How Hoarding Disorder Can Completely DESTROY a Home

[@landraliebling5699]

I have to be honest, Mack. I used to be pretty judgmental towards people who hoarded before watching your channel and really listening to how you’ve explained this disorder. Now my heart just hurts for those who struggle with this and for all involved. Thank you for opening my eyes and my heart to being compassionate, empathetic, and understanding towards this disorder. You, Jason, and Barbie did a fabulous job, even if the house ended up being uninhabitable in the end. Thank you for being so real. Love your videos and you all so much!!! 🤩🤩🤩🩵🩵🩵👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@thebookwyrmslair6757]

Thank you for listening and growing! ❤ It can break your heart over and over again to hear these stories... and the stories of those who can't / won't / don't seek treatment.

[@jacquiewiegand6323]

Speaking about Autistic burn out. You are at the level where you can **begin to think about retirement,** and can hire people as good as Barbie and your son, or anyone else who wants to get started in this type of business, to do the cleaning while you pay them well, mentor them if they wish to start their own business, and do all the video editing and Voice over, editing because we all love how your talking to us. That's why I continue to watch you vs any other cleaning channel. I love everything you say and even joke about. ♥♥♥

[@nerdygirl857]

You got that right! Right as I'm watching it, I jump up "geesh, I gotta clean my house"..this makes my teeth itch lol

[@SusanaXpeace2u]

Yeh, saw a show on channel 4 (uk) and the hoarders had such sad stories. One, his brother went missing and they never got answers. Another, her mother commit suicide when she was a child. They were living functional lives and their hoarding allowed that. Changed my perspective.

[@dillpicklefig]

What a lot of people don't realize is that hoarding is a form of OCD and is a compulsive maladaptive coping mechanism. I have OCD, not the hoarding subtype, so I can definitely see how someone can be physically unable to stop themselves from the cycle of hoarding. That's why on these hoarding TV shows you see the hoarder crying and panicking over every single item being removed-- they see it as all that work they did to keep back the obsessive thoughts being undone. It's extremely destructive and tragic for those affected by it.

[@IrisWestcott]

I’ve been calling this my scared straight channel. If this doesn’t kick-start your declutterring habit, nothing will.

[@buckeyedav1]

Good way of putting it. I have spent a year decluttering my house a little at a time and finding new homes for things that I realistically am not going to use anymore even if I paid a lot of money for it, if it's not being used it's out... just sold a bike and a generator, both never used for $50.00 to my bil who sells on Marketplace. Generator $500 but I bought it because my husband had to use a CPAP machine he passed away and I'm not so worried about a power failure have other sources for keeping cool in summer and warm in the winter so out it went. To declutter sometimes you just have to be hard core in letting things go that are taking up space. Anna In Ohio

[@Sherry82-43]

@@buckeyedav1Anna, I applaud you. Why do we attach so much emotion to an inanimate object?

[@hildaba-wu1499]

@@buckeyedav1Hi Anna, you are doing so right! Good so👏🏻! All the best from🇩🇪Germany🙋🏼‍♀️

[@onecatshortofcrazy12]

A lot of time I’ll start watching one of these and get up and clean something while I’m watching.

[@JadeDragon407]

And if it doesn't... it's a sign you could use some real help. I know for some, it's physical inability due to injuries/med conditions, but if you're able-bodies and just can't, then there's something going on that needs addressed, which as is said here all the time, the needing/receiving of help should not be a bad thing, but it's just "one of those things", and I continually say that even the "best of us" need help, emotional support or some type of encouragement sometimes because life can get too difficult to handle sometimes, and thus, the caring hug, helping hand or boot in the tail gets us back going.

[@anonananas940]

"Who's that tiny woman stealing all that trash?" 😂😂

[@Betsy-R]

Hilarious!

[@jlaurelc]

Absolute guffaw from me!!

[@ChristyBachman]

😂😂😂😂

[@virginiaw8608]

😂❤

[@morgandeloach1040]

Is that Jason? No, that is not Jason.

[@rhiwlen3290]

Seeing those two little drawers under the bed where the contents were clean and neatly folded made me so sad. It shows that there was a time when the house was not like this, and the resident was not so mentally ill.

[@d.k.s.4057]

I had exactly the same thought!

[@CraigsOverijse]

also the book shelf in the sitting room

[@lisahanson527]

Me too.

[@roadmaster720]

my thought also. really sad that this happens.

[@Dwayne-mb2uj]

Or they were married to a sane person who died .

[@alirpa77]

It’s fun to act like the sounds of you guys talking in high speed is actually the mice complaining that you’re ruining the community they’ve spent years building. 😂😂😂

[@aprilk569]

I do that too! 😂

[@mtaylor2901]

Same for me..😂 🐭 These folks are AMAZING!! Helping all these people and literally making the world a better place!

[@ELWest1000]

I had that same thought when I started watching these. Either that or there are chipmunks helping 😂

[@baswenmakers6846]

You would be surprised how vocal rodents get when you disturb them. I noticed that while doing security rounds at night in gardens.

[@Paulius.Sakalauskas]

11:58 did you notice the mouse running? 😄

[@dollartreetankgirl]

I used to watch Hoarders and other similar shows for the before/after satisfaction. It didnt take long to realize that TLC, A&E, etc were not really helping people, they just capitalize on the drama, do a half assed effort in about 4 days and then leave the family to pick up the pieces. You're ACTUALLY helping people, not just creating an illusion of helping, and thats infinitely more satisfying. And i actually like listening to your narration. Bless you, sir, bless you!

[@Sashazur]

I watched some of those shows and immediately hated the “psychologist” they always brought in. She just kept asking these upset people “How does that make you feel?” and kept pressuring them to cooperate with the cleanout when it was clear they were incapable of coping with anything at all. Clearly many hoarders DO need counseling, but that doesn’t mean serving up platitudes at the exact same time their world is being dismantled. Those shows clearly are just there to be a train wreck that people can’t look away from. I get the same satisfaction from watching these videos, but they don’t make me feel bad in the same way as those TV shows, because in these videos we aren’t being asked to gawk at people who are suffering.

