Understanding Hoarding Situations
Hoarding is a complex issue that affects millions of Americans. It's not a choice or a lifestyle - it's a recognized mental health condition that requires understanding, patience, and professional support. At Rojas Junk Removal, we approach every hoarding cleanout with compassion and respect.
What Is Hoarding Disorder?
Hoarding disorder is recognized by the American Psychiatric Association as a mental health condition characterized by:
- Persistent difficulty discarding or parting with possessions
- Distress associated with getting rid of items
- Accumulation of items that congest and clutter living areas
- Significant distress or impairment in daily functioning
Understanding this helps us approach the situation without judgment.
Our Approach to Hoarding Cleanouts
1. No Judgment, Ever
Our crew arrives with a professional, respectful attitude. We do not comment on the condition of the home, take photos, or make assumptions. Every member of our team understands that this is someone's home and someone's life.
2. You Are in Control
We never remove anything without explicit approval. The homeowner or their designated representative points to what goes and what stays. We do not make those decisions - ever.
3. Work at Your Pace
We understand this is emotionally difficult. We can work room by room, take breaks, and adjust our approach based on your comfort level. There's no rush.
4. Discretion
We use unmarked trucks when requested and schedule cleanouts at times that maintain privacy. We do not discuss our clients or their situations with anyone.
Preparing for a Hoarding Cleanout
Before We Arrive:
- Have a support person present - a family member, friend, or professional organizer
- Identify any important documents, medications, or valuables that must be found
- Decide on "keep" vs "remove" criteria - we'll help you stick to it
- Consider having a mental health professional involved if possible
- Set up a staging area for items being kept
Day of the Cleanout:
- We arrive and do a walkthrough with you
- You identify what stays and what goes
- We begin removal, checking in frequently
- Items are sorted: trash, recycle, donate
- We can make multiple trips as needed
- The process continues until you're satisfied
What We Commonly Encounter
Every hoarding situation is unique, but common items include:
- Stacks of newspapers, magazines, and paper
- Clothing and textiles (often in large quantities)
- Boxes of miscellaneous items
- Expired food and food packaging
- Furniture that has become buried
- Broken or non-functional items being kept "just in case"
- Containers and bags of unknown contents
Pricing for Hoarding Cleanouts
Because every situation is different, we provide free on-site estimates. Pricing is based on volume, not on the condition of the home. We never charge more because it's a hoarding situation - we charge the same as any other cleanout of equivalent volume.
- Single room: $300–$800
- Multiple rooms: $800–$2,500
- Full home: $2,500–$6,000+ (multiple truck loads)
We can work with you on payment and scheduling.
After the Cleanout
Once the removal is complete, we can:
- Do a basic sweep and cleanup
- Haul away any remaining trash
- Leave the space clean and ready for a fresh start
We can also recommend local cleaning services for deep cleaning if needed.
You Are Not Alone
If you or a loved one is struggling with hoarding, there is help available. The process of clearing out is just one step - ongoing support matters too. We're here to help with the physical removal, and we do it with care.