Cleaning out a hoarded home is a big job, and understanding the hoarding cleanup cost upfront helps you plan better and avoid surprises. Prices vary widely depending on the size of the property, the severity of the situation, and what services are included. Costs range from a few thousand dollars up to around $10,000–$15,000 for the most severe cases.
Knowing what drives these costs gives you the power to make informed decisions and get real value from the money you spend. Below, you’ll find typical price ranges, the factors that push pricing up or down, and how to evaluate what different companies offer.
Typical Cost Ranges for Hoarding Cleanup
So what does hoarding cleanup actually cost? The answer depends on several variables, but national guides give us a solid starting point.
Most hoarding cleanup projects fall somewhere between a few thousand dollars and the low five figures. Moderate cleanups, with significant but manageable clutter, usually cost $4,000–$7,000. Smaller jobs with lighter clutter can come in lower, while severe cases with multiple rooms, hazards, or years of accumulation push costs higher.
Instead of flat prices, many companies quote based on:
- Per square foot: Usually in the low single digits, like $1 to $3 per square foot, depending on severity
- Hourly labor rates: Often $25 to $50 per worker per hour, with a minimum number of hours required
- Additional charges: Disposal fees, travel time, and hazard surcharges get added on top
Most companies provide a price range until an on-site or virtual assessment is completed. That’s because every hoarding situation is different, and what looks like a straightforward job can reveal hidden complications once work begins.
Key Factors That Drive Hoarding Cleanup Costs
Not all cleanups are created equal. Here’s what moves the needle on pricing.
1. Size of the Property and Scope of Clutter
A small apartment with one heavily cluttered room costs far less than a multi-story home where every space is affected. Larger properties require more labor hours, more equipment, and more disposal capacity. If clutter has spread into basements, attics, garages, and outdoor areas, expect the price to reflect that.
The scope also matters. A home with clutter stacked waist-high throughout takes longer to clear than one with items spread more thinly. More volume means more trips to disposal sites and more time sorting through belongings.
2. Level of Hoarding and Safety Hazards
Mild cases with surface clutter and light cleaning needs generally fall at the lower end of the range, often between $2,000–$4,000 depending on property size.
Severe hoarding is another story. When exits are blocked, floors are strained from weight, or stacks reach dangerous heights, crews need more time and more caution. Safety equipment, additional workers, and slower progress all add to the bill.
The presence of hazards pushes the hoarding cleanup cost even higher:
- Biohazards: Bodily fluids, medical waste, or decomposing materials require specialized handling
- Mold: Remediation adds equipment and disposal requirements
- Pest infestations: Rodents, insects, or bed bugs need professional treatment
- Animal waste: Accumulated pet waste creates health risks and odour issues
- Sharps: Needles or broken glass require careful removal protocols
These situations move a job from standard cleanup into specialist territory, with higher costs for PPE, training, and proper disposal.
How Do Hoarding Cleanup Companies Structure Their Pricing?
Many providers offer flat project quotes after completing an assessment. These quotes bundle labor, equipment, hauling, and basic cleaning into one price. Until the assessment happens, you’ll usually get a range rather than a firm number.
Other companies take a different approach:
- Hourly billing: They charge per worker per hour, often with a minimum commitment of several hours and a set crew size
- Square footage pricing: A rate per square foot that scales with the size of the affected area
- Itemised extras: Additional services like carpet removal, deep sanitization, or minor repairs get billed separately
Some companies combine these methods, offering a base rate with add-ons for specific needs. Ask for a detailed breakdown, so you understand exactly what’s included and what might trigger additional charges.
6 Major Services Included in “Full Value” Hoarding Cleanup
The cheapest quote isn’t always the best deal. What matters is what you actually get for your money.
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Assessment and Planning
Quality providers start with a thorough assessment, either in person or virtually. This helps them understand the scope, identify hazards, and create a realistic plan. Good assessments also give you a clearer idea of the timeline and final cleanup cost.
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Sorting and Organising Support
Hoarding cleanup isn’t just about throwing things away. Reputable companies help sort through belongings, separating items to keep, donate, recycle, or discard. This takes time but ensures important things don’t get lost in the process.
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Removal, Hauling, and Disposal
Full-service cleanups include removing items from the property, loading them into trucks, and handling disposal. This covers dump fees, recycling centre charges, and donation drop-offs. Make sure disposal is included in your quote so you don’t get surprised by extra bills.
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Deep Cleaning and Sanitization
Once items are removed, the space needs thorough cleaning. This includes sanitising surfaces, treating odours, and addressing any contamination left behind. Some jobs require professional-grade equipment and cleaning agents.
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Emotional Support and Coordination
The best hoarding cleanup companies understand that this process is emotionally difficult. They work with compassion, involve family members when appropriate, and sometimes coordinate with social services or mental health professionals. These elements add cost but also add long-term value by supporting lasting change.
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Follow-Up Visits
Some providers offer follow-up visits to ensure the home stays safe and functional. This ongoing support helps prevent re-accumulation and gives families peace of mind.
Takeaway
Hoarding cleanup costs vary widely depending on property size, clutter severity, and the presence of hazards. Most projects fall between a few thousand dollars and the low five figures, with pricing often structured by square foot, hourly rates, or flat project quotes. Full-value cleanups generally include assessment, sorting, removal, deep cleaning, and sometimes emotional support or follow-up care to ensure lasting results.
Handling a hoarded home is as much about restoring safety and functionality as it is about helping people regain a sense of control and comfort in their living space. Approaching the process with care, planning, and professional expertise makes a meaningful difference in outcomes.
Among providers that follow this approach, LifeCycle Transitions has built a reputation for thoughtful, comprehensive support. Their team combines thorough assessments, transparent pricing, and practical guidance to help clients navigate every stage of the cleanup. By focusing on both the physical and emotional aspects, they help homes and the people who live in them return to a safer, more manageable state.