Clutter and Neglect
Over the years I have watched shows that chronicle the experiences of people who have sought assistance with a hoarding problem. Slowly stuff and clutter accumulates in the house to the point the movement and activity of the homeowner is severely restricted. Rooms become impossible to enter, basements fill, and stuff begins to spill into the yard. Quite often by the time television crews are on the scene, the house has become dangerous to the occupants and nearly impossible to traverse. Mould, vermin and spoiled food create an environment that becomes increasingly unpleasant and unhealthy. Another thing I have noticed when a house is full of stuff, maintenance of the house itself become impossible and is neglected. The desire to acquire, preserve and save things ends up being thwarted by all the things accumulated that are inaccessable and exposed to fouling by pests and water damage. Leaks in the roof are not able to be fixed, and plumbing repairs ar...