I recently came across a question posted on an anonymous ask-anything-you-want-and-random-people-in-cyberspace-will-post-replies website, asking why hoarding clean-out companies need to evaluate the house before providing her a quote. She stated that she was too embarrassed to have anyone in the home at this point, but was working up the courage to get help. No one offered an explanation; instead they offered moral support and stories of their own battles to begin decluttering. We get calls and email every day asking how much it would cost to clean out one property or another. We even get requests from people looking to start their own businesses on how much to charge! The truth is that we don’t quote by phone either. The cost of cleaning up a hoarded property is so complex; it requires an on-site inspection and thorough interview with the owner and occupants.
We must consider, for example:
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Bringing in an organizer and clean-out team is not cheap. That said, the cost from one company to the next can vary significantly. While we are the only company in Rhode Island and Southeastern Massachusetts to specialize in working with compulsive hoarding, there are many “nationwide” or regional companies that will come here to do the work. Not only will they charge their regular costs, but the client will be expected to pay all costs associated with their travel and stay. If you live in an area where there are a few companies to choose from, be sure to get multiple proposals. In addition, make certain to read all the fine print on the estimate and any contracts before signing. Each company has there own method of working and understanding of what is and is not “included”.
I read an article recently about a California family who decided to clean out their deceased parents’ home on their own. They told the reporter that it had cost them $20,000 in materials and expenses. A company in Oregon reported charging $10,000 for what they call “throw-out” service, which is exactly what it sounds like- everything in the space was throw into dumpsters- period. In this case the $10,000 covered a one-bedroom apartment. A San Diego landlord contacted the health inspector when he discovered that a tenant was hoarding in one of his apartments. He was ordered to have it cleaned out at a cost of $9,000. In a September 2010 interview with AOL Small Business , Matt Paxton of Clutter Cleaners, often seen on A & E Hoarders, stated that his rates start at $1000 per day and go up depending on the level of squalor. More astounding, you can listen to a 2008 interview on Hoardhouse.com where a New York City company reveals that their rates are $400 per hour or $3200 per day plus the cost of expenses! If you search for organizers, they are typically $50-$150 per hour just to talk you through the work that you will do yourself.
In our experience, a 30 yard dumpster rental including 3 tons of standard debris will cost on average $600.00. Just last month, one of our clients was quoted by a regional company a price of $2000.00 per dumpster. Now, depending on where you are, the price does vary- hence the word, average. But, they were quoting the same location as us with a $1400.00 difference, per dumpster! Feel free to ask the clean out company to break down the costs in their proposal. If they seem to be high in areas such as this, ask them to remove the items and schedule the dumpsters yourself. You can also try to reduce expenses if they are marking up the costs of materials. Suggest that you buy any supplies needed as you go.
The following can also be areas of “extra” cost in many companies. Make certain that your expectations are aligned with the company you hire to do the job.
- Written estimate or consultation fee
- Sorting the contents (rather than just throwing it all away)
- Recovering valuables
- Disposal/Trash removal from premises (Hazmat, biohazard, pharmacological, etc.)
- Management of donated items
- Management of items to be sold
- Cleaning of home and/or contents (most companies leave property “broom swept”)
- Organization of items remaining in home
- Coordination of maintenance (plumbing, extermination, electrical, painting, construction, etc.)
- Consultation with family, social services, mental health workers, municipality, et al
- Phone/email support
- Written materials/ Recovery strategy
- Mileage to and from job site/ other travel related expenses
- Follow-up visits
There have been many cases where municipalities have paid for the clean-up costs. Typically, they use the services of a “throw out” company which ensures a 100% rate of recidivism. One town used 75% of its annual budget on a single hoarder house clean out, only to have it fill up again within months. In some cases, APS (Adult Protective Services) has stepped in to assist with clean-out and recovery funding. I have found, though, that in many communities APS is reluctant to become involved with compulsive hoarders; perhaps it is because they don’t want to incur any of the potential recovery associated costs. The community of Rancho Cucamonga, CA forced an elderly resident to take out a reverse mortgage to finance the declutter of his home. Tragically, the costs associated with the action exceeded the value of the property and he was forced to live the remainder of his life on the streets. He passed away on January 11, 2011.
