Hoarding Cleanup Costs: What Affects the Price?
"How much will this cost?" It's the first question most families ask, and the honest answer is: it depends. Hoarding cleanups vary dramatically based on multiple factors.
Here's a straightforward breakdown of what affects hoarding cleanup costs in the Boise area, so you know what to expect when getting quotes.
General Cost Ranges
These are broad estimates for the Treasure Valley area. Your specific situation may vary:
Minor hoarding (Level 1-2): $1,000-$3,000. Clutter but walkable paths, minimal hazards, one room or small area affected. Often completed in a day.
Moderate hoarding (Level 3): $3,000-$8,000. Multiple rooms affected, narrow or blocked pathways, some structural concerns or pest issues. Typically 2-3 days of work.
Severe hoarding (Level 4-5): $8,000-$25,000+. Whole house affected, rooms unusable, significant biohazard concerns, possible structural damage. Can take a week or more.
These ranges are for the cleanup itself. Additional costs for repairs, biohazard remediation, or pest control are separate.
What Drives the Cost
These factors have the biggest impact on price:
Factors People Don't Expect
These often surprise families when getting estimates:
Accessibility. Items on second floors, in basements, or in tight spaces take longer to remove. Narrow hallways, no elevator, or long walks to the truck add labor time.
Sorting requirements. Looking for valuables, documents, or specific items throughout the clutter adds significant time. The more thoroughly everything needs to be checked, the longer it takes.
Hidden damage. Sometimes the full extent isn't visible until cleanup starts. Pest damage, water damage, or structural issues may emerge as items are removed.
Emotional pacing. If the person with hoarding disorder is present and needs breaks or time to process, the cleanup takes longer. This is often appropriate, but it adds to the timeline and cost.
Location within Boise area. Jobs in outlying areas like Caldwell or up in the foothills may cost more than central Boise due to travel time and disposal access.
Beyond the Cleanup: Additional Costs
The cleanup itself may be just part of the total cost:
Biohazard remediation. Professional sanitization for biological hazards is a specialized service, often $2,000-$10,000+ depending on extent.
Pest control. Rodent or insect infestations often need professional treatment after cleanup. Budget $500-$2,500 depending on severity.
Repairs. Damaged flooring, walls, plumbing, or electrical often need attention once the clutter is cleared. These vary widely based on damage extent.
Deep cleaning. After items are removed, professional deep cleaning is usually needed. Expect $500-$2,000 for a whole house.
Appliance replacement. Refrigerators, stoves, and water heaters often need replacement if they've been non-functional or damaged.
Getting Accurate Estimates
To get useful quotes:
Provide photos if possible. Even pictures from outside the house or of the worst room help companies understand the scope.
Be honest about the situation. Companies need accurate information to give realistic estimates. Understating the problem leads to surprise costs later.
Request on-site estimates. For significant hoarding situations, phone quotes are unreliable. A company needs to see the actual conditions.
Ask what's included. Does the quote include disposal fees? Biohazard handling? Sorting for valuables? Understand exactly what you're paying for.
Get multiple quotes. Prices vary significantly between companies. But the cheapest quote isn't always the best—consider experience, insurance, and approach.
The Bottom Line
Hoarding cleanup costs vary widely—from a few thousand dollars for minor situations to $25,000+ for severe cases. The main drivers are volume, biohazards, and time required.
Get detailed quotes from companies experienced in hoarding specifically, not just regular junk removal. And factor in the potential costs beyond the cleanup itself—remediation, repairs, and cleaning.
The investment is significant, but the alternative—continued unsafe living conditions—carries its own costs. Done right, professional hoarding cleanup can restore a home to safe, livable condition.
Need a Hoarding Cleanup Estimate?
We provide free, confidential estimates for hoarding situations throughout the Treasure Valley. No judgment, just honest assessment.
Call (208) 943-5231