http://unclutterer.com/discuss/forum/hoarders-on-ae-season-1 The community for people interested in home and office organizing. en-US Mon, 13 Feb 2012 17:55:45 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q http://unclutterer.com/discuss/search.php http://unclutterer.com/discuss/topic/clean-house-is-like-the-cheery-version-of-hoarders#post-4963 Mon, 10 May 2010 21:45:32 +0000 suzjazz 4963@http://unclutterer.com/discuss/ <p>Great ideas chacha, I totally agree. </p> http://unclutterer.com/discuss/topic/the-tv-show-hoarders-can-be-motivational-to-most-people/page/2#post-4922 Sun, 09 May 2010 21:52:41 +0000 suzjazz 4922@http://unclutterer.com/discuss/ <p>"How Clean is Your House?" is hysterically funny--in the great tradition of wacky British TV shows like Monty Python, the original Office, and It's Me or the Dog (on Animal Planet, it features a British doggie Mary Poppins--I love it!) Some of the tips on How Clean are quite good--I use the vinegar/water spray bottle on everything! And laundry detergent with enzymes will clean the scum off your bathtub if you put in a cup of detergent to a tubful of water and let it sit for an hour. Hardly any scrubbing! But as far as keeping stuff clean goes, I don't really have a problem, though I'm sure my house would never pass muster with my grandmother. My mom was a so-so housekeeper--too busy being an artist and gardener. There are similarities between the filth on Hoarders and the filth on How Clean--the difference is a matter of degree. Little bacteria farms on toilets and counters are bad enough, but what happens when your whole house is a serious health hazard? </p> http://unclutterer.com/discuss/topic/the-tv-show-hoarders-can-be-motivational-to-most-people/page/2#post-4884 Fri, 07 May 2010 11:30:18 +0000 JuliaJayne 4884@http://unclutterer.com/discuss/ <p>Erasergirl, are you a professional organizer?</p> <p>I haven't seen it in a long time, but I always thought that the people on How Clean is Your House were just lazy slobs. I'm sure there are plenty of those types in the US. We see them on Clean House. </p> <p>Most of the people on Hoarders and on "Hoaring, Buried Alive" have serious mental health issues. Some of those people will probably never be able to live what we might think of as a typical normal life. Occasionally, you will see someone on one of the hoarding shows who has an epiphany of sorts, gets the house cleared out quickly, and will probably be fine for the rest of their lives with only a little therapy. </p> http://unclutterer.com/discuss/topic/the-tv-show-hoarders-can-be-motivational-to-most-people/page/2#post-4881 Fri, 07 May 2010 10:18:14 +0000 EraserGirl 4881@http://unclutterer.com/discuss/ <p>as fascinating as Hoarders is to watch in a schadenfreude kinda way, i find it terribly sad, of the few episodes i have seen I'd say that the show's producers take advantage of these folks at their weakest and worst time of their lives. MOST of these folks cannot really enjoy log term success without anti-anxiety meds before they even start this, behavior modification will not work alone unless you have a therapist with you 24/7. Families need group therapy, it is not all one person's burden anyone else sharing the space is culpable and usually an enabler, the husband paying for his wife's shopping sprees at the cost of their own children, is a case in point - he was obviously passive aggressive and subconsciously wanted to rid himself of his family. Unless you have worked with folks with the disorder you can't appreciate the gravity of it. </p> <p>The How clean is your house show on the other hand is a stitch! It is much more satisfying to watch. are american hoarders and british hoarders different? do they see their 'stuff' differently? do american's see their stuff as a reflection of themselves and fear losing their 'stuff'? it makes you wonder. </p> http://unclutterer.com/discuss/topic/clean-house-is-like-the-cheery-version-of-hoarders#post-4875 Thu, 06 May 2010 14:46:17 +0000 chacha1 4875@http://unclutterer.com/discuss/ <p>Unfortunately, recycling programs are expensive to operate. I think what it would take to achieve nationwide compliance would be a federal tax on *new* glass, plastic, and metal packaging - to get the prices over those of recycled products. Then all the new-packaging manufacturers would be falling all over themselves to get the used material back. </p> <p>We also need an end-use tax on appliances etc with toxic components. But new taxes are really unpopular, even if they end up creating an economy that's more efficient and an environment that's cleaner. We can't even get a federal gasoline tax that's more than a token amount.