Cleaning out a hoarder house typically costs between $150 for a 1/8 truckload and $599 for a full truckload, but it can be higher if you have more items to junk. You may also incur additional fees if the space requires cleaning and sanitation due to the presence of hazardous waste.
Curious to know exactly how much does it cost to clean out a hoarder house and what affects the price? Read on.
Understanding the Cost of Cleaning Out a Hoarder House
When faced with the difficult task of cleaning out a hoarder house, one of the most pressing questions is often about the cost. After all, with the significant amount of clutter and potential damages in such homes, the costs can accumulate. However, obtaining a clear estimate upfront can provide some relief and help in budgetary planning.
For those considering the services of EZ CleanUp Junk Removal, we offer a structured pricing system based on the load size:
- 1/8 Truck Load: $150
- 1/4 Truck Load: $249
- 1/2 Truck Load: $375
- 3/4 Truck Load: $475
- Full Truck Load: $599
For instance, if you are dealing with a smaller residence with only mild clutter, you might find yourself on the lower end of that price range, perhaps around the cost of a 1/8 or 1/4 truckload. On the other hand, a large house that’s severely affected could easily push the costs toward the higher end, requiring a full truckload or even multiple loads.
Factors That Can Affect the Costs of a Hoarding Cleanup
1. Hazardous materials and biohazards
The presence of hazardous materials or biohazards can significantly increase the cost of cleanup. Special precautions, equipment, and sometimes even professional services are required to handle such materials safely. This includes items like mold, chemicals, asbestos, and more. Handling and disposing of these materials are not only time-consuming but also require adherence to strict regulations and standards.
“I’ve been a real estate investor and specialize in buying houses fast for cash for a long time now, and because of this, I’ve seen some seriously crazy situations. One case involved an elderly lady with dementia who used buckets instead of her toilet due to a blockage. This was unsanitary and a hazardous situation that was above my ability to handle and dispose of safely.” said Patrick Grayson of Paramount Property Buyers, a home-buying company in Indianapolis, IN. “The easiest solution for us was to contact a reputable and trusted clean-up company to properly remove all the human waste.”
2. Level of Clutter and Hoarding Severity
The intensity of hoarding can widely vary from one house cleanout to another. For many, hoarding might just be a collection of extra newspapers or magazines, while for others, it could be years of accumulated bulky items filling up rooms from floor to ceiling.
- Mild Clutter: Houses with mild clutter usually have only certain areas or rooms filled with unnecessary items. This could be a room with stacks of old newspapers, unused clothes, or outdated electronics. Such places might seem messy but are typically easier and quicker to clean. The costs associated with these cleanups are generally on the lower end of the spectrum.
- Moderate Hoarding: This level usually indicates that multiple rooms have excessive items, with some areas of the home being inaccessible. Walkways might be narrow, and there could even be some damage to the home’s structure or utilities due to the weight or nature of the hoarded items. Cleaning such houses requires more effort and time and, consequently, higher costs.
- Severe Hoarding: Houses with severe hoarding issues are the most challenging to tackle. Such homes are often filled to the brim, with entire rooms or even floors being inaccessible. In such houses, it’s not uncommon to find decayed food, pests, or even dead animals. These situations demand more labor, specialist cleaning services, and longer durations to clean.
3. Required Equipment and Resources
When cleaning a hoarder’s house, the necessary equipment and resources can substantially influence the overall cost.
- Basic Cleaning Tools: For mild clutter, basic cleaning tools such as brooms, dustpans, garbage bags, and some protective gear might suffice. The costs associated with these are relatively minimal.
- Heavy-Duty Equipment: For homes with more severe hoarding, equipment like large trash bins, dumpsters, or even machinery to move heavy items might be required. Renting or hiring such equipment will increase the cost of the cleanup.
- Protective Gear: In houses where there’s a presence of biohazards, mold, or any hazardous material, the use of specialized protective gear becomes mandatory. This includes items like hazmat suits, respirators, and heavy-duty gloves. Such gear ensures the safety of those cleaning but also adds to the overall expense.