[@janjerge1484]

@dollartreetankgirl - I totally agree. Those shows seem to shame the individual instead of helping them!! And it prevents a viewer from seeking help for fear of being subjected to the same type of abuse!! My mother was the WORST housekeeper, & she passed those non-skills on to me. I was a single-parent who worked 2 & 3 jobs to provide for my child, because my alcoholic ex-husband never paid ONE CENT in child support!! When my daughter started high school, I got a "GREAT job." Big advancement, high-stress, more money than I'd EVER made, but challenging/fulfilling. The perfect job for a Type-A perfectionist I loved it!! The only catch was I worked 65-90 hrs/wk for 6-8 months of the year. I often went 4-5 days straight w/NO sleep!! I sent my daughter to a boarding school - it's what was best for her, I thought. Six years into this "fabulous job," I had a total breakdown; you can only push your body so hard for so long. Human Resources found I had worked nearly 12 years in just over 6 Two years later, my beautiful, barely 23-yr-old daughter committed suicide. Three months after that my widowed mother was diagnosed w/Alzheimer's, & I became her sole caretaker. I've been struggling ever since!! My house is NOTHING like this one (thank God), but I have WAAAY more stuff than I need, limited mobility & no help!! I find these videos extremely helpful.

[@Nick-ue7iw]

Yet I'd you watch the where are they now episodes, a good 2/3rds of them keep the houses nice years afterwards. So clearly, they ARE helping people. Many on the show have resources, either family or money to hire a crew, who can manage to clean these residences otherwise.

[@mkervelegan]

Live around the corner from a hoarder featured on those shows. He loves the celebrity and has metastasized-or shall we say supersized-his hoarding to encompass the entire lot…

[@GippyHappy]

Yeah it got hard to watch when I noticed they push the hoarders too far for the sake of drama and getting it done faster. They spend the whole time shaming them. A relapse is already highly likely for things like this but if you make the process that unpleasant, OF COURSE they're going to go back to their old ways. Mental health isn't focused on, (out side of things like "this lady's husband died and now look at how gross her house is, isn't that terrible? Isn't she crazy?") instead they act like the mess itself is the problem. That's what I like about this channel, he has empathy for the human side of it while also providing practical help in a non traumatic way.

[@junoantaresofficial]

My favorite part of these is hearing the little chipmunk voices, especially the little tiny laughs. I don't know why, I just love it.

[@gamingmama360]

You can pretend they are teeny tiny people cleaning a teeny tiny house.

[@leekalba]

they make me think of that one bit from Spaceballs

[@millerkiller6496]

They sound like pikmin

[@pamelaharris8480]

We need a little comic relief. Sad story.

[@eminempreg]

I had this one while driving (it was the last thing I watched and it started playing automatically once my phone connected to my car). I was so in the zone I didn't realize it was playing until it clicked that I was going 60 down the highway hearing chipmunk noises.

[@roseanncoffman-davis8485]

I work in a nursing home and just recently admitted a couple that lived in a house like this. He had been in the hospital for about 3 months, but the son found the house in the condition and the woman was living in it. He got a dumpster and spent a week and only accomplished paths through the house. Stray cats had gotten in and were living amongst it as well. They will be just demolishing that home, which is not even paid for. Mental illness is just so sad.

[@roseanncoffman-davis8485]

@@moon-moth1 they did get the cats out. Her son made sure of that.

[@elizarock655]

Heartbreaking that at the same time somewhere there’s a family in need of a home while there’s houses being destroyed. Tragic all round.

[@LisaLeewood]

It is very sad. Mack, Barbie and Jason are true heroes for what they do. For all the damaged this home sustained, will it probably be destroyed?

[@Algorithm_work_your_magic]

@@LisaLeewood it would cost more to repair than to start from zero

[@Nancy-td9xh]

I pray that everyone involved in your wife’s care be extraordinarily talented, gentle and kind.

[@roseanncoffman-davis8485]

You ask Barbie “Are you going to open that fridge?” And her being the beast she is was like CHALLENGE ACCEPTED! 🤣🤣🤣

[@donnaflagg333]

Ikr - she’s so amazing she brings tears to my eyes.

[@JadeDragon407]

"Don't threaten me with a good time!!" >>:=p

[@jenniferyoung7818]

😂😂😂

[@smartchikchick]

I just know that the “NOOOO” was in slow motion with a hand thrown out dramatically

[@onecatshortofcrazy12]

You guys are still amazing!

[@twizler2506]

I have one room in my home that’s become absolutely hoarded with trash and other clothes, toys, everything me and my mother decided to “keep for next season”.. it was no one persons fault but I am the only one ready to clean it. Yesterday I found your channel, for 8 hours combined with little to no breaks, I’ve watched your videos and thrown EVERYTHING OUT. The mold in the room scares me but I grabbed a bunch of N95 masks, gloves and garbage bags. I plan on moving out soon and I refuse to leave my mom with the mess. Thank you for motivating me

[@jeanmccallum-xs8rk]

Did you get it done?

[@nattycasper2022]

This terrifies me because several members of my family were/are hoarders. I clean like someone obsessed once per month. However, when depressed, I do nothing and get really sloppy. I have had several discussions with my adult children about this being a fear for me. Your videos help motivate me in my depression periods. Thank you.

[@redwitch12]

@@moon-moth1 My rule for myself is that I must do at least one chore or part of a chore per day. Even if it's something relatively minor and simple, like cleaning and wiping down the bathroom sink counter or the kitchen counters, or sweeping the kitchen floor, or vacuuming without moving anything around to get behind/under it. Sometimes it starts my mental engine and I decide to go farther and do more, circling out from the counter to the rest of the room, or having a "quick" vacuum evolve into a "move things, get into the crevices and behind stuff" session. I tend to keep a fairly tidy house anyway, without a lot of clutter, but being in southern Arizona means that the dust gets insane.

[@eembers]

Something I try to do during my own depressive periods is to keep wet wipes and a carrier bag in every room I regularly use so that I can at least make sure I stay on top of trash and spills. I might not have the energy to sort out my floordrobe situation, but at least nothing gets too stinky or unsanitary. Wishing you luck keeping on top of things 🫂❤️

[@soniccookie655]

These are some good tips, another of mine is keep way too many trash cans. Can’t take out the trash bag, but can tie it closed? Well, you can stack them and wait for a relative to help. If there if a trash can within a few feet that you are able to use, it’s less likely things will end up on the floor or counters.

[@calisongbird]

@@eembers “floordrobe” 😂😂I’ve never seen that, that’s funny

[@luigivincenz3843]

my older brother is a chronic hoarder. It came to a point where the fire department was called in. I sort of had this mental condition and my GF's intervention to just sell the stuff on Ebay made it for me.

