What Is the Average Cost to Clean a Hoarder House?

A hoarder house isn’t just cluttered—it’s often a property filled wall-to-wall with items, garbage, or personal belongings that have accumulated over time. Cleaning one isn’t your typical deep clean—it can require biohazard removal, structural repair, and a massive emotional toll on everyone involved. For families who have inherited a hoarder home or for owners preparing to sell, the cost to clean such a property can be staggering. So, what is the average cost to clean a hoarder house? Nationwide, cleanup costs can range from $1,000 for light decluttering to $20,000+ for homes requiring hazardous material handling and full restoration.

If you’re in Illinois and wondering how to handle a property in this condition—whether it’s due to foreclosure, inheritance, or the need to downsize—know this: you don’t have to do it alone. Fantastic Homes is a trusted, cash home buyer in Illinois that purchases hoarder homes in any condition, eliminating the need for cleaning or repairs. Get your free cash offer today and take the first step toward a clean break.

What Is a Hoarder House?

Understanding Hoarding as a Mental Health Condition

A hoarder house is a home where compulsive hoarding behavior has led to the excessive accumulation of items and, often, dangerous living conditions. Hoarding disorder is a recognized psychological condition in which individuals find it extremely difficult to discard items, regardless of their actual value. Over time, these homes can become unsanitary or even hazardous to health. It’s important to approach situations like this with empathy—not judgment—especially when helping a loved one or preparing to sell.

Common Signs That a Home Qualifies as a Hoarder House

If you’re unsure whether a home qualifies, watch for these signs: blocked hallways or doors, unusable rooms, piles of newspapers or garbage, bad odors, and visible mold or pests. Structural damage and fire hazards are also common in extreme cases. A home in this state typically requires far more than routine cleaning—it demands a strategy and, often, a major investment.

Levels of Hoarding Severity: From Mild Clutter to Unlivable Conditions

Hoarding isn’t one-size-fits-all. A mild hoarder house might have clutter in a few areas, but the home remains functional. Moderate hoarding often involves blocked access to certain rooms and emerging sanitation concerns. Severe hoarding, where multiple areas are unusable and biohazards are present, can render a home completely unlivable. These varying levels directly influence hoarder house cleaning cost and the urgency with which cleanup—or a sale—needs to happen.

What Is the Average Cost to Clean a Hoarder House in Illinois?

How Severity Impacts Cleanup Costs in Illinois

In Illinois, what is the average cost to clean a hoarder house? On average, homeowners can expect to spend between $3,000 and $15,000. Costs scale with severity:

• Mild hoarding may cost $1,000–$3,000
• Moderate hoarding may range from $4,000–$7,000
• Severe cases with biohazards or structural damage can exceed $10,000–$20,000

Many families aren’t prepared for these costs, especially if they’ve inherited a hoarder property or are facing financial distress. Selling to a cash home buyer in Illinois can eliminate the need to cover these expenses altogether—and unlike traditional buyers, we won’t ask you to clean, stage, or repair anything before selling. Instead of losing money on prep and cleanup, you can walk away with cash in hand, quickly and without stress.

Average Square Footage Costs Explained

Cleanup services often charge by the square foot. You can expect to pay between $1 and $5 per square foot depending on the level of contamination, the time required, and the disposal needs. A 2,000 sq. ft. home affected by moderate hoarding might cost $6,000–$10,000 just for basic cleaning, not including repairs.

Factors That Affect the Cost to Clean a Hoarder House

Size and Scope of the Property

Larger homes and multi-level properties naturally cost more to clean. The more rooms, garages, or outbuildings involved, the higher the labor and disposal costs. The project scope expands with the number of affected spaces and the degree of access obstruction.

Presence of Biohazards or Dangerous Materials

Any cleanup involving bodily fluids, mold, dead animals, or sharp objects becomes a biohazard job, requiring OSHA-compliant gear and trained technicians. These services can double the cost of cleaning a hoarder house due to the risks and legal disposal requirements.

Condition of the Home and Accessibility Issues

If the flooring is unstable, stairs are blocked, or entrances are inaccessible, labor costs rise quickly. In some cases, crews may need to enter through windows or reinforce flooring to safely operate—each step adding cost and time.

Junk Removal, Disposal, and Donation Logistics

Sorting, donating, and disposing of items is more complex than it sounds. If items must be separated for legal or sentimental reasons, expect higher fees. Disposal rates vary by municipality, and special handling may be required for electronics, chemicals, or appliances.

