Prices in this article are rough figures commonly quoted by cleanup companies and cost guides. They vary a great deal by region, company and situation, and some sources are businesses that sell these services. Treat them as a starting point and get written quotes.
Typical cost ranges
Sources disagree, which is a sign that no single “average” exists. Commonly quoted ranges are:
| Severity | What it often involves | Commonly quoted total |
|---|---|---|
| Mild | Heavy clutter, paths still open, no major sanitation problems | Roughly a thousand to a few thousand dollars |
| Moderate | Blocked walkways, large volumes of items, some cleaning needs | Often several thousand dollars |
| Severe | Biohazards, pests, mold, spoiled food, structural damage | Often ten thousand dollars or more, and sometimes much higher |
Some cleanup companies describe most projects as falling somewhere in the low to middle thousands, while others quote higher ranges for severe cases. Your own quote will depend on the home and the work needed.
How companies price the work
Companies use different methods, and some combine them:
- Per square foot. Figures of roughly a dollar to a few dollars per square foot are often quoted for standard clutter, and higher for severe conditions such as animal waste.
- Hourly rates. Rates per worker are often quoted from tens of dollars to over a hundred dollars per hour depending on skill, hazard level and location.
- Per load or dumpster. Disposal is often charged by truckload or container, and landfill fees vary locally.
- Flat project quote. Many companies inspect the home and give a written estimate for the job.
Ask which method the company uses so you can compare quotes fairly.
What drives the price up
- Size of the property and volume of items. More rooms and more material mean more labor and more disposal.
- Severity and hazards. Mold, pests, human or animal waste, rotting food, needles or other sharps require protective gear and specialized cleaning.
- Structural damage. Water damage, damaged floors or walls, and plumbing problems are usually repaired separately from the cleanout.
- Access. Multi-story homes, narrow stairs, limited parking or a large yard to clear take more time.
- Location. Labor and disposal fees differ by region.
- Extra services. Pest control, deodorizing, sanitizing, repairs, donation sorting, or locating valuables and papers all add to the bill.
- Time pressure. A rushed job, for example before a sale or inspection, may cost more.
What is included
A reputable company typically does some or all of the following:
- Inspects the home and discusses goals and concerns.
- Sorts items, often setting aside valuables, documents and sentimental items.
- Removes and disposes of unwanted items and trash.
- Cleans and sanitizes surfaces and floors.
- Addresses odors, and may refer you to other trades for pests, mold or repairs.
- Donates or recycles items where possible.
Confirm in writing what is included and what is extra.
Will insurance pay for hoarding cleanup?
Often not, though it depends on your policy. Standard homeowners insurance is commonly described as covering sudden and accidental events, not long-term accumulation or neglect. If a covered event happened, such as a fire or burst pipe, part of the work related to that event might be covered. Read your policy and ask your insurer directly. A claims adjuster can tell you what applies in your case.
Will Medicare or other programs help?
Original Medicare is generally health insurance and is not designed to pay for cleaning a home. Mental health treatment for hoarding disorder may be covered in part, depending on the plan and the provider, so check with Medicare or your plan about what applies. Some local programs may offer help to older adults or people with disabilities, such as area agencies on aging, social services, housing authorities, or nonprofit and community groups. Availability varies a lot by area, so ask a local agency or call a general information line for help finding what exists nearby.
Do people on TV hoarding shows pay for the cleanup?
It depends on the show and the arrangement, and details are not always made public. Do not assume that a real-life cleanup will be free or heavily subsidized the way it may appear on television. A real cleanup also tends to be slower and more careful, and many experts note that rushed forced clean-outs do not usually last without ongoing support.
If you run a cleanout business: how to price a job
If you are asking what to charge, consider:
- Inspect in person and photograph each room.
- Estimate hours, crew size, truck loads and dump fees.
- Add protective equipment, specialized cleaning and any subcontractors.
- Check your licensing, insurance and local disposal rules.
- Provide a written estimate and explain what happens if hidden damage is found.
Because pricing, licensing and liability rules differ by region, check your local requirements, and consider speaking to an accountant or business advisor.
Questions to ask before hiring
- Are you licensed and insured where I live?
- Do you offer a free or paid assessment, and is the quote written?
- How do you price: by hour, by square foot, by load or flat?
- What is included, and what counts as an extra?
- How do you handle valuables, documents and sentimental items?
- How do you dispose of items, and do you donate or recycle?
- What are your protocols for hazardous materials and pests?
- Can you work at the pace the homeowner is comfortable with?
- Can you give references?
Be careful with companies that pressure you into signing the same day, ask for large upfront payments in cash, or cannot show credentials.
Ways to lower costs without cutting safety
- Get several written quotes and compare what each includes.
- Sort and remove safe items yourself or with family first, if the home is safe enough to do so. Do not enter areas with mold, pests or unstable piles.
- Sell or donate items with value instead of paying to dispose of them.
- Ask whether the company offers phased work or payment plans.
- Look into local assistance programs.
Cost cutting should never mean putting people at risk. Hazards like mold, sharps and structural problems should be handled by trained professionals.
Cleanup is only part of the solution
A one-time cleanup rarely solves the underlying issue, and the clutter can return without follow-up support. See our guide to tips for hoarders and their families for support options and ways to talk to a loved one. If your situation is closer to ordinary overload than severe hoarding, our guides to downsizing your home and downsizing when you move may fit better.