[@mayammink]

Respect to you … cleaning a house that smells like that in 100 degree heat. I would run away after a few minutes

[@mlilac]

lol I would run away without even entering

[@wolfe6220]

​@@mlilacYou could probably smell it 1/4 mile away when the breeze shifted.

[@force311999]

being that it is a trailer it must be hot as hell in that thing

[@guhrizzlybaire]

@@wolfe6220I live about 2 miles from the dump in my city and dang when the breeze shifts just right, it smells like death 🤢🤢🤢

[@hattiem.7966]

I would as I have a strong nose.​@@wolfe6220

[@Novanomadmac]

I used to live like this when I was 19 to 22. I’m 24 now and my home is spotless my mental health is much better. Just keep going, takes time but get help. Don’t be ashamed, it’s more common than you think.

[@l337pwnage]

This place has nothing on my old Frat house, lol. I had to help with one of the "spring cleanings" and I almost threw up a couple times. A lot of young people live like pigs at first, but then get sick of it. Often it is a case of many people living together and nobody wants to pick up someone else's trash.

[@MangoCitizen]

Stop lying! This is a certified garbage dump. Anybody living there wouldn't survive a month. That person would die of multiple diseases!

[@melissat9586]

Growing up, I had a friend whose house looked like this until it was foreclosed on. There were hills of trash taller than I was, and I was about five feet tall the last time I was in that house. We would clean after school enough so that we could make dinner for her younger sibling. The kitchen stayed sanitary because of our efforts. This video brought me to tears, and I have been following this channel for a while now without such a strong response. It is a great thing you are doing ❤️

[@juliewright1895]

I love what you did for your friend. You probably made your friend feel very valued. He or she probably appreciated your efforts more than you can ever imagine…a true friend! ❤

[@samtakhandhia1012]

Hats off to MMC, Barbie, Bonnie, Auri and anyone else that has the balls to tackle these houses. You deserve all the success and recognition for what you do to help these folk.

[@februerin]

I just gotta say, I deeply appreciate Jason's method of turning the trash can on its side and just scooping the trash into it. It's so effective and makes my brain go brrrr in the good way!

[@ChocolateRaisins]

I was fully expecting him to continue with that scooping method and pick up the can to dump it into a bag. I imagine that would be so much easier than constantly fussing with the floppy opening of a bag.

[@Purdey921]

It reminded me of a dog digging a hole. 😊 Whatever works is great!

[@EileenMeehan-q4g]

I think of that as Jason going all honey badger!

[@soniccookie655]

I use that technique too, very effective and kind of fun!

[@WendyLemontree]

Same!

[@Luipaard005]

Your description of the smell reminds me of an article I read about a Japanese company that specialized in cleaning up homes where elderly Japanese adults had died. Most of the time they had died tragically alone. The owner of the company shaved his head eventually because getting the smell of decay out of his hair was such a hassle. Thank you for everything you guys do.

[@palomitapalomita7866]

I've seen videos about this guy! I think he started the company after his family went through the same thing.

[@1TalldrinkH2O]

I saw that channel too. I've learned so much.

[@ginnydare13]

​@1TalldrinkH2O what's the channel?

[@1TalldrinkH2O]

@@ginnydare13 The channel KansaiCleanService will show alot. If you look up lonely deaths in Japan on KZbin you will see more than I thought was allowed. One of the things I really appreciated about some of these channels is they were very respectful of the deceased. Wishing you good health and faithful people who will be there for you in your time of need. I wish I could retro wish this on those lonely deaths in the video. 💐

[@callie6132]

I’m 50 and was diagnosed with autism 2 years ago. I’ve just recently started learning about autistic burnout and suddenly my whole life makes sense. Thanks for the education, humor, and empathy you provide on your channel. Peace and blessings to your family.

[@kathym5337]

Very similar here. Thank you Mack!

[@seven471]

How did you get diagnosed? I've thought I'm on the spectrum for years.

[@jlaurelc]

Very similar here too

[@writer_jane4912]

​@@seven471 We're currently in the process of getting my husband a formal diagnosis. We're working with a local psychologist. Talk to your primary care doctor if you have one and see if they have someone to refer you to.

[@Katie-wj3yw]

@@seven471 I found a psychiatrist that specializes in autism and ADD and booked an appointment and she put me through a series of testing to determine where I was at. It was expensive even with insurance; my portion was well over $600.

[@dougEdoug169]

12:00 you can see a mouse run across the floor while Barbie is picking up some trash. It isn't always obvious in the videos but most of the time these houses are STILL infested while they are cleaning them! You guys are awesome, thank you for the motivation and thank you for shining a light on some of the aspects that the TV shows don't really touch on.

[@nikkisowell3263]

I love how nonchalant she is about it. I would be running and screaming.

[@l.baughman1445]

Yeah! in the fast forward saw this blur...rewind...slow it down to -25 speed and it's normal and first Barbie points at the mouse. "You. Out." moves sofa...mouse runs...

[@JT1569-d8H]

When she moves the Green couch, rats scurry

[@FranchiseCityOnline]

And 27:33 mouse behind the couch

[@MidwestMagicCleaning]

@FranchiseCityOnline Yeah, there are at least 4 in the video.

[@DJdoppIer]

That bit about the fridge is on-point as all hell. I once came across a mini-fridge on the side of the road next to a house that looked to have been recently renovated. Went to take a look, and the outside of it was in great condition. I opened that pandora's box and the smell made me fall on my butt and vomit onto my pants before I could even register what happened. I couldn't even see what was inside because of the thousands of maggots. I vomited 2 more times as I attempted to crawl away from the stench as my legs initially refused to work. That was the single worst smell I have ever encountered. I can't even describe it without feeling nauseous to this day.

[@alikatt]

Clean with Barbie is incredible! She's the only therapist that shows up with garbage bags and a broom 😊

[@SILSpring]

And a Scrub Daddy!

[@sisutytto2563]

@@SILSpring And black rubber gloves that she smacks right in your face and says go,go,go😁😅💪👏.

[@catlover281]

@@SILSpringscrub daddy ain’t gonna be happy after being put through all of that hell

[@frelnc]

And works like a trooper. She's amazing.

