The once little known condition of hoarding has become a household phrase-- in part due to the popularity of the Emmy Award-- winning television show Hoarders, which has captivated audiences with its stark and heartbreaking look at the people who suffer from this paralyzing condition. Our fascination with hoarding stems, according to Dr. Robin Zasio, from the fact that we all fall somewhere on the hoarding continuum. From compulsive shoppers to hobbyists and collectors to ordinary, run-of-the-mill pack rats-- to some degree or another, we all hoard. Dr. Zasio shares behind-the-scenes stories from the show, including some of the most serious cases of hoarding that she has encountered-- and explains how we can learn from these extreme examples. She also shares psychological and practical advice for de-cluttering and organizing, including how to: tame the emotional pull of acquiring additional things-- make order out of chaos by getting a handle on clutter -create an organizational system that reduces stress and anxiety. -- Provided by publisher.

Pack rats, clutterers, and compulsive hoarders -- Our love affair with stuff -- "You love your stuff more than me" -- Placing yourself on the continuum -- When it's time to take charge -- The desire to acquire : pulling yourself out of hunter-gatherer mode -- Clearing the clutter -- Room by room -- Keeping your life clutter-free -- Appendix A. Compulsive hoarding saved items questionnaire -- Appendix B. Dr. Robin's love your life list.