Books and beyond

Ah, Spring—a time for daffodils and ducklings of course, but it’s a time for clutter busting as well. Do you need an incentive to get started? Take to heart the stories about hoarders, and read up on tips to keep your own hoarding tendencies at bay. Only then will you be ready to tackle those big drifts of papers and possessions. Here are three suggestions for some inspirational reading.

 

Homer and Langley, by E.L.Doctorow               .

 

Better known as the Collyer Brothers, Homer and Langley is a fictional account inspired by a famous hoarding case. These two recluses lived in their 5^th Avenue mansion during the first half of the century, gathering newspapers and battling to keep their home. Homer, the blind brother, tells their story as the years pass, society changes, and his own world narrows.

 

Stuff: Compulsive Hoarding and the Meaning of Things, by Randy O. Frost and Gail Steketee.

 

From the book jacket: “Think about the one thing you own that you would grab first in a fire. Now imagine feeling that strongly about every single possession.” The authors delve into the psychology of hoarding, using plenty of case studies to illustrate and enliven. They explain the different ways that hoarding can manifest itself, the reasons it occurs, and some ways to deal with the problem.

 

The Hoarder in You: How to Live a Happier, Healthier, Uncluttered Life, by Robin Zasio.

 

Practical advice is offered for dealing with your own little hoards. The chapter entitled “Placing Yourself on the Continuum” is helpful for figuring out just how bad (or good) a hoarder you might be. Zasio’s credentials include work on the A &E Hoarders series.