- Professional Services: In extreme cases where the hoarding has led to structural damage or the presence of hazardous materials, professionals might need to be hired. This could include pest control services, mold removal experts, or contractors to repair structural damages. Engaging professionals will undoubtedly increase the cleaning costs.
Additionally, transportation and disposal fees for the hoarded items can also add to the expenses. Some items might be recyclable, some might require special disposal methods, and some might just go to the landfill. Each of these disposal methods has its associated costs.
The Hoarder House Cleanup Process
Cleaning out a hoarder house is a comprehensive process that demands meticulous attention, patience, and a systematic approach. Beyond the physical clutter, there are often deep emotional layers attached to the hoarded items, making the process even more sensitive.
1. Initial Assessment and Planning
This step sets the foundation for the entire process to make sure that subsequent steps are streamlined and effective.
- Visual Inspection: Begin with a walkthrough of the property. This provides a clear picture of the magnitude of hoarding and helps identify any potential challenges, such as areas with hazardous materials or structural damages.
- Understanding Emotional Ties: Engage in a conversation with the homeowner or the hoarder. Understanding their emotional connection to the items can guide the cleanup team to approach certain areas with more sensitivity and care.
- Estimating Resources: Based on the visual inspection, estimate the kind of resources, equipment, and manpower required. This includes identifying if there’s a need for renting a dumpster, specialized cleaning agents, or additional hands on deck.
- Setting a Timeline: Given the scale of the hoarding and the available resources, estimate a realistic timeline for the cleanup. Break it down into stages if necessary, and prioritize areas that might pose immediate risks or are critical to daily living.
2. Sorting and Organizing
Once the groundwork has been laid with a thorough assessment, the next important step is sorting and organizing. This is where the bulk of the physical work lies.
- Creating Designated Zones: Set up specific zones for items to be kept, donated, recycled, and discarded. This helps streamline the sorting process and ensures that items are correctly categorized for their next destination.
- Tackling One Area at a Time: Instead of hopping from one room to another, focus on one area or room at a time. This methodical approach ensures that nothing is overlooked and progress is steady and measurable.
- Separating Sentimental Items: As items are sorted, keep an eye out for objects that hold significant sentimental value. Set these aside for discussion with the homeowner or hoarder. They might need more time to decide on such items, or they might have special memories attached that need to be addressed with care.
- Documenting the Process: Especially in severe hoarding cases, it can be beneficial to document the process – either with photos or a written log. This documentation can serve various purposes, from providing a sense of accomplishment to serving as a reference in case of disputes or for insurance purposes.
3. Sanitizing
Over the years, hoarded items can lead to the accumulation of dust, mold, pests, and other harmful pathogens. Addressing these concerns is crucial for the health and safety of the occupants.
- Deep Cleaning: Begin by vacuuming and scrubbing floors, walls, and surfaces. Depending on the condition, professional-grade cleaning agents might be necessary to break down stubborn grime, mold, or stains.
- Mold and Mildew Treatment: Hoarded homes, especially those with damp items, can be breeding grounds for mold and mildew. Addressing these requires specialized cleaning agents. In severe cases, it might be necessary to hire mold remediation professionals to ensure the mold is entirely eradicated.
- Pest Control: Accumulated items can attract pests like rodents, bugs, or even larger animals. If signs of infestation are detected, it’s essential to bring in pest control services. They can ensure that any existing pests are eliminated, and preventive measures are taken to avoid future infestations.
- Air Quality Improvement: After cleaning, it’s crucial to improve the home’s air quality. Open windows and doors to allow fresh air in. Consider using air purifiers or dehumidifiers, especially in areas that were severely affected or prone to dampness.
4. Junk Removal and Disposal
Once items have been sorted and set aside for disposal, the task isn’t over. Proper junk removal and disposal are essential to ensure the process is both efficient and environmentally responsible.
- Renting Dumpsters or Bins: For large-scale cleanups, renting a dumpster or bin can be invaluable. It allows for the accumulation of junk in one place, making it easier to haul away when the cleanup is complete.