Yes, the expenses associated with compulsive hoarding remediation are high, but those who are ethical and compassionate will not try to become millionaires off of these desperate people in desperate situations. There are costs to running every business, but sometimes businesses take advantage of the most vulnerable in our society. The shame, the guilt, the fear that those who are suffering with this disorder face every day should not be used against them in their recovery process. Accessibility to the resources needed for clean up help is the number one hindrance to getting help. If you or someone you know is suffering, please feel free to call, email or post for confidential, FREE advice.
NJDespres Enterprises™ 
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It is the “norm” of our society these days to hunt for the weak and profit off them. I find it mean, greedy and even offensive. It’s a tragedy when a group gangs up on the one hurting instead of applying understanding and help.
Kristina-
Thanks for commenting. I agree. The media hype on hoarding has led to more and more people trying to capitalize on cashing in on this vunerable population, too. The mentally ill have been financially victimized for decades. Unfortunately, with additonal cuts to social service programs meant to protect them, there are less people looking out for their well-being. Our society still stigmatizes mental illness and most people have very little understanding of the complexities of mental disorders. The fear of the unknown tends to keep people away, isolating those who need help the most. It is my hope through forums such as this and other blogs, Facebook, social service agencies, mental health facilities, etc. that we can reach as many people as possible to educate them about responsible, ethical businesses and programs who can help them with their recovery.
Thanks for visiting and please browse around the blog. You will certainly find other posts that evoke a similar reaction!
Nicole
So in the end who is going to clean it up? If you have never dealt with one of these type clean ups its easy to say persons are hunting for the weak…..Try it one day and we see how much your thoughts change.
Kristina- there is no such “norm” in our society to profit form hoarders. The work is grueling and very very labor intensive. That combined with the daunting task of the requirements to remediate a property filled with tens of thousands of items is never going to be an inexpensive service. Are doctors “mean, greedy and offensive” because they charge thousands of dollars to save a life? I can tell you from years of experience, the ethical businesses deeply care about their clients and the aftermath but must also make a living AKA ‘profit’ in order to stay in business.
Michelle Quintana
http://www.ClutterAndHoardingPros.com
Los Angeles, Ca
Wow.. I agree, I’m a professional organizer, I just started taking on Hoarder cases and don’t charge any where near these rates. This article is shocking and disappointing.
Wow, this was really a good post! I don’t think I could have added anything more but actual names which I wouldn’t anyway… The cost for the cleanup is a chore to figure at any level dealing with hoarding and you have summed up this work just right. It’s glad to still see people who actually feel for families not of their own. Thank you.
JT: Thanks for stopping by and for your comment. It is difficult because unless you have a lot of experience you don’t know what is underneath the piles. Many people are trying jump on the clean-out band wagon without the expertise and proper training. They don’t realize the hazmat, biohazard, and serious risks to themselves and their “employees” that lurk within a hoarded home. No matter how thoroughly you interview clients, they often forget what may be in the house. We have encountered homes with hypodermic needles randomly discarded in the piles of belongings and trash. There are also high costs associated with disposal of pharmaceuticals and other regulated items. In our area it costs $25 per mattress, for example, and we don’t know how many are in a home until we dig them out. It is irresponsible for a company to give a price by phone or email, and I doubt that those who do stick to them. Likewise, people searching for help should also insist on being provided with a written contract and certificate of insurance which includes proof of Worker’s Compensation coverage as the risk to those working in hoarded environments is high.
Thanks again.
Nicole
I am so impressed with your experience and compassion in dealing with this very difficult disorder.I am currently trying work with my sister in getting my parents house emptied so it can be sold. The house is very cluttered. my sister is the trustee and a hoarder and I am afraid of her reaction when the dumpster comes . I have been cleaning it out along with my brother as its been years waiting on her to take. care of it. I wish you lived closer I am in ny.
