Hoarders on A&E, do you watch?

[mommytobug]

I have become addicted to this show. I am in the mental health field but even if not, this form of OCD is very interesting, be it heart breaking also. What are your thoughts if you watch?

 

[kwelch10377]

I have been watching it and am just amazed at the things that people won't throw out. I just can't imagine what is going through their minds that they in many cases are risking their family just so they can keep some of these items. I know to them what they are doing is ok and there is nothing wrong with it, but I still just don't get it. I can also only imagine how much debt these people are in with the amount of stuff they have purchased.

 

[sunlver]

Yes, I have seen every episode so far. Was just watching one this morning , I think TIVO'd from last night

This man had magizines from 9 yrs ago, and a tax guide from 1988. It amazes me that people let it get that bad. Believe me when I say my house will never win any sort of awards. The clutter we do have here drives me crazy. I just couldnt imagine living in that sort of craziness I understand its a anxiety type disorder and such.

There was one episode with the lady who had all these cats. She didnt even know how many she had, she would feed them, and they would get into the garage and have kittens etc..when they came to help her clean they found a lot of dead animal bodies..

 

[JEmaryland]

Yes, I watch and have been enjoying it. The one this past Monday was just crazy. The lady (I think her name was Patty) had her children taken away because of the living conditions, and she was standing in the garbage truck seriously debating wether or not to throw out a used Big Gulp cup. It went in the "maybe" pile.

 

[NMAmy]

I watch it on On Demand on Saturday morning. Nothing makes me get off my behind and get the house cleaned quicker than watching about 20 minutes of Hoarders.

 

[binny]

I watch it sometimes and I wonder how you get to that point.

My dad saved some interesting things, when he died we found his W2 from 1952 nobody could figure out why he saved that all these years. But we moved so often he didnt have the opportunity to save much else LOL I dont think he would be like that anyway though.

 

[MushyMushy]

I watch it and my heart just breaks for these people and their families, but especially their families. What a horrible disease.

My parents were hoarders. Well, still are since my dad is still living there. When my mom was still alive, my mother wanted my sister and I to clean up one bedroom so that her brother could sleep there once in a while. BUT, she didn't want us throwing anything away. My sister and I spent an entire day working in that room and we managed to sneak out a couple of garbage bags before she caught us. There were papers from the 1960s -- old canceled checks, paid bills and just JUNK.

We try to go in and pick up for my dad now, but it's still so out of hand. We're scared to death that WE are going to get in trouble for the shape his house is in. When he passes, it's going to take us months to clear out that house.

One thing I like about the show is that the professionals aren't forcing the issue. They are giving the hoarders the choice of what to get rid of, if anything. It would be so easy to send cleaners in and just empty the entire houses, but how would that help? The people would just start right back up.

 

[JEmaryland]

I'm sorry to hear about your parents, MushyMushy.
I do think that they need to do more therapy on the hoarders. It kinda seems like they just go in and clean up and leave.

 

[minkydog]

I watch Hoarders every week. My mother is a hoarder. She lives alone in a 2000 sq. ft. house that is filled with stuff. She only lives in her bedroom*which isn't toooo bad, you can get on the bed*, her bathroom, her kitchen, and her den. One other bedroom is marginally useable. Another bedroom has a daybed in it covered with stuff and only the 4 feet of space next to the door is even navigable. The third bedroom is literally floor to ceiling with boxes of material, old flower arrangements, toys, and hundreds of boxes of unopened model airplanes. Her living room and sunroom are the worst--she has a rabbit trail through each room and the stuff is hip high on me.

I'm at her house right now. You can't believe the stuff she has here--old dead flower arrangements from over 20 years ago ("Oh, those were the first flowers your brother ever sent me!"), Playboy magazines that her 2nd husband saved (he's been dead over 7 years), little scraps of paper with phone numbers written down(they're all over the place, not just in one pile), phone books, big piles of table linens (she has at least 200 pieces), about 150 plastic cups like you'd get at 7-11, matching square dance outfits from 25 years ago complete with gigantic petticoats, at least 12 of them(she has been unable to square dance for the last 10 years),3 sets of nice china plus 1 set of every day dishes, over 1000 books(mostly my step-dads, all military campaigns). Both her dining room table and kitchen table are pile 2-3 feet high with papers, glasses, trinkets, bills, pictures, and linens. She can no longer use the tables for eating. Instead she eats on TV trays. It is just unbelievable.

I'm really concerned that she's either going to trip on something. She's 76 and has serious mobility issues. She can't feel her feet anymore. If she ever has a spark fall, the house would go up in 10 minutes because of the piles, piles, piles of papers. I've tried to get her to part with some of it, but she "might need" everything. And the really sad part is, she knows her house is a mess.

