A hoarder deals with a psychological condition that makes them prone to holding onto items in their life longer than they should. Some people hoard a variety of items, from magazines to golf clubs. Regardless of the type of hoarding the person does, it leads to them consuming all the free space in their home. The overall cost of hoarding cleanup can be expensive, so you should know what you’re getting yourself into before you start.
What is the Cost of Hoarding Cleanup?
A hoarder situation involves a psychological condition that makes them prone to holding onto items in their life longer than they should. Some people hoard a variety of items, from magazines to golf clubs. Regardless of the type of hoarding the person does, it leads to them consuming all the free space in their home. The overall cost of hoarding cleanup can be expensive, so you should know what you’re getting yourself into before you start.
Cost of Hoarding Cleaning
Clearing the house may cost between $1,000 to $3,000 (approximately $2 per square foot).
While some people may attempt to clear the home themselves in an effort to reduce hoarding cleanup costs. However, they may still incur additional costs such as obtaining a dumpster rental. Others will use hoarding cleanup companies. Let’s look at some of the factors that affect the costs of clearing out a hoarder’s home.
Factors Influencing Hoarding Cleanup Costs
Scope of Work
The scope and size of the cleanup play the most significant role in assessing costs related to the task. Hoarders differ in the extent of their condition, some may hoard more than others.
One hoarder home may be packed to the rafters with clutter. Another might have only the garage packed with stuff requiring removal. Clearing an estate is different from cleaning out a home because of a court ruling. This may affect the final costs of decluttering.
Type of Home & Its Condition
If the home has more than one story, it will cost more to clear than a single-story house or apartment. This is true even if both properties have the same amount of clutter. The condition of the property also plays a role in assessing costs. If the house is old and falling apart, you need to be careful of loose floors and mold when cleaning up.
Hazardous Waste Removal
The types of clutter hoarded also play a role in assessing costs. Specialized services are required if the items create a health hazard. For example, biohazard cleanup is needed when biological materials are involved. This ensures the health and safety of the removal team and avoid contaminations. Personal protective equipment is often needed as well to ensure safety.
If the clutter involves biological materials or chemicals, removal of these items requires specialized services. Cleaning companies that are trained and licensed for the task will be used. This adds to costs, resulting in a more expensive cleanup operation than non-hazardous clutter.
Disposal & Storage
The nature of the hoarded materials may also require specialized removal and dumping. Additional licenses and permits are required to dispose of the accumulated clutter effectively. The removal agents may need to rent a skip to dispose of the clutter and arrange special dumping permits. Professional cleaning services do this if it presents a health or environmental hazard.
Not all hoarded clutter is worthless. Sometimes, it may have monetary or sentimental value to the hoarder’s family in the event of their passing. There could be a fee for moving and keeping the collected items in another place, like a storage unit.
Cleaning a Hoarder Home
If you need to clear clutter from a hoarder’s home, consider hiring a professional hoarding cleanup services. Attempting DIY cleanup may expose you to hazardous materials that damage your health. Additionally, even a self-directed cleanup can also incur unexpected costs, especially if protective gear or junk removal services are required.
A professional will visit the property and assess the situation. The service company will give you a quote for the cost of cleaning the hoarder’s house. The final cost will vary depending on the type of hoarding, the amount of clutter, and whether any biohazard cleanup is required.
Environmental Impact of Hoarding Cleanup and Disposal
Hoarding cleanup often involves the disposal of large amounts of accumulated items, some of which may not be suitable for regular trash collection. Professional cleanup services utilize eco-friendly disposal methods to minimize environmental impact. Whether it’s recycling old newspapers, donating gently used items, or safely disposing of hazardous materials, these companies are committed to sustainable practices. By hiring a junk removal service that prioritizes environmental responsibility, you can ensure that the cleanup process contributes to a cleaner, greener community.
Tips for Managing a Hoarder’s Estate After Passing
When a loved one who struggles with hoarding passes away, managing their estate can be an overwhelming task. It’s essential to approach the cleanup with care and respect for the deceased’s belongings. Many families choose to hire professional hoarding cleanup services to help sort through their loved one’s possessions, especially if hazardous materials or biohazards are involved. Engaging with a junk removal service or estate clearing company can help mitigate the stress of managing an overwhelming living space while ensuring that all items are appropriately disposed of or stored.
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