Matt Paxton From Hoarders ~
I have exciting news, readers. Next week I will be interviewing Matt Paxton from Clutter Cleaner and the hit A&E TV show Hoarders. Hoarders chronicles the intervention and cleanup of homes of extreme hoarders. I am sure that many of you watch this program. Maybe some of you even know hoarders or deal with this yourselves. How would you like to ask Matt Paxton a question?
Hoarders Expert Matt Paxton
Matt Paxton is the author of The Secret Lives of Hoarders. I have read this book and it was very interesting to look at this mental illness from the perspective of a person who cleans up homes like this for a living. He began his business, Clutter Cleaner, in 2006 and has cleaned up over 300 of the messiest homes in America. Paxton is my personal favorite on the show because he is just no-nonsense. He has had to clean up things that no one should ever have to mess with, but he just gets right in there and does it. His philosophy is that we all are just 5 Decisions Away from possibly being in the same situation. He doesn’t judge and he doesn’t pacify, he just lays the facts out and gets the job done.
As a person who has a few hoarding family members, I have to say that I have the utmost respect for anyone who wants to come in and try to help. It isn’t easy and the help isn’t often welcome until there is an ultimatum of some variety {whether that be from family members, social services, law enforcement, etc}. Many times it is still a very difficult situation to navigate.
What Would You Ask Matt Paxton?
If you have something that you would like for me to ask Matt Paxton, please leave your question below or you can email it to me at dawn@cheapisthenewclassy.com. I will ask all that I can, but please understand if there are tons submitted and I am unable to get to ask yours.
New episodes of Hoarders can be seen on A&E Monday nights at 9/8C. If you did not see this past Monday’s episode you need to. Seriously. It was the messiest house I have seen them clean up. Ever. I will warn you, though. If you are an animal lover like I am – this is not an easy episode to watch. I can’t imagine what it was like to clean it up. 🙁
View Comments (34)
I'd like to know how you identify someone in the "red flag zone" --- someone who is potentially a hoarder, or who is headed that way? And what exactly are the differences between someone who could become a hoarder, and someone who just has a lot of "stuff" (not trash, rotten/expired food, animals)?
You know I think if im not careful I could be come a Hoarder I love makeup and hair care face products but dont use them. I just like to have them crazy right? And that is a sign of a Hoarder
I have personally met a hoarder who had been saving newspapers since her husband died. She had become ill and I was part of a house clean out. I never seen so many newspapers in my life! She had them in dresser drawers, closets, you name it and there was newspapers stacked up there. It was kind of sad since from what I gather, she started saving them because her and her husband used to get a paper together, so I guess it was for that reason she started hoarding them.
It is scary for the hoarders, I'm sure. There are good meds to help with OCD. wish more knew about this.
Wow!! I always wondered how they handle their sickness as well as their families. Can't wait to read!
I watched an episode one night and it was amazing how clean my house got the next 24 hours! What a great opportunity for you!
I love that show! Would ask him what't the worst he's ever seen?
I am OCD and honestly can not handle watching those shows. My husband has one room that is his - he is a hoarder. The door must be closed and can not be opened where I can see it ever or I will clean it too. I am one of those people that everything has a place and if you do not use it for a year it is out of here to be donated to someone who needs it. I love that they have those shows to help people though. My question would be - how many of the people on the show go right back to hoarding?
I have watched the show a few times but it just makes me mad. lol I am one that HATES clutter... I sometimes go around the house and start throwing things away. Then my husband gets mad at me and says "It seems like you only throw MY stuff away!" Well, maybe. :)
That is so exciting hon - I am thrilled for you!