Compassionate hoarding cleanup

Compassionate help, at your pace

Heavy clutter is not a moral failing, and this kind of cleanup should be handled with care and respect. Some people want one room cleared. Others want a slow, step-by-step plan. A good crew should be able to work at the pace you choose, protect privacy, and focus on safety and practical next steps.

Clearway Match does not do the cleanup ourselves. We help you get matched with independent crews, then you compare written estimates and decide who feels right for the job.

• Discreet service matters, especially when neighbors, landlords, or family are involved
• You can ask for a small first step, like a walkway, kitchen, or bathroom
• If a loved one is involved, crews should respect the person and avoid shaming language

What's usually included in hoarding and heavy-clutter cleanup

Services vary by crew, so always confirm the exact scope in writing before work starts. In many cases, hoarding or heavy-clutter cleanup may include:

1. Bagging, sorting, and removing trash and unwanted items
2. Clearing paths, doors, stairs, and key living areas
3. Separating items to keep, donate, recycle, or discard
4. Loading and hauling removed items away
5. Basic sweep-up after removed items are out

Some jobs also involve extra labor or special handling, such as appliances, furniture, yard overflow, pest-related debris, or unsafe access. Deep cleaning, odor treatment, biohazard work, repairs, and pest control may or may not be included, so ask each crew to spell that out clearly.

If you are not sure how much help you need, start with photos and a simple list of priority areas. That can help crews give a more useful estimate.

• Ask whether the crew will work room by room or all at once
• Ask how they label keep, donate, and discard items
• Ask whether they can coordinate with family, a landlord, or a case worker if needed

What it typically costs

Pricing depends on volume, labor time, access, safety issues, and how much sorting is needed. These are typical ranges, not quotes.

• Small cleanup or one priority area, often about $150-$600
• Single bulky item removal during a larger project, often about $70-$150 per item
• Heavy-clutter room or partial apartment cleanup, often about $400-$1,500
• Large multi-room cleanup, often about $800-$4,000+
• Full truckload junk removal during the job, often about $450-$800 per load

Jobs with stairs, blocked access, long carry distances, urgent scheduling, or careful item-by-item sorting often cost more. The best way to compare is to get written estimates that list labor, hauling, disposal, and any extra fees. You can also review typical costs before you decide.

• Ask if the estimate is based on volume, labor hours, or both
• Ask whether dump fees, mileage, and extra crew members are included
• Get the final scope and price in writing before work starts

How matching works

Clearway Match is free to use. We collect basic contact and job details, then match you with independent crews that serve your area. You compare written estimates, ask questions, and choose who to hire.

A simple way to start:

1. Share your contact information and a short description of the job
2. Add photos and note any safety concerns, stairs, or blocked rooms
3. Review the matches you receive
4. Compare scope, timing, and written pricing
5. Hire the crew you trust

You can learn more about how it works or get matched when you're ready.

For privacy, only share contact details and job details. Do not send Social Security numbers, bank details, or other sensitive records.

• Photos can help crews estimate more accurately
• You can request discreet arrival if that matters to you
• You are free to choose a crew, ask for changes, or not hire anyone

What to expect, and how to vet your crew

Most hoarding cleanup jobs go more smoothly when expectations are clear. Before work starts, talk through priorities, decision-making, and privacy.

Ask each crew:

1. Are you licensed and insured for this type of work?
2. Can you send your scope and price in writing?
3. Who decides what gets removed, and how will keep items be set aside?
4. What is not included, such as deep cleaning, repairs, or hazardous material handling?
5. How do you protect privacy and handle sensitive situations?

You should also verify the crew's license and insurance yourself. If the person affected feels overwhelmed, it may help to start small and bring in trusted support from family, a social worker, or another professional they choose. The goal is steady progress with dignity, not pressure.

• Start with safety areas first, like exits, kitchen access, and bathrooms
• Take photos of valuables or labeled keep areas before work begins
• If anything is unclear, ask for an updated written estimate before the crew continues