[@svitlanakamsha1305]

В этом случае, похоже, нужны и грабли😢

[@brandywineblogger1411]

I truly had to force myself to watch this. It's not only the filth, that even an animal in the wild wouldn't live in, but the severity and depth of the mental illness. And there was a Jacuzzi in the bathroom! It must have been a nice home at one time. Mental illness is the last taboo in our country. It's still not spoken of or acknowledged even in families. I pray to God this person is in a good, compassionate, mental facility or hospital. I cannot even imagine the condition of their lungs, skin and stomach, let alone their mind. Mack, Jason and Barbie - May God bless you all abundantly for your works of mercy and bringing mental illness into the light. Amen!

[@YYYRealit]

A a Canadian I can tell you NO moose would enter this house. It is very sad to know people live like this.

[@bonnafide2606]

​@@YYYRealitMoose are really intelligent 😂😂😂 Bless their hearts!

[@tully6648]

"It must have been a nice home at one time." Every time I watch these videos, I wonder about how things were like when the people there first moved in. The first boxes unpacked, the first meals, discovering all the little things about the house. Thinking about how there must have been some happy memories there... It gets to me.

[@roxanaconception]

Another point to connect is what is not spoken about, is the darkness (the devil) that lurks in this world to deceive and destroy our souls.

[@brandywineblogger1411]

@@roxanaconception Yes, we pray the prayer to St. Michael at every Mass. 🙏

[@piastewart1974]

The education you provide is eye-opening. No sugar coating, no cute stuff. Agencies who provide assistance should be using these videos to plead for financial support from government. If only you could capture the smell, that would seal the deal. Thank you for doing this. You, Jason, and Barbie (whose channel I watch regularly). You’re all heroes

[@BeeWhistler]

Oh, all they need to do is bundle up their shoes and maybe clothes into a sealed bag and bring that to the meeting. That might give them a hint of the aroma.

[@emilysurany3468]

❤

[@evil1by1]

The problem isn't financial its between the ears. All the money in the world won't help people who feel every soiled diaper is as precious as a child. It doesnt respond well to medication and even if it did its very hard to force someone to take psychiatric meds against their will. You cant make them participate in therapy and if they aren't ready its like talking to a brick wall anyway. You cant forcibly clean their house either because 1) people have rights 2) it would backfire anyway. Tossing a hoarders possessions forcibly just entrenches the hoarder further and makes treatment harder and less likely. So from where I stand theres nowhere in this problem where money helps unless its the case of mental health being underfunded as a whole.

[@piastewart1974]

@@evil1by1 of course money alone will not address the illness of hoarding. Agencies that provide psychological therapy to help the individual with their issues that are likely the underlying cause(s) is where the finances are needed, more trained professionals.

[@kellysweeney3842]

I had been feeling super overwhelmed by my clutter, which I felt was hoarding...but this makes me realize that there is hope for me. I've got tons of books and stationery and craft supplies everywhere. But I don't have THAT. Not anything even remotely like that. There is hope for me. You've helped me realize that and gotten me jolted out of my inertia, I think. Thank you for that, and thank you for helping people! Judging doesn't do anything positive for anyone. Being compassionate and having empathy are priceless qualities and I appreciate a channel that doesn't make me feel like I'm worth less than the clutter on my counters because I am "lazy". ❤

[@claireh.7605]

I grew up in a house similar to this, but only like 30% as bad. From the person living in it, it feels IMPOSSIBLE to change. You do a couple of things, then run of energy and just collapse. But in a clean apartment, same person can function normally.

[@SelfAbridged]

Thank you for your content. I've had a bout of depression for the last ~week. I had your voice in my head and decided to fold laundry, work out, shower, and generally just do semi-brainless tasks when I found the energy for them. Today, my mental fog has lifted, my laundry is folded, and my quads are sore.

[@LadyPelikan]

How did the moose do in the laundry?

[@meenakshi6344]

Glad to hear you are better. I applaud your effort.

[@zumeybear6883]

Buttocks? TOIGHT. 🍑 😂❤

[@plumislands]

"i remained clothed during this cleaning almost the entire time" 😭😭

[@cmajor5605]

Barbie is the Hungarian Hammer! My body ached and lungs burned in empathy while watching this video. I appreciate the description of the stages of decay in a house caused by this level of mess. These types of videos emphasize the need for more mental health care in North America.

[@jhund81001]

If you've ever worked with the mentally ill, you'll notice that even in places like mental hospitals, patients will still attempt to hoard things. Which they will get angry if you ever try to clean up. It becomes a balance of what needs to be cleaned vs what they're allowed to keep for their own comfort. Great job btw!

[@paulaf8999]

Yes I did hospital work for decades and there were plenty of of patients that would try to hoard hospital food even in there. I’d have to get salads and plates of food out of the bedside table. They’d be upset of course but it simply was not allowed because it was so unsanitary

[@brandond.734]

The crazy thing about this hoard is the fact that there is very few "recognizable" items. Usually hoards you can see some level of "order" if that makes sense, a collection of magazines, tons of dishes, collection of soda cans, clothes, dishes, etc. But this is just completely the opposite... It's awesome what you do and makes me want to do the same type of thing someday, I like cleaning to a certain degree and seeing you make something go from disorder to order is inspiring, and I appreciate you uploading these videos, I watch them regularly, and I love the jokes and the empathy you display, thank you! ❤

[@HollowShel]

"I don't put up with non-subscribing, disco dancing devil worshippers, that's not how I roll" it's not the disco dancing and devil worshipping that's the problem, it's the non-subscribing that's beyond the pale. 😆 Sheer poetry, my dude. You rock.

[@colonelleo4101]

As a raver I paused, laughed and subscribed 🎉.

[@zombiedoggie2732]

Subscribing and watching their videos helps them fund their acts of kindness.

[@anitacraighead7038]

Some of us are on disability and can't afford to donate...but I do pray for him and his family.

[@zombiedoggie2732]

@@anitacraighead7038 Yes best we can do is watch his videos, and provide moral support.

[@ineedsunshine]

​@@anitacraighead7038Subscribing and becoming a member are two different things. I am on disability and I subscribe to the channel & watch the videos. I hope it provides minimal support without actually becoming a (donating) channel member.

[@MGates-k9z]

OMG..."it was so bad that when we got done, we just left Jason there"... I fell off my chair laughing so hard! Freakin HYSTERICAL!! I literally laughed out loud for a solid 2 minutes...no joke!! Sick sense of humor...and I LIKE IT!!

