Clean House Season 8 Episode 1 The Herwig Family
- May 20, 2009
Clean House is back for its exciting eighth season, and in the first episode, titled "The Herwig Family," we meet the Herwig family who are in desperate need of a clutter intervention. This heartwarming and emotional journey showcases their struggle to create a livable space and regain control of their home.
The episode starts with the arrival of the Clean House team, led by the energetic and determined host, Niecy Nash. Accompanying her are a group of experts: the hilarious designer Mark Brunetz, the sassy yard sale diva Trish Suhr, and the optimistic contractor Matt Iseman. Together, they form a dream team that tackles clutter head-on.
As the team steps into the Herwig family's house, they are immediately taken aback by the sheer amount of accumulated belongings. The once-functional rooms have turned into chaotic storage spaces, making it impossible for the family to enjoy their home. The clutter has reached a point where it's affecting their daily lives, and the team is determined to bring some relief.
The Herwigs consist of John, the hardworking father, and his three children: twins Alison and Brittany, and the youngest, Evan. Their mother, sadly, passed away three years ago, leaving them to cope with not only the grief but also the overwhelming clutter. John's focus has been on trying to provide for his family, leaving little time to address the mess that has steadily consumed their home.
During the initial assessment, the Clean House team gains insight into the family's emotional connection to their belongings. Each item holds a memory, making it difficult for them to let go. However, Niecy and her crew recognize the importance of decluttering and help the family understand that clearing the physical chaos will also bring emotional healing.
The first step in the process is the "Trash Stash and Dash," where items deemed disposable are discarded. The team sets to work, sorting through the endless piles, while John and the kids make tough decisions on what to keep and what to let go. There are sentimental moments as they come across cherished mementos, but with the guidance of the experts, they begin to understand the importance of prioritizing their living space over material possessions.
As the cleaning process continues, Mark takes charge of redesigning the house. His goal is not only to create a functional and beautiful space but also to inject some personality and style that the Herwigs can call their own. With limited resources but boundless creativity, he takes inspiration from the family's interests and hobbies to bring a personalized touch to each room.
Meanwhile, Trish helps the family organize a yard sale to sell their unneeded items. This not only helps them financially but also acts as a cathartic experience, allowing them to say goodbye to the clutter and move forward. The community rallies behind the Herwigs, and the yard sale becomes a turning point in their clutter-free journey.
Finally, Matt comes in to handle the construction needs of the project. His expertise transforms the house, from fixing broken appliances to repairing damaged areas caused by years of neglect. His handy skills prove invaluable in renovating and restoring the functionality of the home.
At the end of the episode, the Herwig family walks into their newly transformed space. The once cluttered and suffocating rooms have now become a haven of tranquility and warmth. They are overjoyed to see their home, which now reflects their personalities while still being practical and organized.
The eighth season of Clean House kicks off with an emotional and inspiring episode as the team helps the Herwig family reclaim their living space and begin a new chapter in their lives. Through tears and laughter, the family learns the power of letting go, both physically and emotionally. With their house now clean and clutter-free, the Herwigs can truly start healing and move forward, cherishing the memories of their past while embracing a brighter future.