StuffBusters Blog

The short answer is yes, you can. But it takes time, patience, and understanding.

The objects that a hoarder collects, which may have little or no value to you and me, are important and valuable to a hoarder. They’ve collected these objects over years, and becoming ready to get rid of them won’t happen overnight. That broken toy could be fixed and used by a child someday. That old receipt may be needed. So might that empty box. And someone else might want that magazine, old newspaper or worn shoe (the other one is around somewhere, isn’t it?).
There are several stages a hoarder goes through before becoming ready to let their possessions go. They first must recognize that they are hoarding, and realize that something isn’t right. They start looking into their problem and talking to people. They begin to feel dissatisfied and want something different. Next, they reach out for help. When the hoarder is finally ready to take action, you can help.

Counselors and therapists with experience in hoarding treatment can help the hoarder work through issues surrounding their motivations and concerns. Trained Professional Organizers with experience in hoarding help can work with the hoarder to clear areas of the home and make the environment safe and functional again. Trained Professional Organizers can also collaborate with the counselor or therapist to make the process as smooth as possible.

Above all, understand that the hoarding person cannot just turn off this problem.