Oprah Show on "Hoarding": Have you ever had this problem?

I saw the Oprah show and I recognized some of the signs in myself. My husband is most definitely a hoarder...and I suppose I have ended up going along because it is so impossible to fight. I clean up and get rid of stuff and he brings it right back into the house. I can't tell you how many times this has happened, and it gets to a point where I just feel like giving up on even trying.

I will say that our problem is not as great as the couple's problem on Oprah. But I could see it happening years from now if it continues. Right now our bedroom is the room where you would notice signs of hoarding. The rest of the house isn't so bad...but still isn't like I would like it to be.

I don't ask company over....especially new friends. Old friends and family come over all the time, but I figure they're used to it.

My husband lost his mother and father over the past several years...and his brother has dropped out of the picture, wanting nothing to do with the family. Also, our 2 oldest children are pretty much on their own, so my husband is feeling a great loss, I believe. I think he definitely is trying to fill his emptiness with things.

I was really glad to see this show. Perhaps I can find a way to help my husband realize that stuff is not going to fill his emptiness.....

no, never have been a hoarder. I get rid of everything that is of no use to me any more. I hate shopping, so will only do it if I really need something.

Can't say I have.

I do the opposite. I'd feel bogged down hoarding like that. I always like when I think I could grab everything I need in a few minutes, jump in my car and go.

Cheryl, thank you for sharing this. Did you tape the Oprah shows? Perhaps you could share it with him and he might see how he, too, has this tendency.

Maria, my heart goes out to you. It sounds like you are dealing with it as well as you can. By doing it gradually you will work through it I'm sure. Good luck to you!

I saw these programs (taped since I work FT). It was very, very sad. I have been clearing out our "stuff" over the last few years and I never, ever buy anything that I really don't absolutely need and use right away now. We have donated and had tag sales so that we are down to basics....we can certainly afford much more, but have found owning only what we absolutely need is liberating and satisfying, more so than any "thing" could provide us.

My mom is a knick-knack person and saves everything. It is a result of having lived through the depression with poverty. I understand that and do not try to change her views - she's in her late 70's. But, like Maria, I am not looking forward the task of having to deal with all the stuff when she dies. My MIL, on the other hand, lost my FIL last summer and is looking to get rid of all the accumulated stuff now because she doesn't want her children to have to deal with all of it when she goes. I think she's absolutely wonderful for doing that.

my grandma was a packrat, but i've never known anyone who has taken it to that level! I can't even imagine that