Thank you all for your support and encouragement. As a thank you token, I would like to send you the word files for the book I wrote called, "Digging Out: How to help a hoarder".
This book does not address any type of treatment plan or organization tips like the other hoarding books. This is a book that deals with how to ease the mind of a hoarder as you undergo an emergency clean up.
However, there is a short chapter at the end that is good for anyone who has a hard time of letting go of things. This helps us decide what to keep and how to see things in a way that allows you to liberate yourself from the urge to hang onto material things. We all feel that urge to cling to items that hold memories for us. We all want to be more eco-friendly and save or reuse.
Just a few new thoughts can help you release yourself from all those urges.
Connie, your friend's blue room is a good idea. I have a friend who does the same. She calls it her "messy room." As long as it is manageable and does not interfere with her quality of life, it's good.
Sometimes, a person' needs this as a security blanket. But ask her how she would feel if she didn't have a blue room. Would she feel better for having more clean space or worse for not having her stash? Aim for the feel good feeling.
If she doesn't kick herself for having a secret blue room, then it's no big deal.
Susan, tell your husband that he made my day!
Also, ask him please to read the book I'm sending. At least the last chapter so he'll feel GOOD about letting go.
P.S. He must not be a true hoarder after all.