Compulsive hoarding case on my doorstep and hidden for over 10 years
My close friend and neighbour turns out to be one of the biggest hoarders of all
I have known this lady for over 11 years and never even considered that she might have a problem with hoarding, but it was just recently at a local boot fair i started to suspect there was a problem. It was about 11 am when i noticed Susan sitting on a small stool at one of the stalls. She was surrounded by bags of items along with a large cardboard box that was overflowing with bits and pieces. As i greeted her she immediately started telling me of the bargains and valuable items she had acquired, but i could see that it was basically all junk. She seemed to be in a frenzy and acting very protective about her cache of goods, as if somebody might steel them away from her.
Boot Fair Madness
After chatting to friends and having a browse around the market i found myself back with Susan who by now had an even bigger pile of stuff, and i mean stuff because it really was old junk, broken china, clothing, and general low value items etc. Just then and i think because the market was nearing its end a nearby dealer shouted out “its all free, take what you want”. Susan went crazy and was nearly fighting with other buyers and grabbing everything in sight. Soon she had so much stuff i was wondering how she was going to get it home. As things calmed down i asked her what she was going to do with it all, and after breaking her almost “obsessive” state i was able to talk to her rationally about what she was doing. After chatting heart to heart for some time Susan started to break down, pouring out her personal issues to me and telling me that her home was absolutely full to the brim and she was in a state of despair having hidden the problem from everybody for over ten years.
Addressing The Situation
As a specialist in compulsive hoarding and clearing hoarders houses i knew how to deal with the situation and made a plan to get Susan’s house cleared and re-organised. We did it together discretely and without too many people knowing other than her direct neighbours who were very supportive. The house was back to normality within 7 days having sorted the good items from the rubbish. I am so pleased with the project and Susan is a different person as a result, she has changed her habits and i keep an eye on her, popping into her home which is no longer a closed shop but an open house.
For advice on hoarders or compulsive hoarding and the house clearance of such properties please call Jeffrey Avery in confidence on 0800 567 7769