Any advice I think she will have a breakdown.
The post was very helpful. I am doing research for a dear friend of modest means. She is finally willing to submit to a clear out service and has just received a quote for more than $13,000 for an averaged sized 2 bedroom apartment in the Bronx, NY. I was recently in the apartment, for the 1st time in years, hoarders are very skilled at keeping you away from their shame and, while it is in real need of services, their is not floor to ceiling clutter or health hazards about the place. It is clear that these services are expensive and it would be helpful if there was some indication where someone with limited resources could get financial help to deal with this illness.
Marlene-
Thank you for your comments. Unfortunately, there are limited financial resources available for cleanouts. Sometimes one can find assistance from elderly affairs or church groups. In my humble opinion, since hoarding and acquiring are mental illnesses, I think that medical insurance should pay for recovery costs including clean out. Hopefully, with the new DSM diagnosis expected for hoarding and with doctors’ and researchers’ support for comprehensive recovery strategies this will be forthcoming.
In the meantime, I suggest that your friend try to find a company willing to work on a payment plan or that she attempt to find property within the apartment that she may be able to liquidate to help alliviate the financial burden of the clean-up costs.
Best to you both-
Nicole
You’ve given great advice and described the associated problems well. When my sister had her mastectomy and moved into her daughter’s home to recover, her children and I persuaded her to let us clean up her house. She’d extracted a promise from me years before that I’d never allow her children to put her in a nursing home, and cleaning her house out was the only way I knew to fulfill that promise. (She didn’t want to move into my house, although I’d offered.)
Our first look in 20 years was a shock — trash from floor to ceiling, only a narrow tunnel from front door to back. The cost was nearly $10K; half of that in trash haul away; the other half in repairs, such as to replace the floor which had turned to mush. When all was said and done, my sister’s homecoming was distressing and sad. She never forgave us for throwing away her treasures, even though we only tossed the garbage and destroyed items. I’d bought her new furniture, including organizational pieces so everything had its place. She cried and said she hated it and filled it right up with trash again. For the last eight years of her life, her every sentence began with a version of, “I used to have a {insert item} like that…” She died a few months ago, not quite estranged from me, but not liking me very much either.
I am sorry that she died with you feeling like you did something wrong. You were doing your best and no one can understand the inner workings of other people’s minds psychologist -psychiatrist diagnosis is not an absolute. There is a spiritual reason that you did what you did. I for one am proud of you for stepping into your power she forgives you and you’re efforts were not in vain. Rest Easy! – MDZ
Companies in the Hoarding industry are not out to scam on prices, when working with hoarders and clutter homes there is a level of danger in most cases. You have to wear suits, respirators, goggles etc, as when we enter the home you may find dirty needles etc. The cost of insurance to have to clean out a house on this level is just as expensive so Companies are not preying on innocent victims they simply have to find the right quote to cover insurance, cost of the job , replacements if any needed on the job , employees and hotel and travel costs as most companies are not right next door to the dwellings. Our company tries to work out the lowest rate possible and we throw in a lot more detail as we scrub everything and make sure it is clean and livable after we are done, we vaccume , do laundry because who wants to pay that kind of money to have to do it by them selves. If you decide to use a company just go after a couple quotes and see what the differences are and what you will get for your money, I’ m sure their are scam companies out there for money, but most of what we charge we never come out with in the end, so the pricing is fair, it takes money to make money in these cases.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Always-1st-Medical-Trauma-Cleanup/138719086213895
Amber-
Thanks for stopping in. I think you and I are in agreement about the costs of hoarding remediation and recovery. As stated in my post, the costs associated with the process and running such a business are high. We choose not to travel beyond our local area as the additional expenses to a client would be excessive. We also so do not do a simple “clean-out” unless the property is vacant because of the hoarders’ death or relocation, and he/she has no rights to the home and contents. That said, the recovery process is too long to lodge in the local area. I am confused though because your first sentence says that companies in the hoarding industry are not out to scam, but then in the last say that there are. As in any industry, there are bad apples out there. This article is simply an explanation to the masses of why companies like ours cannot quote by phone and why the costs are typically a lot higher than they expect. Further, once they make the decision to seek help, it is in their best interest to get a couple quotes,references, and a certificate of insurance from reputable, experienced companies. The social popularity of hoarding has prompted many unethical “hoarding clean-up” companies to pop-up that will and do take advantage of these desperate clients. I think I may have written a few other related blog posts, please feel free to browse around and comment!
