Ep 3. Paralyzed by Clutter

In Hoarding: Buried Alive season 1 episode 3 titled "Paralyzed by Clutter," we meet Margree, a 66-year-old grandmother living in Indiana who has been hoarding for 20 years. Margree's house is filled with piles of junk, trash, and clothing, and she is unable to use the majority of her rooms. Her family is concerned for her safety and well-being, and they have reached out to hoarding specialist Dr. David Tolin for help.

When Dr. Tolin arrives at Margree's house, he is shocked by the level of clutter and filth. He must wear a mask and gloves to protect himself from the overwhelming smell and potential hazards. Margree welcomes Dr. Tolin into her home, but she is defensive about her hoarding and insists that she needs everything in her house. Dr. Tolin talks with Margree about the dangers of hoarding, including the risk of fire and the negative impact on her health. He also explains that hoarding is a mental illness and that Margree can overcome it with the right treatment and support.

After assessing Margree's living conditions, Dr. Tolin creates a plan to help her declutter and organize her home. He enlists the help of a professional cleaning crew and mental health professionals to provide therapy for Margree. The cleaning crew begins the process of removing the clutter, but they quickly realize that the job is more challenging than they anticipated. Margree becomes overwhelmed with anxiety and tells Dr. Tolin that she cannot part with any of her belongings.

Dr. Tolin works with Margree to understand the emotional attachment she has to her possessions. He listens to her stories and perspectives, and he helps her identify which items are truly valuable to her. With Dr. Tolin's guidance, Margree is able to make some difficult decisions and let go of some of her belongings. As the cleaning crew continues to work, Margree's house begins to transform. She is able to see some of her floor for the first time in years, and she is excited about the progress.

Throughout the episode, we see flashbacks to Margree's past and learn about the traumatic events that have contributed to her hoarding. We see photos of Margree's house before it became buried in clutter, and we hear from her family members about their concerns for her. We also learn about the dangers of hoarding and the impact it can have on people's lives.

By the end of the episode, Margree's house is significantly cleaner and more organized. She has made progress in letting go of some of her possessions, and she is motivated to continue the process of decluttering. Margree's family is relieved and grateful to see the changes in her home, and they express their love and support for her. The episode ends with a message from Dr. Tolin about the importance of seeking help for hoarding and the hope for recovery.