</p> <p>Boy, we kind of went off topic here, didn't we? And by "we" I mean "I." :-) </p> http://unclutterer.com/discuss/topic/clean-house-is-like-the-cheery-version-of-hoarders#post-4822 Tue, 04 May 2010 21:03:23 +0000 suzjazz 4822@http://unclutterer.com/discuss/ <p>The U.S. lags way behind Europe in providing convenient recycling. Some communities<br /> (like mine) have provided people with a blue trash bin and a green recycling bin, and we're allowed to combine paper, cardboard, plastic and glass in the green bin. There are many other things like used propane tanks, broken air conditioners, fluorescent tubes, etc. which can't be recycled at curbside. They have to be taken to a recycling facility. I suspect that most communities in this country do not provide any easy means to recycle stuff. It's no wonder that many well-intentioned hoarders are frustrated. I sympathize with their desire to recycle, which is actually healthy. We all have to demand better recycling programs. </p> http://unclutterer.com/discuss/topic/clean-house-is-like-the-cheery-version-of-hoarders#post-4800 Mon, 03 May 2010 18:22:18 +0000 chacha1 4800@http://unclutterer.com/discuss/ <p>lumpster82, check with your local college or university. many of them collect electronics and home hazardous waste. </p> http://unclutterer.com/discuss/topic/clean-house-is-like-the-cheery-version-of-hoarders#post-4799 Mon, 03 May 2010 15:35:33 +0000 lumpster82 4799@http://unclutterer.com/discuss/ <p>In my house we have a problem with a different kind of recycling item. Our old, broken, de-humidifyer contains CFC's, so we cannot throw it out on the bulk trash collection day. But we can't find a hazmat recycling center that will take it. </p> <p>We're trying, but nevertheless it's taking up space in the basement while we say "we're going to recycle it!" </p> http://unclutterer.com/discuss/topic/clean-house-is-like-the-cheery-version-of-hoarders#post-4796 Mon, 03 May 2010 14:10:22 +0000 chacha1 4796@http://unclutterer.com/discuss/ <p>Our prosperous area was so noncompliant about recycling that the city gave up on segregated bins. Now they hire a crew to sort at the sanitation collection facility instead. Stupid, eh? But at least some people are getting jobs out of it.</p> <p>I would hazard a guess that for hoarders, "I'm saving it to recycle" is just one of the many rationalizations they use to dodge the fact of their fear. SarahJ's distinction is right on target - hoarders save not because of sentimental associations, but because of a fear trigger associated with the sentiment. </p> http://unclutterer.com/discuss/topic/clean-house-is-like-the-cheery-version-of-hoarders#post-4775 Sun, 02 May 2010 11:22:58 +0000 badkitti 4775@http://unclutterer.com/discuss/ <p>I'm quite pasionate about recycling, and a lucky that the local council collects paper, card glass, tin, garden waste and some plastics and each household has a leaflet saying what to put out on each day. I love not toting the glass to the local glass bank as I never did it regularly. Next weekend 'm geting a compost bin to take the garden leavings, food waste and scrap paper. All I need is a neighbour with old rabbit bedding and poo!</p> <p>Maybe hoarders are using recycling as another reason not to do anything 9aren't we all experts on those reasons one way or another!) or just don't have a convienient local scheme. I just wish my local place ook more plastics or there were places to fill up using old containers. </p> http://unclutterer.com/discuss/topic/clean-house-is-like-the-cheery-version-of-hoarders#post-4772 Sat, 01 May 2010 22:05:15 +0000 bandicoot 4772@http://unclutterer.com/discuss/ <p>sky, i dunno.<br /> i think people can also use "recycling" as an excuse to wallow, kwim?<br /> i know that may sound a bit harsh. </p> http://unclutterer.com/discuss/topic/clean-house-is-like-the-cheery-version-of-hoarders#post-4771 Sat, 01 May 2010 22:04:55 +0000 Claycat 4771@http://unclutterer.com/discuss/ <p>I know what you mean, Sky. I recycle, but it has become a habit that I keep up with pretty well. When the containers are full, they go to the recycling center. I always feel good when I take them, because I feel like I'm helping a little. </p> <p>However, if someone is having trouble making those choices, they probably need to choose the trash can. So, I think you are right. </p> http://unclutterer.com/discuss/topic/clean-house-is-like-the-cheery-version-of-hoarders#post-4769 Sat, 01 May 2010 21:55:48 +0000 Sky 4769@http://unclutterer.com/discuss/ <p>Are we being pushed too hard about recycling? It seems to me that every person on the Hoarders show has a problem with the trash and what to do with every scrap of paper, etc. They all seem like sensitive people that want to do the right thing.<br /> I'm all for recycling but it can be ridiculous sometimes. </p> http://unclutterer.com/discuss/topic/clean-house-is-like-the-cheery-version-of-hoarders#post-4765 Sat, 01 May 2010 14:07:37 +0000 SarahJ 4765@http://unclutterer.com/discuss/ <p>(Plus, they make it look pretty afterward on Clean House. At the end of Hoarders, the house pretty much still looks awful.) </p> http://unclutterer.com/discuss/topic/clean-house-is-like-the-cheery-version-of-hoarders#post-4764 Sat, 01 May 2010 14:06:44 +0000 SarahJ 4764@http://unclutterer.com/discuss/ <p>Clean House "I don't want to part with that hideous old rocking chair! I nursed my babies in it!"