Thanks again!
Nicole
Appreciate it for helping out, superb data.
I read and made a real decision to rid my home of things I will never get around to do. Things I had collected, tried to sell online, and one-of-a-kind items that I just had to have. I am getting to the age where these items are closing in on my time to relax and enjoy life. I am not a hoarder, but I could be. That is, minus the trash and garbage. Thank you for the website. It has taken a load off of my shoulders and given me a new focus.
Wow! This really touched me! Sometimes we “bloggers” wonder if anyone is really reading and affected by what we post. Thank you for your comments. I apologize for the delayed response as we were without power for a week.
Not all hoarders have trash and garbage bags. Lol Hoarding, in a nutshell, is excessively keeping stuff to the point that it interferes with your daily life and space. The hoarding cases featured in TV reality series are extreme and generally focus on squalid situations to for shock value and ratings. Sure, we have seen our share of them, too, but we also work with just as many people who keep their homes as clean as possible with piles of accumulated treasures stored in every available inch. I am so proud of you for recognizing that you had a problem and seeking out the information and tools necessary to take back your life. If you ever need a word of advice, an ear to vent to, or just a voice to talk to, please never hesitate to call, text, or email. Stop by our Facebook page and “like” us too to help spread our tips to a larger audience. We so appreciate it!
Best to you always-
Nicole
I find this post to be most helpful, I have cleaned up several hoarding projects and there is nothing pretty about this type of work. As stated there are different levels of hoarding, which obviously dictates pricing. What people need to realize is that when you take on a clean up project where hoarding is involved you are putting yourself and your staff at risk. I don’t try to get rich on any one project, however in being straight forward I charge a fairly hefty premium for cleaning up these projects. I don’t just send in a crew, I am part of the crew and these types of projects can only be described as NASTY, the bottom line is if someone doesn’t agree with your price let them use another company. Moral of the story is don’t get greedy but also remember Profit is not a bad word and when you clean up after years of hoarding there is nothing wrong with making a nice profit for your efforts.
A friend of mine who I think a hoarder and I’ve put in 3 full weekends de cluttering her house. Oh my goodness it was tough work the crap we found. A dehydrated mole, it was so sad to see her living like that and now it’s so nice.
It was hard work!
Another issue that no one has discussed in these hoarded houses are the vermin and insect infestation that has developed in these homes. That is another hazard that cleaners have to contend with. The stench of having roach infested areas in the home; the spiders and their webs; mice urine and droppings; as well as any animals that the homeowner may have: case in point, in addition to the above-mentioned hazards the hoarder also have about three (and there had been more than that at one time) feral cats, I believe, two of which are males and they spray all over the house. It is a complete horror story.
So sometimes there is more to deal with that just the cleanup issue. The odors of the above-mentioned issues and the danger of contamination because of those issues. That would certainly, I’m sure add to the cost of professional cleaner coming in.
We are trying to think of ways to help without a costly burden on family members who cannot afford to pay exorbitant amounts of money to have the house done professionally.
Lorra-
I tried to cover that in “protective equipment” and “supplies.” Hopefully, anyone working in these environments is trained and knowledgeable about the risks of such things as hantavirus when exposed to mice feces. Cat urine must be treated with unique chemicals or ozone scrubbing equipment in order to eradicate it from porous surfaces and can be quite costly. One of the highest costs to those of us in the field is the worker’s compensation premiums due to the unique risks associated with our line of work. Hopefully, with the new DSM we will see insurance coverage in the future.