[@haysmom25]

Barbie is truly magnificent! The way she dragged that huge chair out of the house was spectacular! You all are amazing!

[@Sandy-ju1iu]

The saddest thing to me is how these folks who are hoarding at this level feel they're sitting on treasure. That, I think, is the worst thing about mental illness; that deception. They thought they were rich, but they were desperately poor.

[@lohphat]

Pro tip. The cleaning crew for my late uncles place used 50 gal Rubbermaid trash cans, screwed dolly casters to the bottom and used the huge thick lawn and leaf bags stretched around the rim. They just used snow shovels as you did. One persons job was just to rotate out the full bags so the shoveler could just keep going. Handholding those flimsy bags slows you down. It still took 3 full days of constant work.

[@SuthrnGent-t1c]

Actually you can get dollys for the bottoms of those 50 gal. trash cans made specifically for them. Any restaurant supply will most likely have them, or will know who to put you in touch with to get restaurant grade supplies that will last much longer than anything else you can buy retail. It’s expensive as heck, but you won’t be replacing it every year or two.

[@Erichwanh]

Ma was a hoarder. Not "episode of a show" worthy, but pretty close. It's hard to watch shows like this sometimes because it triggers memories, but I'm glad you frame it in the way you do. That helps, Mack. Hoping your inner peace is well today. ... (It's my birthday today. I scream into the void every now and again, just to see who's there.)

[@alikatt]

Happy Birthday!!

[@sharong8511]

Happy Birthday Eric. May you have a beautiful and blessed day today. 💙🙏💙

[@ZarpeParadise]

Happy HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

[@dovie2blue]

Happy birthday to you!!🎉🥰

[@adoxartist1258]

Happy birthday! 🎉

[@susielynch8330]

Barbie doesn't let things get in her way. She moved that chair and couch like it wasn't even heavy. She didn't even flinch when a mouse popped out. You guys are amazing, and most people wouldn't even think of doing what you do. Keep getting better and remember to put you and your health first.

[@RoseStrohm]

"i'd be a supervillain. There's no crime in the area I live in so I'd just have to create some" I love this channel so much

[@marjoriejohnson4559]

I wonder if all super heroes sometimes turn villain to stir things up so they can do their super hero schtick. Hmmm. Most of the crime in Illinois IS in Chicago, so I never go there anymore.😢

[@laurieweinberg353]

Thank you for your previous comments regarding the critics and judgers of people with chronic and complex health issues that make it difficult to move and to feel productive. I hear it from my own mother on a regular basis. It must be nice to be perfect and have no real challenges in your life. Appreciate the help, hope and dignity you offer folks like me who can't have anyone in my house because it is unkept.

[@allisone7472]

Confession time: I'm a pack rat and a messy housekeeper. I love videos like this because it motivates me to do a little bit more cleaning than I might have done without it. I appreciate the compassion and respect you guys show these individuals. You make big jobs like this seem within reach😊

[@AZHITW]

They way you spoke of your dad makes me think your relationship wasn't the best, I too had a father who saw nothing in my future but married barefoot and pregnant. He was wrong, but getting over the mental hurdles built in childhood is daunting. Thanks for keeping it real.

[@maryannanderson2213]

I was raised in a small town and there were houses that smelled so bad that you could literally smell them from the road in front of the house. He was right to say that the smell is indescribable. It's not just nasty smelling stuff. It's nasty smelling stuff that has been sitting a long time and is now OLD smelling nasty stuff. The children who lived in those houses came to school with that smell permeating their clothing and their hair and their bodies so that no one could stand to be around them. Very sad.

[@sarahholland2600]

That's so sad. Why did no-one call CPS? Teachers are mandatory reporters under child safeguarding law.

[@marywiggins7411]

Yes, unfortunately in grade school there was a family like that, it was so sad. They were teased terribly. 😢

[@maryannanderson2213]

@@sarahholland2600 I'm not sure CPS existed back then. This was in the 60's and if CPS was a thing I certainly had never heard of it.

[@sarahholland2600]

@@maryannanderson2213I'm sure there was something then, as I watched a documentary on US children removed to an abusive childrens home in the 50's , by social services , then many being murdered & put in unmarked graves. The name of the home has escaped me. But the doc is on You Tube. The thumbnail is a b/w pic of several boys, with the staff, in front of the home.

[@chickadeeacres3864]

@@sarahholland2600doesn’t sound like child protective services does it?

[@CookwitchCreations]

So sad to see a life and a home left in such tatters. Thank you to you all, my super people!

[@cindland]

Yes, the amount of time and therefore neglect that was allowed to develop to this level. It’s pure horror.

[@yewdiva205]

Thank you for always having so much compassion for the health issues that lead to homes being in this state, and for spreading awareness without judgement. My dad was a hoarder. We had a 1-ft wide path through our house, and in some places the junk was piled higher than my head. I never learned how to clean or to have a healthy relationship with my possessions--oscillating between hoarding and purging, both to an unhealthy degree. Combined with autism, adhd, and depression, keeping my own space from looking this way is a daily struggle for me. I taught myself to clean well, but decluttering and organizing are both very difficult. Today, I'm blessed with a husband who is a true partner in all parts of life. He has never tried to "fix" me. He has never shamed me for my chaos piles. Instead, he works alongside me so that I can learn and practice without feeling overwhelmed. This video hits extra hard for me today because we're having one of our periodic "cleaning dates" this afternoon where we put on irresponsibly loud music, divide up our house into sections, and go until we're both tired. He gets an extra pair of hands to move furniture and wash dishes, I get a trusted opinion to help me decide what I should (or shouldn't) let go of, and together we curate a space we're both proud to call home. To anyone who's read this far and needs to hear it: You are not alone in your struggle, and you are not lazy. Please ask for the help you need and keep fighting for your wellbeing, and don't panic about being "bad" or "getting it wrong." Cleaning is a skill that can be learned, habits can be broken and remade, and I promise it's worth fighting for your wellbeing.

[@Elizamcculloe]

Dude you totally crack me up!! If you inhale a moose into your lungs😂😂😂!! I’m a Respiratory Therapist in Central Ohio I totally know what you’re talking about!! Keep up the good work so many people suffering with all the mental illness’s help is so needed! My mom’s a bit of a hoarder and she’s got the beginning of dementia. I need all the prayers everyone can send my way!!