- Recycling: Not all items need to head to the landfill. Many hoarded items, especially electronics, plastics, and papers, can be recycled. Ensure to segregate recyclables from general waste and dispose of them at appropriate recycling centers.
- Hazardous Waste Disposal: Some hoarded items, especially old paints, chemicals, or batteries, qualify as hazardous waste. Such materials require special disposal methods to ensure they don’t harm the environment. Make sure to identify local hazardous waste disposal sites or events and utilize them.
- Donations: Items that are still in good condition but no longer needed can be donated.
- Professional Hauling Services: If the volume of junk is overwhelming or includes large or heavy items, it might be best to hire professional junk removal services. They can ensure swift and efficient removal, reducing the physical strain on the homeowner.
If you’re living in Philadelphia or surrounding areas and searching for the best junk removal or cleanout service – Contact EZ CleanUp today and let us take care of the mess!
The Value of Hiring Professionals
Professionals bring expertise, efficiency, and equipment to the table. They ensure that the cleanup process is thorough, safe, and as stress-free as possible. Engaging with a well-established junk removal company can be a game-changer in the hoarder house cleanup process. Here are some of its benefits:
Efficiency and Speed
Professionals have the experience to approach the task methodically, ensuring that the cleanup is done in the shortest time possible without compromising on thoroughness. Their systematic approach and dedicated team ensure that the job, which might take weeks for an individual or family, can be completed in just days.
Appropriate Equipment and Resources
From specialized cleaning tools to heavy-duty vehicles for hauling junk, reputable companies come equipped with everything necessary for the job. This eliminates the need for homeowners to source or rent equipment.
Safety First
Junk removal isn’t always as straightforward as it sounds. From handling hazardous materials to lifting heavy items, there are numerous safety concerns. Professionals are trained to handle such challenges.
Knowledge of Disposal Regulations
Different items require different disposal methods, and regulations can vary by locality. Junk removal companies know these regulations very well. They will make sure that items are disposed of legally and responsibly, whether it’s recyclables, electronics, or hazardous waste.
Stress Reduction
Facing a hoarded house can be emotionally taxing. By hiring professionals, homeowners can take a step back, knowing that the task is in capable hands.
Cost-Effective
When you factor in the potential expenses of equipment rentals, disposal fees, and the value of time saved, the financial benefit becomes evident.
“It’s easy to think junk removal companies overcharge, but it’s a hard, dangerous, and time-consuming job. I’ve talked to many newbie investors and homeowners who think they can do it faster and cheaper, but it’s never the case. As a seasoned real estate investor, I aim to buy, renovate, and then sell houses fast, because that’s how I profit. The best way to a successful rehab is to have the property trashed out thoroughly right at the beginning before you do anything else. Once all the trash has been disposed of it’s much easier to stand back and see what you have to work with.” said Jennifer Spinelli of Watson Buys Houses, a company that buys houses in Denver, CO. “Trust me as a real estate expert when I say the best thing you can do with a hoarder house, inherited property, or any home that is full of mess is to contact a junk removal company with awesome reviews that clearly knows how to get rid of all the junk fast. The faster the junk is going, the sooner you can rehab, and it ends up saving you a ton of time and money!”
Ready to Declutter? Take the Next Step Today!
Cleaning out a hoarder house is a monumental task, which includes not just the physical cleanup but also dealing with the emotional, financial, and logistical challenges that come with it. While the DIY approach might seem appealing for its personal touch and potential cost savings, the risks and challenges are significant and can sometimes be overwhelming.
For those seeking a more streamlined, efficient, and safe approach, we at EZ CleanUp can be your ally. In our years in the business, we have cemented our reputation of providing comprehensive junk removal services, catering to both homeowners and businesses. We offer an extensive range of services, from garage cleanouts to construction site cleanups. With our licensed, insured, and experienced team, you can be assured of a cleanup process that is thorough, respectful, and efficient. 🏡🧹
If you’re facing the challenge of cleaning out a hoarder house, remember you don’t have to do it alone. Consider leveraging the expertise and services of EZ CleanUp – ensuring a cleaner space without the stress. 🤝🧼