Geographic Location and Local Service Availability

Urban areas may offer more affordable services due to competition, but travel or parking constraints can raise costs. Rural homes might incur travel charges or require multiple trips to complete the project. In Illinois, location makes a noticeable difference in hoarder house cleaning expenses.

Hidden Costs to Consider (Repairs, Emotional Toll, Disposal Fees)

Beyond cleaning, many hoarder homes also require repairs—damaged flooring, drywall, plumbing, or pest remediation are common and can easily add $5,000–$15,000. Then there’s the emotional toll: for many families, the process of sorting through a loved one’s home is exhausting and traumatic.

Selling the home in its current state may be the most practical—and emotionally healthy—solution. At Fantastic Homes, we handle all the cleanup for you. Because we buy hoarder homes as-is, there’s zero action required on your part—except wanting to let go of the property.

Should You Clean or Sell a Hoarder House As-Is?

When It Makes Sense to Clean and Keep

If the homeowner intends to continue living in the house and the situation is mild to moderate, cleaning might be worth the investment. Working with a therapist and professional organizer may help preserve the home and support long-term recovery.

Pros and Cons of Selling As-Is to a Cash Buyer

Pros include a fast sale, no out-of-pocket expenses or fees, and zero cleaning or repair requirements. Cash buyers can often close in as little as 7–10 days and offer the flexibility to work on your timeline.

The downside? A slightly lower sale price—but one that can save you tens of thousands in cleanup, repairs, and wasted time. You also gain unmatched convenience and the ability to sell your home in its current condition—something traditional real estate agents would struggle to market or even take on.

For those facing foreclosure, probate, divorce, or tax liens, selling to a cash buyer like Fantastic Homes can be a true lifeline.

Want to learn more about what selling “as-is” really means? Read our guide: What Does It Mean To Sell A House As Is? Here’s How It Works

How Much You Could Save by Skipping Cleanup and Repairs

Consider this: $12,000 for cleaning, $10,000 in repairs, plus months of stress. By working with a buyer who offers as-is solutions, sellers often walk away with nearly the same amount—without lifting a finger. The process of how we buy houses is simple and straightforward:

• Step 1: Tell us about the property
  • Fill out a short online form or give us a call at (224) 222-1918. We’ll gather some basic info about your home’s condition and situation.
• Step 2: Get your fair cash offer
  • After reviewing your home (no inspections or showings required), we’ll send you a no-obligation, fair cash offer within 24 hours.
• Step 3: Choose your closing date
  • You’re in control. Whether you want to sell in a week or a few months, we’ll work around your schedule.
• Step 4: Close and get paid
  • We handle all the paperwork and closing costs. You walk away with cash—no cleaning, no repairs, and no surprises.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cleaning or Selling a Hoarder House

Can I Sell My Hoarder House Without Cleaning It First?

Yes, absolutely. You can skip how to clean a hoarder house entirely by working with a buyer who specializes in hoarder and distressed homes. Fantastic Homes offers fair cash offers for properties in any condition—no cleaning required.

What If I Inherited a Hoarder House Through Probate?

Inherited properties can complicate cleanup timelines, especially when probate is still open. If you’re not in a position to clean or manage the home, selling to a buyer experienced in how to sell a hoarder house during probate can streamline the process.

How Much Does a Biohazard Cleanup Add to the Cost?

Biohazard situations add anywhere from $5,000 to $15,000, depending on the extent of contamination.

Does a Cash Buyer Pay for Hoarder Cleanout or Repairs?

Cash buyers like Fantastic Homes don’t require any cleanup or repairs. They assess the home’s value as-is and factor those conditions into a fair offer—saving sellers money, time, and emotional energy.

Get a Free Cash Offer for Your Hoarder House in Illinois

We Buy Hoarder Homes in Any Condition—No Cleaning Required

Stop worrying about how to clean a hoarder’s house or whether you can afford it. Fantastic Homes will buy your home no matter what shape it’s in.

Fast, Fair Offers with No Repairs, Fees, or Commissions

We cover all closing costs, skip the middlemen, and never charge commissions. You’ll get a cash offer fast—and sell on your timeline.

Fill Out Our Online Form to Get Your No-Obligation Cash Offer Today

Selling a hoarder home doesn’t have to be complicated. Fill out our quick online form, and Fantastic Homes will send you a free, no-obligation cash offer today.