1,013 — Living With a Hoarder

We all probably keep more things than we really need, but some people go to extremes. Find out how in this episode.
Slow dialog: 1:14
Explanations: 3:29
Fast dialog: 15:01
Julio: Mom, don’t you think it’s time to get rid of some of the stuff in this house?
Mom: Why? This house is fine the way it is.
Julio: There are parts of this house that are nearly inaccessible. There are stacks of magazines and bags and boxes everywhere.
Mom: I need all that stuff. You know I’ve always been a pack rat.
Julio: I know, but I think things are getting out of hand. You have stuff on every surface and you can’t find anything in here.
Mom: You can’t find anything, but I can put my hands on anything I want at any time. I collect and keep useful things, unlike you young people these days who throw away perfectly good things just because you don’t need them this minute.
Julio: I think your hoarding is becoming compulsive.
Mom: That’s nonsense. Just because you prefer living in a sterile environment doesn’t mean I have to. I don’t mind a little clutter.
Julio: A little clutter?! You have junk mail from 15 years ago!
Mom: You never know when something will come in handy. Now, don’t you have some room in your garage where I can store a few extra boxes?
Julio: No, I don’t!

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse