depending on CIR Level and property size. Assessment first.
Discreet · CIR Level 1-5 assessment · Biohazard partners for Level 4-5 · Therapist & APS coordination
Hoarding cleanouts are different from standard cleanouts. The Clutter Image Rating (CIR) framework runs Levels 1-5, with 1 being normal clutter and 5 being severe (paths through the property only, biohazard concerns, structural integrity affected). We handle all five levels. Level 4-5 work coordinates with biohazard remediation partners (Servpro, Aftermath, Bio-One) who handle the biohazard portion first; we handle the volume cleanout after. Phased work where needed. Family-coordinated. Discreet.
Hoarding cleanouts follow a phased model rather than a one-shot model. The Clutter Image Rating (CIR) framework — developed by the International OCD Foundation — classifies severity from Level 1 (normal clutter) through Level 5 (severe; paths through the property only, biohazard concerns, structural integrity affected, sometimes requiring resident removal by court order). The work is structured differently at each level.
Level 1–2 work is typically standard cleanout scope — heavier than a normal residential cleanout but executable in 1–3 days without specialized PPE. Level 3 requires phased work because volume and access are challenging, and crew safety equipment becomes important. Level 4–5 requires specialized PPE, biohazard partner coordination (Servpro, Servicemaster, Aftermath, Bio-One handle biohazard remediation under EPA and OSHA protocols), and often Adult Protective Services involvement when the resident is still living in the property. We do an assessment before pricing on any Level 3+ situation.
Coordination with mental health professionals is common at Level 3+. Clinical hoarding specialists, ICD-trained interventionists, and family therapists sometimes coordinate cleanouts as part of a broader treatment plan, particularly when the resident is participating in the cleanout (Level 3 with active treatment). The therapist coordinates the resident's involvement and decision-making; we execute the volume work.
What we handle across CIR levels
Call or submit the form. We ask for photos to do an initial CIR Level assessment. Hoarding work is sensitive, and we coordinate communication preferences (whether to contact the resident, family-only contact, professional intermediary) at this stage. For Level 3+ situations, we schedule a property assessment before quoting.
30-60 minute on-site walkthrough by an experienced lead. Confirms CIR Level, identifies biohazard concerns, structural concerns, special-handling items (pianos, safes, weapons, controlled substances if present), and access constraints. For situations involving the living resident, the therapist or family coordinator is typically present.
When mental health professionals are involved, we coordinate scheduling and scope with the treatment plan. The therapist decides what level of resident participation is appropriate (full participation, observational, removed during work). We follow their lead. For APS cases, we coordinate with the case worker.
When biohazard concerns are present (animal waste, decomposition, mold, sewage), an EPA/OSHA-protocol biohazard remediation partner (Servpro, Aftermath, Bio-One) handles the biohazard portion first. They certify the property safe for non-PPE crew before we proceed.
For Level 3+, the cleanout is phased rather than continuous. A typical phasing: Day 1 clears primary living areas. Day 2-3 clears secondary spaces (bedrooms, basement, garage). Day 4+ for substantial Level 4-5 work. Phasing allows family or treatment team review between days.
Photo documentation of all phases. Documentation packet for treatment team, executor, or attorney. Donation receipts where applicable. Follow-up to confirm scope is complete before closing the job.
Hoarding cleanout pricing depends primarily on CIR Level and property size, plus biohazard scope when applicable. Level 1-2 jobs price similarly to large estate cleanouts ($1,500-$4,000 for typical 2,000 sq ft properties). Level 3 work runs $3,500-$8,000 for typical properties (phased work, enhanced PPE adds labor cost). Level 4-5 work runs $5,000-$15,000+ depending on property size and biohazard scope — the biohazard remediation portion (handled by partners) is typically a separate $2,000-$10,000 cost depending on severity.
Three factors shift price within each level: (1) property size and volume (the biggest driver), (2) access difficulty (multi-floor properties, narrow hallways, no driveway access add labor time substantially at Level 3+), and (3) special-handling items present in hoarding situations (weapons that need law enforcement coordination, controlled substances that need DEA-licensed disposal, large quantities of paint or chemicals).
We don't quote Level 3+ jobs from photos alone — the assessment confirms scope and price. Same-day on-site assessments are standard. The assessment itself is free; pricing decisions follow.
Hoarding cleanouts price by CIR Level and property size. Level 1-2: $1,500-$4,000 (similar to large estate cleanouts). Level 3: $3,500-$8,000 (phased work, enhanced PPE). Level 4-5: $5,000-$15,000+ for the cleanout portion, plus $2,000-$10,000 for biohazard remediation handled by partners. We do an on-site assessment before quoting any Level 3+ job.
The Clutter Image Rating is a 5-level visual scale developed by the International OCD Foundation. Level 1 is normal clutter. Level 2 is moderate clutter. Level 3 is substantial clutter (some rooms unusable). Level 4 is severe clutter (most rooms unusable, hygiene concerns). Level 5 is extreme (paths only, biohazard concerns, structural integrity affected). We use CIR to scope projects accurately and price predictably.
Yes, in coordination with biohazard remediation partners. Level 5 work typically involves biohazard concerns (animal waste, decomposition, mold, sewage) that require EPA/OSHA-protocol remediation before standard cleanup crews can work safely. We coordinate with Servpro, Aftermath, Bio-One, and similar partners who handle the biohazard remediation. We handle the volume cleanout after they've certified the property safe.
Yes, and we do this regularly. Clinical hoarding specialists, ICD-trained interventionists, and family therapists coordinate cleanouts as part of broader treatment plans. The therapist decides what level of resident participation is appropriate; we follow their lead on scope, pacing, and resident interaction. Phased work allows treatment review between sessions.
We coordinate with APS case workers regularly. APS-involved cases typically follow a different workflow than family-coordinated cases: APS sets the timeline and scope authority, the family is informed but doesn't decide, and the resident's participation depends on the case worker's assessment. We follow APS guidance throughout.
This is one of the hardest situations in hoarding cleanouts and where treatment team coordination matters most. When the resident is participating and has decision-making authority, we follow their decisions even when family disagrees. When the resident has been removed from the property or is non-participating, family or executor decisions govern. The therapist or APS case worker often mediates when there's disagreement.
Discretion is core to how we operate hoarding work. Trucks are unmarked. Crews wear plain work clothes (no JRP branding) when requested. Work happens during normal hours unless coordinated otherwise. We don't post job photos publicly or use them in marketing. The job stays between the family, the treatment team if involved, and us.
Level 3+ hoarding work commonly turns up valuable items hidden in clutter — cash, jewelry, photographs, important documents, occasionally firearms or controlled substances. Standard practice: items that might be valuable or sentimentally significant get set aside for family or treatment team review rather than disposed. We document everything. For firearms or controlled substances, we follow law enforcement and DEA protocols.
For Level 3+ situations, we do an on-site assessment before quoting. The assessment is free and confidential. Photos help us pre-assess severity. We treat all submissions confidentially and respond within one business day.
Request an assessment → Or call (833) 543-2337