Today I went around and took pictures of everything in the house so as to document for insurance and so that we will have it for the day when we have to break up her household(you know what I mean). I think she's going to be appalled when she gets the pictures back. Oh, well. I'm not trying to hurt her, I'm trying to help. If she ever has a fire or hurricane damage, she's going to need the documentation. It's too overwhelming to write it all down. Pictures are worth a thousand words. But I doubt they will even make a dent in her psyche.

 

[minkydog]

I'm sorry to hear about your parents, MushyMushy.
I do think that they need to do more therapy on the hoarders. It kinda seems like they just go in and clean up and leave.

It is nearly impossible to get hoarders to stop hoarding. You can take the stuff out and they will go get more to replace it. Therapy only works when they want to change and it takes a LOT of therapy and work on their part to stop the hoarding.

 

[edandcolleen1995]

I just don't believe it is some medical condition. Sorry but just go there and throw the stuff out. I mean the person is not going to have a seizure or die (god forbid!) if someone does it.

When you are talking about children being taken away from parents or people living in horrible conditions, step in and correct it.

My sister stayed in my parents house. My parents passed and the rest of us siblings had to sell the house. We go there and that sister has stuff like a hoarder all over. We got rid of it ALL!. She stayed the 3 months till we sold the house and one of my other sisters went there weekly and purged if there was anything.

I guess my point is that you just get rid of it. If there is no family or someone looking out for them, then sure I understand how it gets and stays that bad. But if you do have guardian family/friends then get in there and clear it out.

 

[Morganpics]

I have begun to watch. My MIL is a hoarder. My DH cannot stand it. She is driving her family away and just doesn't seem to understand why. The house is small to begin with, and now it is just impossible. No one can walk around the house. There is basically a "mouse trail" to get over to the stairs to go up to bed. There are three bedrooms up there that are piled to the ceiling, the hall is full so that we can't even get to 2 of the bedrooms. The living room has a queen size sofa, and 4 chairs. 2 people can sit. The sofa and the rest of the chairs are used for "storage". Bags and bags and bags of stuff that we know she can't even tell us what they contain. No one in the family is considering confronting her except DH. Unfortunately, I think his idea of confrontation is getting in her face and being very unpleasant, so to this point nothing has been done. The house is truly and health hazard and a fire trap. I felt the portion showing the man from Massachusetts was my MIL. She doesn't think there is a problem. I could go on and on. It is really painful.

 

[JEmaryland]

I watch Hoarders every week. My mother is a hoarder. She lives alone in a 2000 sq. ft. house that is filled with stuff. She only lives in her bedroom*which isn't toooo bad, you can get on the bed*, her bathroom, her kitchen, and her den. One other bedroom is marginally useable. Another bedroom has a daybed in it covered with stuff and only the 4 feet of space next to the door is even navigable. The third bedroom is literally floor to ceiling with boxes of material, old flower arrangements, toys, and hundreds of boxes of unopened model airplanes. Her living room and sunroom are the worst--she has a rabbit trail through each room and the stuff is hip high on me.

I'm at her house right now. You can't believe the stuff she has here--old dead flower arrangements from over 20 years ago ("Oh, those were the first flowers your brother ever sent me!"), Playboy magazines that her 2nd husband saved (he's been dead over 7 years), little scraps of paper with phone numbers written down(they're all over the place, not just in one pile), phone books, big piles of table linens (she has at least 200 pieces), about 150 plastic cups like you'd get at 7-11, matching square dance outfits from 25 years ago complete with gigantic petticoats, at least 12 of them(she has been unable to square dance for the last 10 years),3 sets of nice china plus 1 set of every day dishes, over 1000 books(mostly my step-dads, all military campaigns). Both her dining room table and kitchen table are pile 2-3 feet high with papers, glasses, trinkets, bills, pictures, and linens. She can no longer use the tables for eating. Instead she eats on TV trays. It is just unbelievable.

I'm really concerned that she's either going to trip on something. She's 76 and has serious mobility issues. She can't feel her feet anymore. If she ever has a spark fall, the house would go up in 10 minutes because of the piles, piles, piles of papers. I've tried to get her to part with some of it, but she "might need" everything. And the really sad part is, she knows her house is a mess.

Today I went around and took pictures of everything in the house so as to document for insurance and so that we will have it for the day when we have to break up her household(you know what I mean). I think she's going to be appalled when she gets the pictures back. Oh, well. I'm not trying to hurt her, I'm trying to help. If she ever has a fire or hurricane damage, she's going to need the documentation. It's too overwhelming to write it all down. Pictures are worth a thousand words. But I doubt they will even make a dent in her psyche.

