Ep 3. Sleeping in a Dumpster

In Hoarding: Buried Alive season 5 episode 3, entitled "Sleeping in a Dumpster," viewers are introduced to the story of a man named Steve, whose hoarding has reached a dangerous level. He has filled his small apartment to the brim with various items, making it almost impossible to move around. Steve's hoarding has gotten so bad that he is now sleeping in a dumpster behind his building.

The episode begins with a glimpse into Steve's life. His hoarding has caused him to lose his job and his girlfriend, leaving him feeling isolated and alone. The narrator explains that Steve has been living in his apartment for over 20 years, and during that time, he has accumulated an enormous amount of possessions. Steve's habit of collecting began innocently enough with a love of books, but it quickly spiraled out of control. When his living space became too cluttered, he started to store everything in a storage unit. However, he soon filled the space up with so much stuff that he had to rent another one.

As viewers are taken on a tour of Steve's apartment, it quickly becomes clear that he is in dire need of help. The camera shows piles of clothing, stacks of books, and general clutter everywhere. The apartment has become a maze, with narrow pathways leading from room to room. In some places, the clutter is so high that it's almost impossible to see over it.

The episode then introduces hoarding expert Dr. Robin Zasio, who will be working with Steve to help him get his life back on track. Dr. Zasio explains that she has a lot of experience working with hoarders and believes that she can help Steve overcome his habit. However, she warns that it will not be an easy process and that Steve will have to be willing to make some difficult choices.

The first step in the process involves Dr. Zasio and Steve going through his possessions and deciding what he wants to keep and what needs to go. This is often one of the most challenging parts of the process for hoarders because they feel a deep emotional connection to their possessions. Steve is no exception, and he is reluctant to let go of many items. However, with Dr. Zasio's help, he begins to make progress, and the episode shows him starting to part with some possessions.

The episode also touches on the psychological and emotional reasons behind Steve's hoarding. Viewers learn that he grew up in poverty and that his parents were hoarders themselves. This upbringing has clearly had a significant impact on Steve, as he has developed his own hoarding habit as a way of coping with emotional pain.

Throughout the episode, viewers see Steve make progress, but there are bumps along the way. There are moments when he wants to give up, or he becomes anxious about letting go of his possessions. However, with Dr. Zasio's support, he persists, and by the end of the episode, there is visible improvement in his apartment. Steve has gotten rid of much of his clutter, and the apartment is now cleaner and more organized.

The episode ends with a series of interviews with Steve's loved ones, who express their gratitude and amazement at his progress. They praise Dr. Zasio for her hard work and dedication to helping Steve, and it's clear that Steve's life has been forever changed by the experience.

Overall, Hoarding: Buried Alive season 5 episode 3, "Sleeping in a Dumpster," is a powerful and emotional episode that highlights the struggles of a hoarder and the impact it can have on their life. Through Steve's story, viewers gain insight into the psychological and emotional reasons behind hoarding, and the importance of support and guidance in overcoming it. The episode is a must-watch for anyone interested in the psychology of hoarding or for anyone who wants to understand the challenges faced by hoarders.