[@marsketti]

I appreciate you setting boundaries and saying "this was too much", being informative about the channel, as well as what you do and why and what others *shouldn't* do when cleaning in these environments. Most importantly is that you take care! Stay safe and good luck with the upcoming surgery.

[@brianne8258]

As a Public Health Professional thank you so much for warning people about the disease that can happen without training & extreme caution.

[@mallets4lyfe]

I love it when you collab with Bonnie and Barbie. The three of you are freaking rockstars

[@susiepattinson3031]

This is heartbreaking. What always amazes me is how once these homes are cleared you can see how cozy and homely they could have been for the inhabitants had they not had their terrible depressions and disorders. I commend you for your understanding. and work to assist them. THANKYOU. from sydney australia.🧡🧡🧡🧡🧡

[@tishbowman2990]

My mother in law was a hoarder. I lived next door to her. I would periodically go to her house and declutter and clean. Only 4 rooms though. She wouldn't let me touch her basement or three bedrooms. You couldnt get the doors open to get in there anyway. I was amazed how quickly she would clutter her one bathroom, livingroom, dining room and kitchen. I'm talking pathways in a few months time. To meet her you would never know she had issues. She kept herself immaculate.

[@bonessasan]

Having had heat exhaustion a couple times (without moving on to a full heat stroke I don't think) I can say that's pretty dang close to the sickest I've ever felt. Did I feel like I was gonna die? Not quite, but I was worried it was a possibility. That the three of you help in these situations for free is already impressive, but that you do it with compassion rather than judgment is really heartening in a world that can seem more awful than not. Edit: I hope all goes well with your wife's surgery!

[@kellyngrey4950]

Yep. Couple weeks ago I was moving out and I got heat exhaustion. It came on real quick, too! I can't imagine being in that house with that heat and humidity. Them three were a powerhouse!

[@solitarelee6200]

I did have heat stroke as a kid and I went temporarily blind. No good! 😂

[@suewright984]

I fainted from heat exhaustion. Serious business.

[@albranch1]

Hey Mack! Sending prayers to your wife and family. May the Lord guide the hands of the surgeon and His Wisdom undergird this surgery and His Touch be with her throughout her recuperation and recovery!

[@RedArrowTinker]

@@albranch1 Amen!

[@CatsCrazyWorld]

Looks like the trailer I moved out of. I had went blind in both eyes with cataracts, Bed bug infestation, and a tree limb grew thru the roof of it caving in the ceiling. There was all kinds of mold, fungus and some stuff I can't mention as well as rotting walls. Rats nests and their debris. The county Health Department and no one would help. The yard was so overgrown I couldn't walk in it. We also had cats! Go figure. We both got to where just tossing the trash behind us was favorable compared to me walking on the broken deck to take it out to the road BLIND! No longer so I still struggle with some things. But I am making it!

[@donnaflagg333]

You are in my prayers today and every day hence. 💚☘️💚

[@RoseStrohm]

Our country is so broken when we can't even help citizens who are blind and living in rotting trailers

[@junedunne]

How did you finally get out? Did a family member help? 😢🫂

[@kileanazad5971]

Bless you for your ability to recognise you needed help. I will forever be praying for you.

[@force311999]

funny i figured out it was a trailer by the paneling walls and the kitchen sink layout that is so common along with the thin aluminum windows bet it was a hot box in there

[@nuz8822]

As someone who struggles with depression and staying organized, I really appreciate what you do. I've never been to the level that you see, but I can understand how that happens. People don't understand how difficult it is to break free.

[@ingerfalch-jacobsen1717]

It's not hard to see why your channel has gotten half a million subscribers in such a short time. Your storytelling is amazing. You're hitting all the emotional buttons, for a wide range of viewers, using both compassion and jokes. Excellent filming and editing, perfect balance between real time and sped up, conflict and resolution. No distracting sounds and imagery. It's just you, your hard work, that's all, but it's a lot, and that's enough. And I love your voice.

[@PLNK2024]

So thankful my OCD is geared toward over cleaning and germophobia. I know some folks have an OCD geared toward hoarding and I can't imagine how hard that is.

[@the_coalheart]

well, you and your channel saved me from major stuff. Discovered your channel, something clicked in me and after roughly a year or so BAM, autistic, grade 1. Now waiting on the results on ADHD to come back as well. And your methods for cleaning and avoid clutter building nonstop around oneself? Those really made a difference, my desk and work area been tidy for a full two months as of today. So yeah, we discovered depression was not the issue but an autistic burnout but as autism was not diagnosed... yeah you get the idea. Thanks again! FOREVER

[@sherrym5556]

Same.. at 58 😡🥺 So many women were misdiagnosed for years and years 4 depression n anxiety when it was autism the whole time.

[@the_coalheart]

@@sherrym5556 45 here...

[@Cello-Pam]

Sometimes it's lovely to have a label!

[@alanbirkner1958]

July 2024. A woman's house was literally scheduled for demolition and the basement was flooded by a river. She sat eating 3 year old ( at least) candy and I tried to help her save her beautiful antique dishes. She was concerned about her out of date cosmetics and her bathtub full of shoes. I used to help ( and still do) people sort and declutter for free. I enjoy sorting. Near O'Hare airport. Tina, Al's wife

[@cathyprosser1050]

Also, sending best wishes for Emily's surgery that all goes really well and that her recovery goes as smoothly as possible. Love to her, and to Mack and Jason and any others who will be picking up extra duties as Emily recovers ❤ 🙏

[@i0love0Reba0McEntire]

I think your tism is your biggest strength. You are incredibly knowledgeable on hoarding disorder, you have an impeccable cleaning method, and your dead pan humor is 10/10. Love watching your videos. Oh and Jason = Filth

[@karyannfontaine8757]

I hope al goes well for your wife's surgery. You deserve a million subscribers and more. I appreciate your personality, what you say and do. Credit to the people who help you with these projects. All of you are good people.

[@nhnnj]

i saw an episode of hoarders where sisters were left with their late parents' home. on one level, there were thousands and thousands of books stacked on each other. there were so many that the house was no longer safe to be in because of how weak it left the floors. they spent so much of the episode trying to make sure that no one would fall through the floors. they were even having structural issues with the beams in the basement! idk much about the structural integrity of homes, so hopefully i worded it right 😅

[@andrewbrendan1579]

I have a book issue myself and have to monitor myself to avoid going from having a home library to having a hoard. I'd like to see the "Hoarders" episode you mentioned. Do you happen to recall what season or episode? I once read a collection of the letter of the author Virginia Woolf and she wrote to a friend about how she and her husband had so many books in their house that the landlord had to put in some kind of iron pillar in the basement to strengthen the floor because the weight of the books was putting a strain on the structure of the house. I've been haunted by that for years!

