Hoarders - Twitterview

On December 07, 2009, our twitterfans sent in their questions for Hoarders' professional organizer Dorothy Breininger (Twitter handle: ecoorganizer). Read what she had to say about the struggles and successes she faces in dealing with hoarders.

HoardersTV: @ecoorganizer Is hoarding a genetic disease that is passed down? Or is it something you learn from growing up with a hoarder? (@yakerdeets)

Dorothy Breininger: @hoardersTV Researchers are probing genetic links. 2007 Johns Hopkins study found similar chromosome patterns in families & can be learned.

HoardersTV: @ecoorganizer Last season we saw hoarders as young as 7 years old. What is the most unexpected case you have worked on?

Dorothy Breininger: @hoardersTV With kids, parents say their young children r hoarders & can't throw anything away. Then the kids do. It's all in the approach.

HoardersTV: @ecoorganizer There are many different types of hoarders. Do you think any particular type of hoarder is easier or harder to help?

Dorothy Breininger: @hoardersTV In my opinion the most difficult hoarder 2 help is 1 who lives in extreme squalor, filth, odor & bug infestation & is okay w it.

HoardersTV: @ecoorganizer What causes people to hoard? Are there "triggers" for hoarding?

Dorothy Breininger: @hoardersTV Hoarding causes & triggers vary. Reasons can be loss (of job, spouse, parent), illness, OCD, hereditary, head trauma, & more.

HoardersTV: @ecoorganizer The season premiere referred to a level 5 hoarder. How are the levels determined? (via @Sumisha07)

Dorothy Breininger: @hoardersTV Hoarding levels have been determined by the Ntl Study Group on Chronic Disorganization (go to NSGCD.org) 2 read @ the 5 levels.

HoardersTV: @ecoorganizer How do your techniques differ when working with a Category 5 as opposed to 3 and below? (via @bl0ssy)

Dorothy Breininger: @hoardersTV In Category 5, our health becomes an issue Masks, gloves, eyewear, clean air breaks, eye & nose rinsing, hazmat suits r crucial.

HoardersTV: @ecoorganizer On Hoarders, Judi is a former technical writer in the IT area. Can job functions impact hoarding habits?

Dorothy Breininger: @hoardersTV Jobs could impact hoarding; but what about a waitress who works @ a restaurant that sells wine, is she then a candidate 4 alcoholism?

HoardersTV: @ecoorganizer Gail keeps her deceased parents things because she doesn't want to "betray their memories." Is this common?

Dorothy Breininger: @hoardersTV It is common keep items to avoid betraying others or feeling guilty ourselves. Often times we have our own "attachment issues."

HoardersTV: @ecoorganizer It seems as though compulsive shopping is common. What help is available for compulsive shoppers? (via @sbuete)

Dorothy Breininger: @hoardersTV Compulsive shopping is common. A great website to visit is: http://www.shopaholicsanonymous.org/.

HoardersTV: @ecoorganizer Have you ever found an item that was shocking or surprising?

Dorothy Breininger: @hoardersTV Before I started my work on Hoarders, I found a $40,000 uncashed check, some swingers magazines, and some illegal drugs.

HoardersTV: @ecoorganizer Any advice to someone who is working with a couple different hoarders (besides good luck)? (via @AndasKnits)

Dorothy Breininger: @hoardersTV Advice 4 someone who is working 2 a couple of diff hoarders. Most important = SELF CARE, respiratory care, massages.

HoardersTV: @ecoorganizer Are there any commonly hoarded items? What kind of emotions do hoarders attach to them?

Dorothy Breininger: @hoardersTV 1 of the more commonly hoarded items are plastic bottles and the attachment seems to be the INTENTION to recycle for money.

HoardersTV: @ecoorganizer Do hoarders have messy cars as well or do they just keep clutter in their home/yards? (via @heatherscraps)

Dorothy Breininger: @hoardersTV My experience is most of my hoarders do keep clutter in their cars & offices in addition to their homes & yards.

HoardersTV: @ecoorganizer Why not a pic? RT @declutteryou If she can't part from the trophy take a digital picture of it so you have the visual memory of the item?

Dorothy Breininger: @hoardersTV Client didn't want a photo. We asked. Once photo was in trash she felt it would be 2 emotional 2 pull it out & take the photo.

HoardersTV: @ecoorganizer Are there warning signs for hoarding? Can you stop the problem before it starts?

Dorothy Breininger: @hoardersTV Hoarders expert Dr. Tolin author of "Buried in Treasures" stashing often begins in childhood. That's where u want to catch it.

HoardersTV: @ecoorganizer Cleaning hoarders' homes can be emotional for the hoarder and their families. How do you keep people from losing their cool?

Dorothy Breininger: @hoardersTV The hoarder & each family member has a valid point. It's my responsibility 2 listen 1st, validate 2nd AND THEN offer alternatives.

HoardersTV: @ecoorganizer Have you ever had a case that so bad that you had to walk away from it?

Dorothy Breininger: @hoardersTV Never had a case so bad I had 2 walk away. The real question is: Have I had a client so abusive, I have had to walk away? YES!

HoardersTV: @ecoorganizer What was your most memorable clean up?

Dorothy Breininger: @hoardersTV Lloyd. 5000 bikes/bike parts inside his house & he slept outside. We cleared the clutter, appeared Today Show & he got married.

HoardersTV: @ecoorganizer Do you have any tips for the holiday season on how to avoid clutter/hoarding?

Dorothy Breininger: @hoardersTV Stop the inflow! Stop buying stuff. Go to www.GreatGiftCircle.com & give non-materialistic gifts instead!

HoardersTV: @ecoorganizer People sometimes think of hoarders as lazy or filthy. How has the show helped change that stigma?

Dorothy Breininger: @hoardersTV B/c Hoarders uses team approach (organizer + therapist) I think hoarders are given the opportunity 2 gain respect of many.

HoardersTV: @ecoorganizer How are you counseling these people after the show is done? What is the rate of re-occurrence? (via @TheMindOfButton)

Dorothy Breininger: @hoardersTV Organizing or therapy is offered to each hoarder after the show. Those who do not accept, have a high rate of recurrence.

HoardersTV: @ecoorganizer Do you keep in touch with former clients? Do they stay successful with managing their clutter?

Dorothy Breininger: @hoardersTV I do stay in touch w former clients. We generally form a strong bond. Those who stay in touch report in on their good news.

HoardersTV: @ecoorganizer After watching the show, many fans have approached us about how they can become organizers. Can you share some advice?

Dorothy Breininger: @hoardersTV I love being a Professional Organizer! Visit www.napo.net and join the National Association of Professional Organizers.

HoardersTV: @ecoorganizer Can you give us a sneak peek about the amazing clean ups featured on this season of Hoarders? (via @rmitty)

Dorothy Breininger: @hoardersTV Sneak peek of Hoarders Season 2? 8 goats, 8 chickens, 6 cats, 6 geese, 4 dogs, motorcycles, beer can collections...oh, just watch!

HoardersTV: Thanks to @ecoorganizer for taking part in our Hoarders Twitterview! And thanks to everyone who tuned in and participated!