How Hoarder Cleanouts Work in Michigan: A Step-by-Step Guide (2025)

Written By Nathan Havko

Hoarder cleanouts are some of the most challenging and sensitive jobs we handle. They involve far more than removing junk — they require compassion, patience, planning, and a crew experienced in safety and large-scale cleanouts.

Whether you’re helping a family member, preparing a property for sale, or taking the first step in reclaiming a home, this guide explains exactly how hoarder cleanouts work and how A+ Junk Hauling supports families across Lansing, Jackson, Flint, and all of Mid-Michigan.

⭐ What Is a Hoarder Cleanout?

A hoarder cleanout involves clearing out large amounts of accumulated belongings, trash, household items, furniture, and debris that have filled the living space to the point where:

  • Rooms become unusable

  • Safety hazards develop

  • Mold, pests, or odors appear

  • Movement becomes difficult

  • Plumbing, heat, or electrical access is blocked

Cleanouts can range from mild clutter to full homes filled wall-to-wall with trash and belongings.

Every situation is different — and every cleanout is handled with respect and discretion.

⭐ Why Hoarder Cleanouts Require a Professional Crew

1. Large volumes of material

Hoarder homes often require multiple 20-yard truckloads.

2. Safety concerns

Our trained crew handles:

  • Mold

  • Dust

  • Sharp items

  • Rodents

  • Rotting food

  • Heavy objects

  • Blocked exits

We wear proper protective equipment and follow safety protocols.

3. Emotional sensitivity

Hoarding situations may involve grief, trauma, mental health challenges, or years of avoidance.
Our crew always remains respectful, judgment-free, and patient.

4. Structured organization

Not everything goes to the dump — we sort items for:

  • Donation

  • Recycling

  • Keep items

  • Important documents

  • Sentimental belongings

Many families simply don’t have the manpower or emotional bandwidth to manage this alone.

⭐ How Hoarder Cleanouts Work: Step-by-Step

Step 1: Free Phone or Text Consultation

You can call or text photos to 517-786-5865.
We’ll:

  • Review the situation

  • Give a rough estimate

  • Recommend next steps

  • Schedule a walkthrough or start date

No pressure. No judgment. No obligations.

Step 2: Walkthrough and Planning

Before the cleanout begins, we:

  • Identify areas of concern

  • Ask what should be saved, donated, or thrown away

  • Locate important documents, valuables, or keepsakes

  • Outline a clear game plan

We can do this with the family present — or independently if preferred.

Step 3: Sorting and Set-Aside Items

We carefully separate:

  • Photos

  • Jewelry

  • Heirlooms

  • Money

  • Documents

  • Sentimental items

  • Anything the family wants to keep

These are placed in a designated safe area or storage bin.

Step 4: Junk and Debris Removal

This is where our crew gets to work.

We remove:

  • Trash

  • Clothing

  • Furniture

  • Boxes

  • Food waste

  • Broken items

  • Appliances

  • Mattresses

  • Debris from every room of the home

Our 20-yard truckload ($850 full load) fits a tremendous amount of volume and is discounted compared to national chains.

Step 5: Deep Access Areas

Once main rooms are cleared, we address:

  • Basements

  • Attics

  • Closets

  • Garages

  • Sheds

  • Porches

  • Hallways

These areas often contain hidden hazards and require experienced handling.

Step 6: Responsible Disposal

We sort items for:

  • Donation

  • Recycling

  • Proper disposal at approved Michigan facilities

Nothing is simply “tossed” — we take care to handle belongings responsibly.

Step 7: Sweep & Final Refresh

When the home is fully cleared, we:

  • Sweep floors

  • Remove loose debris

  • Empty remaining trash

  • Leave the house clean and ready for:

    • Sale

    • Renovation

    • Inspection

    • Safe reentry

The transformation is often dramatic and emotional for families.

⭐ How Much Does a Hoarder Cleanout Cost in Michigan?

Pricing is based on volume and severity.

Typical breakdown:

  • Minimum charge: $65

  • Per cubic yard: Affordable, exact quote provided upfront

  • Full 20-yard truckload: $850 (discounted)

  • Multiple loads may be required for larger homes

We also offer:

  • Veteran discounts

  • Senior discounts

  • Discounts for people who ask kindly

  • Reduced rates for multi-load jobs

We ALWAYS give pricing upfront, before work begins.

⭐ How Long Does a Hoarder Cleanout Take?

Depending on the volume:

  • Small cleanouts: 4–8 hours

  • Medium cleanouts: 1 full day

  • Large or whole-home cleanouts: 1–3 days

  • Extreme cases: Multiple days or scheduled phases

We scale our crew to meet your timeline.

⭐ Why Families Trust A+ Junk Hauling

✔ Judgment-free, compassionate service

We understand the emotions involved and treat every client with dignity.

✔ Fast, discreet, and respectful

Unmarked trucks available upon request.
No shaming, no rude comments, no pressure.

✔ Local and affordable

No franchise fees. No corporate overhead.
You save hundreds compared to national brands.

✔ Upfront pricing before we start

No surprises. No hidden fees.

✔ Same-day and next-day availability

We respond quickly to urgent situations.

⭐ Get Help With a Hoarder Cleanout in Mid-Michigan

If you or your family needs assistance with a hoarder situation, you don’t have to tackle it alone.

We serve Lansing, East Lansing, Okemos, Holt, Mason, Grand Ledge, Dewitt, Williamston, Charlotte, Jackson, Fowlerville, Flint, and all nearby areas.

📸 Text photos for a fast estimate: 517-786-5865
📞 Call anytime — we’re here to help
🌎 Local, respectful, fully insured, and ready to work

You don’t have to feel overwhelmed.
We’ll help you take the first step and handle the heavy lifting — literally and emotionally.

Nathan Havko
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