[@justbecause9049]

@@andrewbrendan1579 I love books, and love to read, but lately I have been giving books away. It makes me feel better to have space to grow. You can keep a list of books you’ve read and keep the ones you need for reference, or vintage first editions. Otherwise, they are taking up space you can be using for other things, like letting your soul spread out and relax in a space.

[@Brandi62]

This is one house that may have looked better before the clean up. At least the stuff on top hid the nastiness underneath.

[@sheelfjohnson]

​@@justbecause9049I am loving ebooks on our library app now. I already have too many physical books from my years working at a used bookstore!

[@zoraidita2022]

I remember her she was a little person. She was a bookworm and I loved her personality.

[@Snewpy12]

I want to say thank you for all you do. I appreciate the in-depth explanations of how mental health can lead to living conditions, just like this video. A year ago, I lost my mother, I lived several states away from her, and I had no idea the true condition of her home. My mother suffered some very traumatic health issues, and the state of her home was indescribable and heartbreaking. I struggled with understanding how it got to be that way, and I found your channel. You have helped me understand what she was going through and how difficult it would have been for her to ask for help. Your knowledge has allowed me to see things in a different light, and has helped me heal.

[@beckygoley714]

The more I watch these videos I want to be a minimalist. I just hate clutter and filth. Except Jason I love him!

[@kileanazad5971]

Yeah this. Was actually slowly getting rid of stuff. Or so I thought lol. I looked into my husbands garage just two days ago and wham! He “rescued” all the stuff I’d been tossing! We are currently in negotiations as what he can keep 😂😂😂😂

[@mothwaltz4163]

​@@kileanazad5971😅

[@user-yn7on7ou8n]

Love Jason ❤ and Mack 🙂

[@ElmerBaez-f5m]

I subscribed because I am a Houseman. I've been cleaning home, hotels, airbibs, and commercial properties for 40 years. We are all mental health, conscious people.I have a neighbor that is a hoarder. It breaks my heart!!!

[@tarhabrown8038]

Thank you so much for all that you do. I absolutely love your videos. I love that you spend your time helping these people that need you. I love the strong messages and the informative videos. Please take care of yourself too! I’m glad that you took time off 🥰

[@cleopatracatra2097]

You three are a God send. What you did is nothing short of amazing and as always you never said one unkind word or made any judgement against the person who ended up in this tragic situation. We could all learn from you how to be compassionate toward others!

[@RosemaryAmey]

Hi, Crunch! I hope you recover soon from the autistic burnout and that your wife's surgery goes smoothly. Thanks for everything you do.

[@kirajones8920]

It’s heartbreaking that so many people suffer living like this. ❤

[@janjerge1484]

I want to thank you for these videos!! I find them extremely helpful & enlightening!! I felt such a surge of appreciation & hope when you mentioned that you don't report these people to Adult Protection Services!! I'm someone struggling w/clutter accumulation after YEARS of working INSANE hours at a job requiring absolute accuracy, followed by losses & years of isolation as the sole caregiver of a parent w/Alzheimer's. When your house becomes messy, the natural instinct is to withdraw further lest someone sees & judges you for your failure!! I'm SO proud of you for your compassion, understanding & generosity!! I'm also envious of your talent & energy. I wish you lived closer to me!! May GOD continue to give you the strength to share, & may HE bless you abundantly!!

[@mtoboekid11mouse88]

I can't imagine what being in this was like in person. What a compassionate thing to do - this is a situation many, myself included, would have simply said was beyond saving. The amount of work that will have to be done to make that place safe again - I dont even know if thats possible, regardless of tearing out foundations and more. At a certain point, it just seems a lost cause - but you guys gave these folks the best chance you could of having a way forward. Gratitude and admiration from the west coast!

[@Gigi_Ann]

You all are super amazing for doing this! Barbie, Mack and Jason ❤❤❤

[@claudiaduke6189]

This was an incredible endeavor. I applaud you for helping these people. I live in a 240 sq ft camper and even if one thing is out of place it looks cluttered. You have inspired me to get up and wash my dishes. I know I should do them more often but it's just me living here so I tend to wash as the dishpan fills up. Thanks for all you Jason and Barbie have done.

[@buckeyedav1]

If you are able you might consider buying paper plates and bowls I know while I like doing dishes, I hate putting them away and have given myself permission to just go with what works for me. Some of my older neighbors like myself are also giving ourselves that permission. Of course I still have pots and pans to clean but I try to bulk cook like cooking 4 hamburgers at one time and freezing what I don't use so all I have to do is reheat later, same with soups etc but I don't live in quite a small home, mine is 672 square feet but yes as I get older paper houseware does have some appeal.. I live alone. Anna In Ohio

[@claudiaduke6189]

Most of my dishes are from cooking large meals and freezing. I reheat and eat out of the containers. Although the containers are labeled disposable I don't like throwing them away because they are reusable. It's less that I have to take to the dumpsters. I do throw them away as needed.

[@wildwolfgifts]

I'm a big fan of the videos. I mainly listen to them while I work and they keep me from stressing out. My husband thinks this is nuts - but it's somehow very calming. Keep up the great work and thank you for being so kind to the hoarders out there. I understand how destructive depression is.

[@AEStaley1]

Damn those itty bitty moose! What a sad house. Thank you Mack, Jason and Barbie. (I saw that tiny moose (mouse) at 11:57!) Bless you all for getting this to the point where someone can get in there and restore this place. It would be great for a family to take it over after renovation.

[@danoyse8233]

This is incredible. As a community nurse, I have on occasion visited a patient and realized hoarding happening. Mentally ill patients to this extreme is a whole different level and seen less so. I hope anyone living like this gets the help they so badly need. Great that you guys are doing this work. Be safe.

[@rebeccaashton5390]

I adore you three. Only Barbie would drive that far to help clean that house. All of you deserve hugs, so I'm sending virtual hugs() to you. Hugs to Emily also, wish her a speedy recovery. No sweat on getting videos out, we want you both to be well. I'm not going anywhere, and will be eagerly awaiting my next therapy session with Mack. ❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@calumdennis9970]

im glad smell-o-vision doesnt exist.....

