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The Cost and Detailed Steps to Clean Out a Hoarder House
Cleaning out a hoarder house can be an overwhelming task, both emotionally and logistically. Hoarding situations often involve massive amounts of clutter, unsanitary conditions, and sometimes hazardous materials that require special handling. Whether you’re a family member, a homeowner, or a professional helping with the cleanout, understanding the costs and steps involved is essential to tackling the project effectively.
In this blog post, we’ll break down the cost and detailed steps involved in cleaning out a hoarder house to give you a better understanding of what to expect and how to approach it efficiently.
Costs of Cleaning Out a Hoarder House
The cost to clean out a hoarder house varies based on factors like the size of the home, the severity of the hoarding, and whether professional services are hired. Here are some key cost considerations:
1. Size of the House
The larger the house, the more time, labor, and resources will be required. A small one-bedroom apartment may cost far less to clean out compared to a three-story home filled with years of accumulated clutter.
- Cost Range: On average, you can expect to pay anywhere from $5,000 to $10,000+, depending on the size and the extent of the hoarding. Larger or severely hoarded homes can push this cost higher.
2. Level of Hoarding
The cost is heavily influenced by the severity of the hoarding. The “Clutter Image Rating” (CIR) scale developed by the International OCD Foundation categorizes hoarding levels from 1 to 9, with Level 9 being the most severe. Severe hoarding levels may require special services, such as hazardous material removal or structural repairs due to neglect.
- Mild Hoarding (Levels 1-3): Typically easier to clean, with a price range between $1,000 to $3,000.
- Moderate Hoarding (Levels 4-6): More involved cleanouts, including more clutter, potential pest infestations, or mild structural damage, with costs ranging from $3,000 to $6,000.
- Severe Hoarding (Levels 7-9): Extensive hoarding with hazardous conditions, biohazard risks, and possible mold, which may cost $6,000 to $12,000 or more.
3. Labor Costs
Hiring professional cleaners or junk removal services is usually necessary. Labor costs vary based on the size of the crew, the location, and the duration of the job.
- Cost Range: Professional cleaning companies generally charge between $50 to $150 per hour per worker. Hoarder house cleanouts often take several days or even weeks, depending on the extent of the hoarding.
4. Hazardous Materials or Biohazard Removal
In some hoarder homes, hazardous materials like mold, human waste, animal feces, or decomposing items may be present. Special biohazard cleanup services are required for these situations, which can increase costs significantly.
- Cost Range: Biohazard or hazardous waste removal can add anywhere from $3 to $7 per square foot for specialized cleaning.
5. Junk Removal and Dumpster Rental
Once the home is sorted, significant amounts of waste will need to be disposed of. Most cleanouts require the rental of dumpsters and junk removal services.
- Dumpster Rental: Dumpsters typically cost around $300 to $600 per rental, depending on the size and duration of use. Multiple dumpsters may be needed for large hoarding situations.
- Junk Removal: Professional junk removal companies typically charge by volume, often between $500 to $1,500 per truckload, depending on the size of the load and the company.
6. Additional Costs
Other costs may include structural repairs (e.g., if the hoarding caused damage), pest control, deep cleaning services, and disinfecting the home.
- Structural Repairs: If there is water damage, broken flooring, or structural damage due to long-term neglect, repair costs can add thousands of dollars to the total bill.
Detailed Steps to Clean Out a Hoarder House
The cleaning process of a hoarder home is not just about throwing away items; it involves strategic planning, emotional sensitivity, and a thorough approach to ensure that the home is safe, habitable, and clean. Below are the detailed steps involved:
Step 1: Assess the Situation
Before diving into the cleanup, assess the severity of the hoarding situation. You may need to determine:
- How much clutter is present.
- Whether hazardous materials or biohazards are involved (e.g., mold, waste).
- If professional help is required, including mental health professionals or organizers who specialize in hoarding cases.
A comprehensive assessment helps you develop a strategy for the cleanout, estimate the timeline, and calculate the total costs.
Step 2: Assemble a Team
A hoarder house cleanout requires physical and emotional labor, so having a well-rounded team is crucial.
- Family and Friends: Trusted family members or friends can provide emotional support and help with decluttering.
- Professionals: Hire professional cleaning services, junk removal experts, or biohazard remediation specialists if needed. Mental health professionals may also be necessary to support the hoarder through the process.
Step 3: Develop a Plan
A structured plan is essential to stay organized throughout the cleanout. Break down tasks into manageable steps:
- Prioritize Rooms: Focus on the most critical areas first, such as the kitchen, bathrooms, and bedrooms. These are essential living spaces that should be made habitable as soon as possible.
- Sort Items: Use a sorting system such as “Keep,” “Donate,” “Trash,” and “Recycle.” Consider taking photos of sentimental items to help the hoarder let go of physical objects more easily.
Step 4: Remove Trash and Hazardous Materials
Hoarder homes often contain significant amounts of trash and potentially hazardous materials. You should:
- Dispose of Trash: Rent dumpsters for large amounts of junk and trash. Professional junk removal companies can help with the disposal process.
- Biohazard Cleanup: If biohazards like mold, human waste, or decaying materials are present, hire specialized biohazard cleanup services to ensure the area is safe and sanitary.
Step 5: Declutter and Organize
After removing the trash, it’s time to tackle decluttering:
- Sort Belongings: Systematically go through the remaining belongings, deciding what to keep, donate, or sell. Be patient with the hoarder during this phase, as it can be emotionally taxing for them.
- Organize: As you clean, organize the items that are kept. Use storage solutions like shelving, bins, and containers to create a more organized living environment.
Step 6: Deep Clean the Property
Once the house is decluttered, a deep clean is necessary to remove dirt, grime, and odors:
- Sanitize Surfaces: Clean and disinfect all surfaces, including floors, countertops, walls, and windows.
- Carpets and Upholstery: Carpets may need to be professionally cleaned or replaced if they are stained or damaged. Upholstery cleaning may also be necessary.
- Air Quality: Use air purifiers and ventilation to improve indoor air quality, especially if the home has been closed off for long periods.
Step 7: Address Repairs and Pest Control
Hoarder homes often suffer from neglect, which can lead to structural issues, pest infestations, and other problems. Common repair and pest control tasks include:
- Pest Control: Hire exterminators if pests like rodents, cockroaches, or insects are present.
- Repairs: Repair any structural damage caused by the hoarding, such as holes in walls, broken flooring, or water damage.
Step 8: Prevent Future Hoarding
After the house is cleaned and organized, it’s important to support the hoarder in maintaining a clutter-free environment:
- Ongoing Support: Encourage the hoarder to seek ongoing therapy or support groups for hoarding disorder.
- Decluttering Routine: Help create a system for regular decluttering and cleaning to prevent the home from becoming overwhelmed with clutter again.
Conclusion
Cleaning out a hoarder house is a complex and often costly process, but with careful planning and the right approach, it’s possible to restore the home to a clean, safe, and functional space. The costs can range from a few thousand dollars to tens of thousands, depending on the size of the house, the severity of the hoarding, and the services required. Following a detailed step-by-step plan ensures that the cleanup is done efficiently and respectfully, minimizing emotional stress while achieving a healthier living environment.t impact. By focusing on these key design trends and choosing cost-effective updates, you can breathe new life into your home’s cabinets and increase its appeal, making your kitchen or bathroom look fresh, modern, and ready to impress.