<br /> Hoarders "I can't get rid of that hideous old rocking chair! I nursed my babies in it, and if I get rid of it, something bad will happen to my children!" </p> http://unclutterer.com/discuss/topic/clean-house-is-like-the-cheery-version-of-hoarders#post-4763 Sat, 01 May 2010 13:58:33 +0000 JuliaJayne 4763@http://unclutterer.com/discuss/ <p>I constantly wonder what pushes people over the edge from being messy shopaholics or junk collectors into a horder. A lot of the people on Clean House and on the hording shows got to the point they did following a traumatic event in their lives. One similarity that sort of rattles me is that everyone finds some sort of comfort from massing their clutter. </p> http://unclutterer.com/discuss/topic/clean-house-is-like-the-cheery-version-of-hoarders#post-4762 Sat, 01 May 2010 11:31:24 +0000 suzjazz 4762@http://unclutterer.com/discuss/ <p>On CH, the people can eventually (if not right away) be persuaded to part with most of their stuff.</p> <p>In a way, it's even more scary than Hoarders because it's more common--ordinary non-mental people who can't cope with their accumulated possessions. To be on the show, they have to accept an intervention and are motivated by the reward of new furniture, decorating, etc. from the proceeds of their yard sale. On Hoarders, even with the help of a psychologist who specializes in hoarding disorder, people are so agitated that they have meltdowns and panic attacks at the prospect of losing their rotting food, dog hair, empty containers, etc. But even these people are deeply ashamed of their compulsions and most of them seem to want to change. I believe that it's not that difficult to go over the edge from ordinary clutter into becoming a hoarder. The CH people get to people before that happens. </p> http://unclutterer.com/discuss/topic/the-tv-show-hoarders-can-be-motivational-to-most-people/page/2#post-4761 Sat, 01 May 2010 11:19:49 +0000 suzjazz 4761@http://unclutterer.com/discuss/ <p>I have to admit that I have a guilty fascination with "Hoarders." Although there are no mummified dead cats under piles of garbage in my house, I realize that there is a fine line between "collecting things" and hoarding. It becomes a full-blown mental disorder when people can no longer use their homes and they become oblivious to the sight and stench of piles of trash, but what about people like me who have two dozen plastic tubs of stuff in the basement that I can't bring myself to part with? ironically, the rest of my home is neat and even somewhat spare in its aesthetic. My dirty secret takes up the basement space and a small part of my upstairs workroom (I make jewelry as a hobby) I am making an effort to get rid of as much of the stuff as possible--I have already given away tons of it to Goodwill and other charities and I am selling the rest on Craig's list. My goal is to have a basement with no boxes of stuff except on the shelves.<br /> "Hoarders" is a reminder that I am not so very different from these poor souls who jump on the garbage truck. Sometimes I even feel some sympathy for them: "I can see why they wanted to save that, yeah, I might have saved it...She has a doll collection! So do I!" This is scary. i have to get a grip! Toss it out! As Tyler Durden says in the film "Fight Club": The things you own begin to own you! </p> http://unclutterer.com/discuss/topic/the-tv-show-hoarders-can-be-motivational-to-most-people#post-4724 Thu, 29 Apr 2010 21:24:22 +0000 Amy 4724@http://unclutterer.com/discuss/ <p>If you have ever watched the Flip This House shows, you've seen some awful looking places that have been previously inhabited by hoarders, or possible Alzheimer patients. Always an incredible mess.</p> <p>I had to clean out my mother's house when she moved from there to be closer to my sister and her married daughter. It wasn't as bad as Hoarders, but it was close. She never was much of a housekeeper, and her house was pretty gross. Mouse turds on the counters, and bugs in the drawers. </p> <p>I just hope I don't leave a mess like that for my own children. </p> http://unclutterer.com/discuss/topic/the-tv-show-hoarders-can-be-motivational-to-most-people#post-4711 Thu, 29 Apr 2010 15:14:39 +0000 bandicoot 4711@http://unclutterer.com/discuss/ <p>i started watching hoarders online after i found this forum.<br /> what an eye-opener!<br /> those poor sad lost souls....so much pain there, it's hard to watch.<br /> and it's hard to watch the incredible mess.<br /> i found it all very motivational though.</p> <p>totally agree with you mellietx, about the stuff-pushers!<br /> i accepted stuff for years,<br /> and now i say no thanks.<br /> OR i say, *i* don't need it, but i know someone who does....would you like me to get this to them?<br /> and often, that's ok too. </p>