Have you considered contacting the show about your mom? Not to make a spectacle of her but to actually get their help?

 

[Handbag Lady]

I watch Hoarders every week. My mother is a hoarder. She lives alone in a 2000 sq. ft. house that is filled with stuff. She only lives in her bedroom*which isn't toooo bad, you can get on the bed*, her bathroom, her kitchen, and her den. One other bedroom is marginally useable. Another bedroom has a daybed in it covered with stuff and only the 4 feet of space next to the door is even navigable. The third bedroom is literally floor to ceiling with boxes of material, old flower arrangements, toys, and hundreds of boxes of unopened model airplanes. Her living room and sunroom are the worst--she has a rabbit trail through each room and the stuff is hip high on me.

I'm at her house right now. You can't believe the stuff she has here--old dead flower arrangements from over 20 years ago ("Oh, those were the first flowers your brother ever sent me!"), Playboy magazines that her 2nd husband saved (he's been dead over 7 years), little scraps of paper with phone numbers written down(they're all over the place, not just in one pile), phone books, big piles of table linens (she has at least 200 pieces), about 150 plastic cups like you'd get at 7-11, matching square dance outfits from 25 years ago complete with gigantic petticoats, at least 12 of them(she has been unable to square dance for the last 10 years),3 sets of nice china plus 1 set of every day dishes, over 1000 books(mostly my step-dads, all military campaigns). Both her dining room table and kitchen table are pile 2-3 feet high with papers, glasses, trinkets, bills, pictures, and linens. She can no longer use the tables for eating. Instead she eats on TV trays. It is just unbelievable.

I'm really concerned that she's either going to trip on something. She's 76 and has serious mobility issues. She can't feel her feet anymore. If she ever has a spark fall, the house would go up in 10 minutes because of the piles, piles, piles of papers. I've tried to get her to part with some of it, but she "might need" everything. And the really sad part is, she knows her house is a mess.

Today I went around and took pictures of everything in the house so as to document for insurance and so that we will have it for the day when we have to break up her household(you know what I mean). I think she's going to be appalled when she gets the pictures back. Oh, well. I'm not trying to hurt her, I'm trying to help. If she ever has a fire or hurricane damage, she's going to need the documentation. It's too overwhelming to write it all down. Pictures are worth a thousand words. But I doubt they will even make a dent in her psyche.

We have the same mother except that mine is 63. Rabbit trails hits the nail on the head.

There is not one square inch of livable space inher house. It is so bad, she can no longer get into either of her two bedrooms. She sleeps on the couch surrounded by crap. And blankers.

Some day, I know, she will die in an avalanche. It is beyond hip-high and now goes to the ceiling.

I've found a specialist in her area in the town over from her, but she refuses to go.

The guilt is overwhelming. We've told her many times the second she calls, we will be over there with cleaning supplies and bags and it will be shielded from the neighbors (one of her biggest fears is that people will look inside). She refuses to let us throw away anything. I am no longer allowed in her home because I just start throwing away trash when I am there.




I watch Hoarders as often as I can. I hope to learn more insight.

 

[Morganpics]

I just don't believe it is some medical condition. Sorry but just go there and throw the stuff out. I mean the person is not going to have a seizure or die (god forbid!) if someone does it.

When you are talking about children being taken away from parents or people living in horrible conditions, step in and correct it.

My sister stayed in my parents house. My parents passed and the rest of us siblings had to sell the house. We go there and that sister has stuff like a hoarder all over. We got rid of it ALL!. She stayed the 3 months till we sold the house and one of my other sisters went there weekly and purged if there was anything.

I guess my point is that you just get rid of it. If there is no family or someone looking out for them, then sure I understand how it gets and stays that bad. But if you do have guardian family/friends then get in there and clear it out.

I respectfully disagree. Any articles about hoarders are very adamant that you DO NOT go in and clean the house. It very often can cause the hoarder to become suicidal or mentally unstable. It's easy for us to see, but they can't. Trust me, there is nothing I would like more than to back a dumpster in the yard, but I do love my MIL and would not do that to her. Plus, there are 4 adult children that have to come to some agreement.

 

[Handbag Lady]

I just don't believe it is some medical condition. Sorry but just go there and throw the stuff out. I mean the person is not going to have a seizure or die (god forbid!) if someone does it.

When you are talking about children being taken away from parents or people living in horrible conditions, step in and correct it.