Thanks for your comments. :o)
Nicole
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Hi,
Can anyone recommend someone in nyc who will not try to capitalize, but rather respect things mentioned above. I have searched, but have landed nowhere…except here. Thanks for your time.
Thank you for the post.
We are facing a problem with hoarding. My husband and his family own a house left to them by their parents. There are 6 other siblings. But, the house is in my husbands name.
My husbands brother is living there. His brother, is a very bad hoarder with a bed bug infestation for many years and new-born dogs doing what they do on the floor . The trash can be seen from the street, through the windows, its that bad. This man has mental issues, as many people do, but he is violent.
We have tried to get him to clean it but he wont. Now we are paying code violations.
The inspector says if we call in for a inspection, and they find it bad, (It is) then they will arrest my husband. I had thought, if I had them look, then we could make BIL let us help clean it or do so himself. But then if someone else calls and complains….you get the picture.
We had tried to start a eviction a few years back, but the in-laws went mad. Threatening us etc.
It doesn’t seem right. What do you think please?
-Stuck in middle
I would like some referrals to potential financial assistance to clean out a mild to moderate hoard in a Seattle-based one-bedroom apartment.
Hello, I work for a Hoarding company . I do believe there are some companies that take advantage of people however when your dealing with a person with this behavior you must understand the time, patience, compassion and the amount of work involved. I am in this industry due to a past family member with the disorder. Our company treats every client as if they are family while giving them a great experience during the cleanup process along with Life Coaches to ensure we are also giving the client help. If someone is not ready to get this done it could traumatize them even more , so we really want to make sure they are ready, in charge and understand everything happening in the process. The contents leaving is signed off on so they are comfortable with every choice they make. Very important! ! ! Cleanup’s are rather expensive which does not mean they are being taken advantage of , you have bio-hazard cleanups with sharps and feces, and decomposed animals, you must wear bio-suits, you have multiple dumpsters which range from 400-700 a day depending on the location. You have Technicians that are on Bio pay due to the industry, you have higher workers comp and insurance prices so typical pricing ranges between $1,500 dollars and $16,000.00 depending. If you use a company and have them line itemize cost you will see where the money is going and know that the pricing is not taking advantage of a client. You need to research legitimate companies. There is a difference between junk haulers and us.
Wonderful article. I’m a professional organizer who has worked with my fair share of hoarders. I know how hard it can be for them to deal with the financial burden, however, the risk to myself and other professionals is very real and shouldn’t be ignored. After my first hoarding clean out I left with more than 20 bug bites from who knows what…luckily I didn’t get sick. I’ve learned a lot about protecting myself since then and protecting my family from what I could be bringing home. I’m surprised at the comments about most professionals taking advantage of hoarders- I don’t believe this is the majority. I like to think most of us I. This industry care and want to make a difference, but at the same time we cannot offer this service for free and expect to run a business. Many times these people are facing severe legal consequences and just like a lawyer charges for their services, so should clean-up crews. It’s very dangerous work physically and biochemically. When we start moving piles of debris with animal feces, human feces, and bug infestation, the air is contaminated to such unsafe levels that hazmat suits must be worn. Even though it may be a great expense, the services provided by clean up crews and organizers helps a person regain their life and hopefully regain the skills necessary to maintain the results.
This was awesome reading and added alot of information for me to understand my brother-inlaws hoarding habit. Thank You, Donna
Please add Amber Vaughn to Facebook and I will place you in my support group as well. It is closed to the public and no posts are public. Just send a message asking to be placed in the group. I hope this helps and Good luck to everyone and your family members at this time.
