I don't trust these guys now, this is the second time this has happened. I need to do the job myself and I don't even know where to start and I have a deadline staring me in the face. I don't even know where to begin. I don't know what to do.

There's only one company listed for California and it's the one I'm talking to already.

I think they just don't want to do the job. I said how messy the place is and I think I scared them off.

I looked at the 1800 site and Cory Chalmers is affiliated with it. He's top notch. You can actually go ahead and write to him to let him know what's going on. He is very busy but he did respond to an email from me and an email from another poster who was also looking for professional help.

If you have a chance, look at the "online support group" listings to see if you can attend.

Wishing all the best.

Far as I know they have a good reputation but I do not personally like how you are being sloughed off so much. Check on the "National Resources" link above then click on your state and see what companies come up.

Keep us posted. Thinking of you!

He was recommended to me by 1800hoarders.com.

So about today, it's about an hour from when he was going to come give me an estimate (or they were all going to come do the job) and I just called and found out the appointment is cancelled. He is going to call back in a few hours with an estimate and then I guess make another appointment.

Is 1800hoarders.com reputable, did I make a mistake going through them? Does anyone have any recommendations?

Me: Hope it's not too late for this comment. You reallyshould get a written estimate after the cleaner has physically seen the project. The cap on the cost ( "not to exceed") is important too. Try find out about what extras they might try to tack on, such as the cost of the workers motel, dumpster fee, hauling charges, etc. Those should all be spelled out before work begins so there are no nasty surprises when the work is done. It is a lot to consider, I know, but there are a lot of unscrupulous people out there eager to take advantage of people in distress. Hope all goes well now that you are reaching out for help.

Me, where did you find this guy? From this website or some other referral? I'm just concerned that you get a legitimate crew in to do the work.

I know I emailed two groups (the only two listed here on this website in my state) and I disliked the first guy because his email was illiterate. I also disliked that he sent me a quote without seeing the place first, evem though he provided references. The second guy I contacted asked first for pictures then drove here for an onsite estimate. His company is located 2-3 hours away from me. I chose his crew.

It was important to me to get a written estimate with a cap on $$ before work began. You can also ask for references.

Here's hoping all goes well for you.

Hi guys. Thanks for being so nice and thanks for the information.

I don't know what's happening. I was mistaken, the estimate wasn't a week away, it was scheduled for tomorrow (6/17). The guy called me on Friday and said he thought maybe he could make an estimate without seeing the place and then come tomorrow with his team and do the job. He said if that was the case, he'd likely put his workers in a motel Sunday night and we'd get started Monday morning. I'm a bit of a distance away from them so that makes sense.

He didn't ask for photos but he asked some questions, and said he'd make up an estimate and call me back that afternoon and we'd work out what to do next. That was Friday and it's Sunday night now and I haven't heard anything. I don't have a dumpster, I guess that means they are planning to haul stuff off themselves? I really have no idea. I guess we'll see tomorrow!

Me, there is no need to delete the thread. Since you are genuinely asking for information, many folks here can help.

I went through a cleanup in April. First, we talked via email and I sent him photos of my place so he could get an idea of what he was dealing with. Weeks later he came to do a walk-around and give me an estimate of what would be required, set a price, and set a limit on the cost (important). He estimated 2-3 days and set a cap at $3500.

He and two crew members came on the designated day in an unmarked van. They had some biohazardous material to clear, so the put on the proper coveralls, masks etc to handle that. After that was cleared out, they switched to more normal clothes.

They had ordered a dumpster to be delivered to my house a couple days in advance. Originally they thought they'd be ordering a portapotty but decided against it. (I guess they used restaurant restrooms at lunch time.)

They worked very very hard and efficiently clearing out garbage first. I gave them free reign to throw out "trashed" items. However, they involved me at most every step to make decisions (important to be involved), and in a few occasions, convinced me to toss some items that I treasured that had been ruined by bugs. Sad.

I hadn't slept much the night before they came. They understood. They were not judgmental or unfriendly. In fact, they became sort of friends along the way and we joked a bit, too.

They filled that dumpster. They went through kitchen cupboards and the refrigerator to pitch outdated or spoiled things. Same in the bathroom.

Anyway, when they left I had clean counter tops, clean bathtubs and sinks and toilets. They took care to organize many things.

I was glad it was over in only two days (and came in under $2500) but I was also sad to say goodbye to them, I liked them so much.

Hopefully you read this and are reassured. This was just my experience. You are welcome to continue to read here and post.

Hi Me,

Please stay and keep posting on here! We are totally here for you. :)

You are NOT a disgusting pig! You just have a hoarding disorder. And you are NOT ALONE! The person that posted the thread called "Gross" obviously knows nothing about the hoarding disorder. And for some reason that person decided to be really mean and post that thread.

So please stay and post again. :)

WE SUPPORT YOU! :)

Is there a moderator who could delete this thread please? (thanks)

This is the person who made the original post. It was genuine. I'm getting an estimate in a week and just wondered what to expect out of the whole process. Never mind. Thanks for the reply.

I have no idea if your post is genuine, or not. If it is genuine, you can get a lot of support and information on these boards and you are welcome. However, belittling or name calling are frowned upon, including belittling and name calling about one's self. So please choose another posting name if you are genuine and come aboard.

The guy is coming in a week to give me an estimate and I don't know what to expect. Nobody has been in here in years, I don't know if I can let anyone in. But I have to, I have to move and I can't do this myself. Nobody knows what it is like in here, it's my biggest secret. I read that post titled "gross" and it's true, I am a disgusting pig. I wish I could get this place all cleaned up on my own and pretend none of this ever happened but I don't even know where to start and I have a deadline where I have to be out of here. Alternatively, I just wish I was dead. How could I have let things get like this???