My sister stayed in my parents house. My parents passed and the rest of us siblings had to sell the house. We go there and that sister has stuff like a hoarder all over. We got rid of it ALL!. She stayed the 3 months till we sold the house and one of my other sisters went there weekly and purged if there was anything.

I guess my point is that you just get rid of it. If there is no family or someone looking out for them, then sure I understand how it gets and stays that bad. But if you do have guardian family/friends then get in there and clear it out.

Clearly, you don't understand. You can't toss it out. When it first started, I swear I was just like you. I tossed away loads of crap. That evening after I left, my mom pulled it all out of the trash. The stuff I took with me for tossing and recycling, she just re-filled the cleared areas with more crap within days. I'm not even getting into the rage and the crying and the tears and the pleading. I just ignored that the first three months or so, and didn't realize it is some form of a disease or mental issue.

It is my understanding that the hoarder has to be the one to call the shots or it just gets re-filled again. And again.

 

[Sparx]

I just don't believe it is some medical condition. Sorry but just go there and throw the stuff out. I mean the person is not going to have a seizure or die (god forbid!) if someone does it.

When you are talking about children being taken away from parents or people living in horrible conditions, step in and correct it.

My sister stayed in my parents house. My parents passed and the rest of us siblings had to sell the house. We go there and that sister has stuff like a hoarder all over. We got rid of it ALL!. She stayed the 3 months till we sold the house and one of my other sisters went there weekly and purged if there was anything.

I guess my point is that you just get rid of it. If there is no family or someone looking out for them, then sure I understand how it gets and stays that bad. But if you do have guardian family/friends then get in there and clear it out.

your sheer ignorance of the subject is astounding. i don't care if you "believe" in depression, cancer, or post traumatic stress disorder, but they are all real. hoarding is no different.

 

[AustinTink]

I'm surprised to see how many people on the Dis have been touched by hoarding. I honestly had never heard of such a thing until I married my DH and met his step-grandmother. Her house was just as described by others... floor to ceiling papers, unopened boxes, junk. The weirdest thing they found during one of many junk purges was a chicken from 1970 stuck at the bottom of her deep freeze. She said we couldn't toss it because it was the last chicken her mama ever cut up.

Hoarding for her had to do with sentimentality over all else. She held on to things that held special meaning for whatever reason. Even 30 year old chicken.

 

[Handbag Lady]

I'm surprised to see how many people on the Dis have been touched by hoarding. I honestly had never heard of such a thing until I married my DH and met his step-grandmother. Her house was just as described by others... floor to ceiling papers, unopened boxes, junk. The weirdest thing they found during one of many junk purges was a chicken from 1970 stuck at the bottom of her deep freeze. She said we couldn't toss it because it was the last chicken her mama ever cut up.

Hoarding for her had to do with sentimentality over all else. She held on to things that held special meaning for whatever reason. Even 30 year old chicken.

I started a thread here for support a few months ago. I don't know where it went, but there are quite a few relatives of hoarders here. I was looking for others in my same situation and I found it. It was enlightening to find that some of the same stuff my mom collects, that others are also addicted to collecting. My mom's are: plastic cups from McDonald's, empty tubs of butter, square-dancing outfits, quilting squares, and newspapers or newspaper cut-outs. My mom's paper attachment was to cut out comic strips from the daily paper.

When I talk about the show with others, it is amazing to me that many people have never heard of such a thing. Yet, in my research, I've found that there are MANY people who just don't know that their teacher, mailman, grocery store clerk, etc. is a hoarder.

I would LOVE to contact the show, but I know I can't unless my mom wants to be on the show.

 

[momrek06]

I watch the show and it is very sad and disturbing to say the least. For me it is my 82yo Mom. She only started this behavior when she was a Senior. We will go to restaurants and she starts in immediately wrapping in her napkin any extra pats of butter and the rolls...it progresses to the sweetnlow pacs, jelly pacs, napkins, straws.......and what is disturbing is that weeks later the rolls and butter will still be in her very large, very deep purse.

Her house is fine. No problems there as Dad is there and they do keep it very clean BUT Mom's closets are jammmmmmed packed.

She has the dress she wore to my wedding (1980) still hanging in the closet.

She has told all my Sis' she wants to clean all her closets and drawers BUT we are do it when she is not at home. She said she could never be there and watch. It would kill her.

She has a home in Maine for the summer and FL for the winter. She needs to get the closets/drawers in both homes totally cleaned out. I noticed this summer when I was in ME visiting...she is OVERWHELMED by it all BUT yet she does not want to clean it herself.

Two of my Sis' called me last night and they are flying with M&D to FL in Oct when they return for the winter...and Sis' are going to CLEAN all the closets.

I truly believe HOARDING is a mental disorder.