Since filming an episode of Hoarding: Buried Alive for TLC, I’m often asked if hoarders go back to the way things were once we are finished working with them for the show.
Yes, I’ve seen great change, but I’ve also seen clients backslide.
To have a successful outcome, a team approach is absolutely necessary. Working alone is often unsuccessful or results in relapse. Hoarders need training to understand and manage the physical and emotional clutter.
In addition to the client, members of the team can include a professional organizer, therapist, coach, family, friends/neighbors, animal control and other local agencies. Without a complete team, behavioral, emotional and motivational changes are limited. Clients will give up or start the cycle all over again.
While change is difficult, it is absolutely possible. The hoarder has to be willing to listen to the team members and be committed to seeing the process through to the end. So, many stop when they see a lot of progress and think they can finish by themselves. This usually doesn’t happen, however. Anyone who wants to change has to argue for change, not the team members. In other words, the hoarder has to want it more than the team members.
So, yes, many make significant changes even if the space doesn’t look like you or I would consider organized. Ultimately, it’s up to them.
Nancy Nemitz is a professional organizer and owner of Create the Space Professional Organizing, LLC, located in Red Mountain Ranch. Send an e-mail to nancy@createthespace.com, and visit her Web site at www.createthespace.com.
Twitter: @nancynemitz.