How 2 Help a Hoarder

[@atlanticjem2012]

Thank you!!! Finally! REALISTIC advice!!! Shows like Hoarders are irritating to me because they push the person too hard, too fast, and they pretty much always revert right back to where they started. I have helped hoarders, as has my mom. And the best success we've seen was with the slowest approach without any shaming or pressure to do everything at once. Or even look at everything. By just focusing on one item/collection of items and showing you don't need 15 scissors or 20 nail clippers, the individual could narrow things down easier and realize they didn't need to run to the store every day for things they already had.

[@Mission2Organize]

We're glad you appreciate our advice!! You are doing the world's good work! The people who you help are very lucky that you understand the patience required for success.

[@QueenBDreamwalker]

A valued member of our Community just admitted hoarding, there was an outpouring of Love & assistance when she asked for help! Gratitude for this valuable information 💜🌎

[@Mission2Organize]

This is great news. It's really important that people have a compassionate community behind them when they reach out for help. You are doing good work! 💜

[@donnahannaford6840]

wish you were here in Australia. I've stopped trying to clean my girlfriend's place because there was no point like you said it would just go back to what it was.. the problem now is she has to move house and has 5 weeks to pack it all up, I told her I wouldn't help pack it but I would get her boxes so she could do it, and that I would do tip runs I think u might call them junkyards to get rid of the broken things and anything she wants to throw out that can't be given away.. I am helping on moving day. do u have any advice on what I should do to stay calm and not break my boundaries with her again? Thank you so very much

[@Mission2Organize]

It is a hard situation but it is great that you are willing to try to help her move. Instead of focusing on making her get rid of things, it might be helpful to just help her pack it up. If you see something that you think should really go (i.e. it has mold on it or it is broken and could injure someone) pull it off to the side. Once you have a large pile (don't ask once for each item) tell her this pile of things are too hazardous to take with her. Site her safety and the safety of those helping her pack/unpack. Staying calm is always the best strategy. It is her stuff after all and it is ultimately her decision what stays and what goes.

[@NAPOchicago]

Great advice!

[@Mission2Organize]

+NAPO-Chicago Our city is lucky to have a valuable resource like NAPO Chicago. Thanks for watching and subscribing!

[@atherasmyrthos4539]

This was great, I have been researching "national association of professional organizer" for a while now, and I think this has helped. Ever heard of - Xanmily Yonandon Finder - (should be on google have a look ) ? Ive heard some awesome things about it and my colleague got great results with it.

[@stefankurlak9556]

Sadly most people that hoard don’t want help

[@Mission2Organize]

Stefan, it is true that some people who hoard don't want to change their circumstances unless they absolutely have to. Hoarding is a mental disorder and, like other disorders, it requires the assistance of outside resources.

[@bornofJesusblood]

Today I learned how not to help.