[@cathyprosser1050]

Me too!!

[@TheCaptaininsaino]

I was watching one of these videos when the camera panned down to a disgusting pile of adult diapers and I gagged as the smell hit me. I thought WTF? and then realized my old dog, who was sleeping by my feet, had just farted.

[@junedunne]

​@@TheCaptaininsaino😂😂😂

[@angelabranson363]

👏 amen

[@angelabranson363]

​@@TheCaptaininsaino😂😂😂

[@aleli91702]

As some other commenters have said, this is also my "scared straight" channel. My mom's a hoarder and even though she's gotten better in some ways, she still struggles. Love the work you and your family do. I almost want to do this for free too because I work in restoration, and we work a lot in senior citizen communities, and it makes me so sad to see them be lonely and in distress, living in their home that they can't keep up with. Lots of times, we're doing water damage in their bathrooms, and I sneak in some extra toilet and counter cleanings. PS. have watched you guys a lot and can you please, please tell Jason to bend his knees and just squat a little when he's picking up things. This is just a tip coming from someone that also cleans for a living and with 4 herniated discs. Keep it up and thank you for what you do for your community, and for us, the youtube community, for teaching us about compassion.

[@MissingRaptor]

With the way you aid people, you're already a hero. Especially to the people you're helping

[@karenhutchison9274]

You are an amazing person to help people who are not able to help themselves. Jason is not only amazing, but a treasure. Please know that you're a gift to your community and KZbin. Tyvm for sharing

[@karenfisher4170]

@8:40 thank you for your advice about tearing out the carpet. I’ve had a very difficult time convincing a homeowner that her 19 years old pet stained never cleaned carpet can Not Be Cleaned Now.

[@jenniegoodnature6036]

I'm going to need a Devil Worshipping-Disco Dancing t-shirt. Please and Thank you!

[@YunuPolsen]

YES, please & thank you!!

[@smontone]

I second this if it has an image of a moose doing the disco dancing

[@kareninker4474]

Oh yeah !! Named Jebediah Devilworshipper ! ❤😂

[@paulablair395]

I have seen 2 houses on "Hoarders" that had to be demolished after they were cleaned out. City inspectors were on-scene and put the "condemned" notice on the door immediately. What a terrible loss for the owner.

[@barbaramatthews4735]

Thanks!

[@MidwestMagicCleaning]

Thank you so much, Barbara! ❤️❤️❤️

[@lucas23453]

Can we just take a moment to appreciate the innovation at 19:00? That towel rack serving as a dustpan holder was genius.

[@maryleeswope3353]

Dear God. Humans were living in that garbage pit. I hope they are getting help, support and anything else they need. That place went to hell...literally. It is so hard to help people with hoarding disorder as many times they won't let you. Bless you guys for working on this situation...and clearly discussing the progression of deterioration in a home like this.🎉🎉🎉

[@tessraburn5486]

So glad you got to collaborate with Barbie!! I hope you are doing well and recovering from burnout! Thank you for being a cool human and helping out the way you do! The world needs more of that!

[@RobynHawkins-l5j]

Mac, Jason and Barbie are true heroes! I can't express enough how much you have opened my eyes to mental disorders...Thank you for your service!🎉❤🎉❤

[@francesbundy6472]

When I get on here… I think…. “Hello, comrades !” 😂🤣Thanks Mack, Jason, and Barbie for all you do!!

[@Lolabelle59]

Thanking you, and Barbie and Jason for helping these people. 😊❤

[@fabienneroure9995]

"Sometimes a dude just like to stink" 😂❤ LOL you kill me Mack😅! In all seriousness you, Jason and Barbie are amazing, ❤😘

[@momtrips6783]

That would make a good t-shirt.

[@fabienneroure9995]

@@momtrips6783 Yesssss!👍😅❤

[@gingered]

The sheer amount of trash is so much the more you remove the more it reveals and the more insurmountable it appears. Im glad this person go the help they need, and the three of you giving your time and resources to the person/friend/family left to address the damage is incredible.

[@randihardy6642]

Ya’all are amazing! I’m sure the peeps dealing with this house from here are beyond grateful for the assist. And I’m glad for the person to be getting help.

[@ThatOneBadMuslim]

Thank you for being so sympathetic. Too many people judge situations like this. I recently posted a video documentary about my struggles with Chronic fatigue syndrome and there were inevitable "you're just lazy". It's real easy to make fun of people like this because people don't understand how complex mental illness is. Also, I'm in Indiana (hi neighbor), and yes, the heat is HORRID

[@victoriapresley7384]

When I was watching this video today, I thought about something that might be helpful to you guys. In the gardening, or outdoor dept at Home Depot or Walmart, there is a medium sized widemouth pop up and collapsible trash can (leaf holder) that stands alone. When you guys are shoveling all that trash, you don’t need anyone to hold the bag. There are bags that fit that trash can, so you can just shovel the garbage into the dispenser and no one has to hold it. It’s made of durable plastic, but they are collapsible. Takes up less room in your truck. I see toward the end of the video that you got a large rolling cart. That’s good and it might work well. The difference is that this one is collapsible. You could transport several and have one per person. Just a thought. I absolutely LOVE your channel and your mission. Amazing!!!

[@dovie2blue]

I know someone who recently had to leave her home because of this level of disorder. She's not capable of caring for herself. 😢 I suspected hoarding disorder but I'm not sure anyone else did.

[@MikeStrau]

I knew a person like that too. She was temporarily moved to a nursing home, but insisted on returning into her own house saying that she'd rather live there and do what she wanted than being bossed around in an institution. A few months after that she passed away. (Fun fact: my significant other inherited that house, it's still in that condition. We went there once or twice to get the important paperwork, that was 2 years ago.)

[@hollypierce3076]

Disco devil here, I've been subbed to your channel for a few years now, and I gotta say the bantering is on point today!😶‍🌫️

[@mlilac]

It's terrifying to think that at some point a human being lived in there. I'm with you on the hope that they are in a home now. No-one deserves to exist like this

[@GoddessxEbony]

Y'all are brave souls. I'd die if anything moved, skittered or smelled the way you described. I commend you for helping these people and doing the dirty jobs.

[@alwaysthesleepless1]

I feel so sorry for the lady who was living there. I hope she is living in a better place. Great to see Barbie on your video she is definitely a power house. Well done all of you.