Too Much Clutter? – interview with Warren Moore, 2GB

Yesterday Warren Moore and I had a good chat about the benefits of downsizing and how to keep clutter at bay.

Listen in here.

 

Review – Hoarders

As part of our review series, today we’re looking at the television series Hoarders. From the outset I have to declare that I have met with producers and professional organisers involved in the show. While this gives me a little insight behind the scenes, it may also mean I’m a little biased. So, given all that, here’s what I think…

From an organiser’s point of view there’s a lot to like. It brings the issue out into the open so that many who struggle with hoarding – both those who hoard and their families – see that help is available from the health and organising sectors, they may feel normalised and safe in seeking help.

In the main, it’s good to see advocacy in action.  I truly think the condition of hoarding is better understood in the wider community because of TV shows like this one.  On the other hand, a little knowledge is a dangerous thing.  Some of the insensitive and ill-informed comments I’ve seen in online forums and heard in person have me shaking my head.  There is a tendency for some people to become “overnight experts” and pronounce judgement on the people highlighted on Hoarders.

Here’s what I know and which is often not emphasised enough.  There is way more care and assistance rendered to the subjects of each episode than you see on TV.  Compulsive hoarding is a serious issue which cannot be fixed with a few days of clearing out.  That’s why there is always aftercare provided.

I am a fan of the show.  I’m just not a fan of the ugly comments it is open to.  What about you?

Friday Fun One – The Loft vs The Man Drawer

Man vs Woman, Loft vs Man-Drawer, Stuff vs Space.

Any way you look at it, this clip from Michael McIntyre is hilarious.

Enjoy!

Children of Hoarders

The children of hoarders have a lot to deal with. It helps to know there are others out there with the same challenges, and perhaps some solutions. A quick look around the web and you’ll find articles, books, forums and films from children of hoarders, helping themselves and others to come to grips with their reality. Here are just a few.

Hoarder’s Son, the son of a compulsive hoarder, featured this blog post – What would you say to a fifteen year old child of a Hoarder?

Jane Brogan’s article, My Mother is a Hoarder, originally appeared on her Open Salon blog, but was also in The Age over the weekend.

Here Jessie Sholl speaks about her book DIRTY SECRET: A Daughter Comes Clean About Her Mother’s Compulsive Hoarding – Jessie’s story.

The Children of Hoarders website.

And of course, the very moving film, My Mother’s Garden.

If you are the child of a hoarder, I hope you find some support through these resources.  If you know of other resources, please let us know.

Friday Fun One – Compulsive Shoppers

Friday Fun One – Computers

Lessons in Letting Go – Confessions of a Hoarder

Today Corinne Grant launches her book Lessons in Letting Go – Confessions of a Hoarder.

She injects her humour into this pretty serious issue, so it’s worth a read. As a “reformed hoarder” she tells the story of her digging out.

What’s your digging out story? Could you write a book/blog post/diary entry about it? Would it be a comedy or a tragic take of woe?

Friday Fun One – Take it with you

Ask an Organiser

If you could Ask an Organiser anything at all, what would it be?

At Creating Order from Chaos, we’re getting excited about NOW – National Organising Week – which commences September 6th.  You can arrange an Ask an Organiser session for your workplace, networking group or community group, absolutely free of charge.

Get in quick.  Book here and start thinking of those questions.

Do you know a Hoarder?

There are lots of misconceptions about hoarding and hoarders.

One such misconception is that hoarders have chosen this lifestyle.

I’ve come across an interesting article which helps shed a little light on hoarding.  Kate Benson from the Sydney Morning Herald has written “The Collectors”.  Let me know what you think.