Hoarded Cluttered House Clearance Specialists

Question: As the daughter of a “professional hoarder,” I have had the task of helping him “hide” his illness to neighbors, friends and family. I have been able to bring up the subject a few times without him getting mad, however, I know that speaking to him about therapy would ruin everything I’ve accomplished up … Read more

Question: I am going crazy living with my husband’s undiagnosed OCD. I am not allowed to throw anything out. Our basement is full of “stuff.” He has “collections” of empty containers for shaving cream, deodorant, etc. I have to hide rubbish and then put it out on trash day or he will save it in … Read more

Question: I live in a O.A.P unit complex. One resident hoards massive amounts of newspapers, paper bags, jars/bottles in his bin, any other bin he can and his unit. All other residents are worried about fire. What can be done to insure a win-win situation? Answer 1: This is a very difficult situation and some … Read more

Question: My son, age 15, was diagnosed with OCD about 2 years ago. He also has been diagnosed with depression. A few months ago, he had a psychotic episode and was hospitalized briefly. He takes Risperdol and Zoloft. His mood is much improved and some of the obvious OCD symptoms are under control. However, he … Read more

Question: My husband has two big storage units filled with, newspapers, brochures and general junk. He cannot fulfill a task without being distracted, is constantly collecting items. Now he is not working and spends his time in details that prevent him from functioning. He is extremely slow, yet, he is happy, gentle, kind and seems … Read more

Question: I started CBT 3 weeks ago to work on my OCD hoarding and cluttering. I was not put on any medications at this time because the intern felt that a SSRI won’t help with the hoarding and cluttering. I was told to try CBT first. Should I just wait and see, or should I … Read more

Question: After my first visit to a specialist, I was diagnosed with OCD and OCPD. We need to meet again before she’s sure about OCPD. Please explain the difference between OCD and OCPD. Answer 1: Here’s a short version: OCD involves specific obsessions and compulsions that the individual does not like or want. OCPD involves … Read more

Question: My husband collects tools and other things to the point that our house is so full it looks like a warehouse. He keeps buying and buying. We recently were married, and now I think he is OCD/hoarding. Is it O.K. To clean up the house, he gets very frustrated when I do. Also, how … Read more

Question: How do I know if my hoarding is OCD or just embarrassing? Or am I lazy because I can’t put things away (out of sight), even insignificant trash and junk mail? Answer 1: “Laziness” is an unlikely and generally nonuseful explanation for hoarding behavior. I assume that there are some things that you do … Read more

Question: How do you talk someone with OCD (hoarding) into getting some help? How do you help the family that wont talk about the problem? Should it be allowed to go on or should they just ignore the problem that has been going on for 16 years? Answer 1: Hoarding is a difficult problem to … Read more