The Hoarding Syndrome -- When Clutter Goes Out Of Control (page 3 of 2)

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he Hoarding Syndrome -- When Clutter Goes Out Of Control

While Sue Howard’s hoarding is more
under control in her house, her garage
still harbors some clutter.

Illustrated by Matt Muhurin

This clinical obsessive compulsive disorder transforms the everyday act of throwing away an object into a deeply, wrenching personal violation.

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Photographed by Wyatt McSpadden

While Sue Howard's hoarding is more under control in her house, her garage (above) still harbors some clutter.

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I thought, What can I do? I'll do what my grandma did.

Should Everyone Read This? Yes! I vote for this story

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My good friend is a hoarder. can't visit her apartment because there's no place to sit or stand. She does not entertain anymore, saves everything has 2 garages she rents full of mostly junk. Her car looks like she lives in it. can't understand because personally she is very clean but her home and car are horrible. She hasn't always been like this but she told me her mother used to throw everything of hers away. said she took her doll out of the trash and buried it after her mom tossed it

By Carole, on 03/17/2010

My Mother In law is a hoarder and lives with us. As a firefighter I know the dangers to the family and to the Firefighters. We had a close call a couple of weeks ago. A fire almost started when a plastic linen holder shifted to within an inch of an exposed light bulb. A week earlier my wife told her mother to remove the lamp and she completely ignored her. I'm looking for help with this on going problem. I was going to just clean her room myself. I won't now after reading this article. Thanks

By Bill, on 02/18/2010

We learned from experience not to help a hoarder who is't ready. The total house has no usuable surfaces including furnitiure and floor and bathtub. We have given up and are simply waiting for the house to implode or burn up due to bare extension wires on wet floors. Hoarders need professional help!

By Annamarie, on 10/24/2009

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The Hoarding Syndrome -- When Clutter Goes Out Of Control (page 3 of 2)

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