I find these posts very informative. I have recently been to my brothers house and he has a serious bug infestation and also hoarding of trash in both his living room and his kitchen. My sister and I tried to clean up some of the mess but were so overwhelmed with the clutter and the bugs. Our problem is that my brother is in the hospital dealing with bladder cancer and just had his prostate and his bladder removed. He keeps telling the doctors he wants to come home because he feels he only has a short time left. He isn’t in any shape to discuss his living conditions and I am worried that if we don’t get his house clean then he will die from an infection from the filth in his house. We can’t afford to pay the high prices of restoration and we are both in our sixties and the work of doing it ourselves is overwhelming. I also have asthma and although I am in good health, my sister is not. I am also worried that one of us might get sick from the bug infestation and filth. We are praying for a solution to this problem.
Excellent piece of information.
thanks for share.
We need help. Parents passed. Brother took over house. Covered in cat feces. Heartbreaking horror. Don’t know what do. Please help. Upstate NY. There are piles in every room. Clothes , appliances etc. This was a beautiful home my parents worked whole life for n kept nice . Dont know where to turn..
I live in Minnesota and am unemployed.I really need help! Is there any community based, social service, or volunteer organizations? There is no way I could ever afford a professional organizer! Thank you!
There are people who advertise on Craigslist for many different things, and will happily remove them for free. Some will take anything with metal in it, appliances, etc for free. Some want used clothes and toys. Others want antiques, vintage items, old books or magazines. Some people want furniture…even old mattresses for free. Still others just want the chance to pick thru your “debris” for yard sale items.
Whatever…if they want it and will take it for free, go for it! It’s a win-win!
In the meantime, throw out anything obviously trash-like garbage, wrappers, broken things, etc. Pretty soon, the piles are gone– or at least smaller and then you can go on Craigslist for people who do clean outs to finish it off and check their prices.
My mother in law had always had a clutter issue. About 10 years ago it slowly transitioned into a full on hoarder issue. When her and my father in law had passed the point of living on their own we finally got their permission to help and relocate them. Unfortunately they both passed away before we could move them in with us to California. They lived in a small town on 22 acres in Oregon. I arrived in August 2014 to start the process. The both passed early in 2015. My husband takes what time off he can to come and help. My sister in law, suffering her own mental illness and hoarding issues has been a major roadblock to the cleanup process.
Doing the work myself, the costs are high, financially, physically and mentally. The work is constant and exhausting. We’ve been able to rehome neglected farm animals and pets. The damage to the home was fairly extensive, requiring new flooring, drywall repair, 5 buildings were knocked down.
I don’t begrudge the people that offer this valuable service at high cost. If we could have afforded a company to come in and clean it out we definitely would have paid it. Happily.
I feel so awful for people locked in the illness of clutter, however I feel far more sympathy with the people left to clear out the years of animal and human waste, years of aquired nonsense items.
I am now at the one year mark of being in this mess, working tirelessly and Im struggling with a severe lack of respect and affection for my deceased in laws, people I loved and respected for years. It’s so hard to see past the disgusting mess and disgusting state of affairs their lives have come to.
My advice…if you can afford a company to come in and clean out a house, estate, property, hire them.
The work is beyond gross. You will likely fall ill several time, you will repeatedly be injured and you HAVE to make sure your ip to date on your shots.
I wouldn’t wish this mess on anyone.
We have a mouse and roach infestation weve hired a pest control company but the problem has became worse, weve been cleaning,baiting,trapping nothing helps. Outlr house is not a hoarders but it smells awful . I have asthma so I know thats good for me . I was wondering if there was a business that could help clean up this mess?.
I’m a Senior Move Manager and found this article as I am putting together a proposal for a hoarder clean out. Based on my estimate, labor for a 7.5 hour day will be about $2,000. Assuming 5-10 days, that could be $10k-$20k just for labor. We’ll probably have to pull the dumpster 4+ times which will be another $2,200. That doesn’t include extra equipment or materials we might need, or additional staff which might be necessary. Luckily, my situation is an estate, but the heir does want to be sure some things are saved and/or considered for donation or recycling. Time is money.