Ep 3. This House Killed Her

In Hoarding: Buried Alive season 6 episode 3, titled "This House Killed Her," we are introduced to Carol, a middle-aged woman who is struggling to come to terms with the death of her mother. Carol's mother passed away in the house that they shared, and since then, Carol has been unable to let go of her grief. Her hoarding has spun out of control, and her home has become a hazard to her and her animal companions.

As we enter Carol's home, we are immediately struck by the mountains of clutter that surround her. Piles of newspapers, magazines, and garbage are everywhere, and the few clear spaces are cluttered with various knickknacks and tchotchkes. It's clear that the house hasn't been cleaned in years, and the air is thick with dust and the scent of animal urine.

Carol explains that her mother's death was the catalyst for her hoarding. She had always been a bit of a packrat, but after her mother passed, she found herself unable to throw anything away. As a result, her home has become a shrine to her mother, with items ranging from clothing to furniture to old appliances taking up every inch of space.

In addition to her hoarding, Carol also struggles with a severe cat hoarding problem. Dozens of cats roam freely throughout her home, using piles of clothing and clutter as litter boxes. Despite the health hazards associated with having so many animals in one enclosed space, Carol is unwilling to part with any of them. She insists that they bring her comfort and that they are the only family she has left.

Throughout the episode, we watch as Carol begins to confront her hoarding and work towards a healthier, cleaner space. With the help of a team of therapists and organizers, Carol tackles one room at a time, sorting through her possessions and letting go of items that no longer serve her. Though the process is difficult, Carol finds herself feeling lighter and more at peace as she clears away the clutter.

One of the most compelling aspects of "This House Killed Her" is the way it explores the emotional roots of hoarding. For Carol, the clutter serves as a physical manifestation of her grief and her sense of loss. By letting go of possessions, she is forced to confront the pain that lies beneath her hoarding behavior. Through therapy and introspection, Carol begins to work through her feelings of guilt and sadness, paving the way for a healthier future.

Overall, "This House Killed Her" is a poignant and compelling episode of Hoarding: Buried Alive. As we watch Carol face her demons and work towards a better life, we are reminded that hoarding is often about more than just clutter. It's a coping mechanism, a defense mechanism, and a manifestation of deep emotional pain. Through empathy and understanding, Carol is able to take the first steps towards a brighter future.