Hoarding Cleanup: What is it and how much does it cost?

If you’ve ever watched the TV show ‘Hoarders’, then you know hoarding can be a pretty serious issue. 

Hoarding can cause severe health issues and impact a home so intensely that the home could quite literally collapse around a person. But if you’re not on the TV show, how do you get help with hoarding cleanup?

To get help, you need to work with a local company that offers biohazard and junk removal services – which you can typically find with a restoration or environmental company.

But what do hoarding cleanup services consist of and how much do they typically cost? Let’s break it all down, so you can better understand the process as a whole.

What’s included in hoarding cleanup services?

Hoarding cleanup is not an easy task. It requires a team of experts that offer a variety of services. These services all work together to restore property back to its original condition – or at the very least, back to safe and clean living standards.

Hoarding Cleanup Services Include:

  1. Deep cleaning: Deep cleaning is the foundation of hoarding cleanup. It involves removing all the clutter from the property, including garbage, debris, and other excess items, to create a clear and safe working space. Once the clutter is removed, the team will thoroughly clean all surfaces, including floors, walls, and ceilings, to ensure that any bacteria, mold, or other harmful substances are eliminated.
  2. Junk removal: Junk removal is a crucial service in hoarding cleanup. It involves safely and responsibly removing all the hoarded items from the property and disposing of them appropriately. This process can be challenging and requires compassion, sensitivity, and understanding from the cleanup team to avoid causing additional emotional distress to the hoarder.
  3. Decontamination: Decontamination is an essential step in hoarding cleanup, particularly if the hoarder has been living in unsanitary conditions. It involves removing all biohazards, including animal waste, feces, and other harmful substances, and disinfecting the property to ensure that it is safe and healthy.
  4. Biohazard removal: Biohazard removal is another critical service included in hoarding cleanup. It involves removing any biohazardous materials left behind by the hoarder, including needles, drug paraphernalia, and other hazardous substances. The team will ensure that these items are safely contained and disposed of correctly, following all local and state regulations.
  5. Carpet cleaning: Hoarding can significantly damage carpets, leaving them stained, dirty, and filled with bacteria and mold. Carpet cleaning is, therefore, an essential service included in hoarding cleanup. The team will use specialized equipment and techniques to remove all the dirt, debris, and bacteria from the carpets, restoring them to their original condition.
  6. Contents cleaning: Contents cleaning involves cleaning and restoring the hoarder’s belongings wherever possible. The team will sort through all the items left behind, identify those that can be salvaged, and restore them to their original condition. This process can be time-consuming, but it’s essential to help the hoarder recover sentimental items and memories.
  7. Structural repairs: Hoarding can cause severe damage to the property, including mold growth, water damage, and structural issues. Structural repairs are, therefore, an essential service included in hoarding cleanup. The team will identify any damage to the property and restore it to ensure that it is safe and habitable.
  8. Odor removal: Hoarding can cause unpleasant odors due to rotting food, mold, and animal waste. Odor removal is, therefore, an essential service included in hoarding cleanup. The team will use specialized equipment and solutions to eliminate all the odors, leaving the property smelling fresh and clean.

Related Content: Hoarding Cleanup FAQs

How much does hoarding cleanup cost?

The cost of hoarding cleanup services typically starts at $1,300. This base cost includes a team of professionals who will come in and assess the space and the contents. They will then create a plan to clean up and dispose of the items in a safe and appropriate manner. However, this is just the starting point, and the cost will increase based on several factors.

What can increase the cost of hoarding cleanup?

  • Amount of Biohazard: One of the factors that contribute to the cost of hoarding cleanup services is the amount of biohazard present. Biohazard refers to any substance that poses a risk to human health, such as mold, bacteria, or feces. The more biohazard present, the more extensive the cleanup process will be – and the higher the cost will be. 
  • Property Size: Another factor that can impact the cost of hoarding cleanup services is the size of the space. Larger spaces will require more time and effort to clean up, and therefore, will be more expensive. However, it is essential to remember that hiring professionals ensures the job is done efficiently and effectively, which can prevent further damages in the long run.
  • Amount of Content: Lastly, the cost of hoarding cleanup services also depends on the amount of content that needs to be removed. This includes everything from trash to personal belongings. The more content there is, the more time, resources, and commercial dumpsters it will require. 

Need help with hoarding? We’ve got you covered.

If you have more questions regarding hoarding cleanup services, check out our frequently asked questions
Need more help than that? We also offer hoarding cleanup services throughout Texas. Get more information on our services and contact us with any questions you have.