective than dealing with hazardous materials. The presence of hazardous materials will likely increase the cleanup cost, as these materials require special handling and disposal.

Time It Takes

The amount of material and the presence of hazardous materials also influence the duration of the cleanup project. The longer it takes, the more you can expect to pay in labor fees. While many hoarding cleanup jobs can be completed in 3-5 days with two crew members working full 8-hour shifts, severe hoarding situations may take weeks to fully remediate.

Location

The location of the hoarding cleanup affects the overall cost. Local landfill fees, fuel costs, and employee wages vary depending on the cost of living in the area. Projects located in rural or underdeveloped areas that require significant travel for the cleanup company will be more expensive than those in more central locations.

Who You Hire

The choice of hoarding cleanup service can make a difference in both the price and the quality of the service. Larger chains often charge higher fees due to higher expenses, while smaller, locally-owned companies may offer more competitive pricing. Additionally, businesses may run promotions or offer discounts, such as senior or military discounts.

How to Find the Best Hoarding Service

Finding the best hoarding service requires research and comparison. Contacting multiple locally-owned junk removal companies for estimates is a recommended approach. This allows you to not only compare pricing but also evaluate the quality of customer service. It’s worth asking companies if they price-match competitors’ prices, especially in competitive markets.

At Hometown, we make it easy to request free hoarding cleanup estimates from service providers near you. By reading verified reviews from real customers, you can make an informed decision when hiring professionals for the delicate task of remediating a hoarder’s home.

Conclusion

Cleaning a hoarder house comes with its challenges and costs. Understanding the average costs and the variables that affect the price is crucial. By following the E-E-A-T and YMYL guidelines, you can establish trust and credibility as an experienced content creator. Use relevant images appropriately throughout your article, and ensure your writing maintains a friendly and conversational tone. With your 15 years of experience, you can provide valuable insights and generate top-notch English content.