NAPO Wisconsin Participates in Episode of A&E’s “Hoarders”Show
The NAPO Wisconsin Chapter got the opportunity to showcase the talents of our members by participating on an episode of A&E’s “Hoarders”. This episode will air Monday, February 8th at 9 pm CST on the A&E channel
This episode will air Monday, February 8th at 9 pm CST on the A&E channel
January has been deemed Get Organized month by the National Association of Professional Organizers. In accordance, the NAPO Wisconsin Chapter got the opportunity to showcase the talents of our members by participating on an episode of A&E’s “Hoarders”. Brenden McDaniel of Action Organizing LLC has done a couple of episodes of “Hoarders” in the past. When he submitted this situation to A&E and it was accepted, he decided to open it up to more organizers in the area through NAPO Wisconsin as a part of our GO Month campaign.
The professional organizers who donated their time were from all over the state of Wisconsin (even arriving in the snow storm on the second day). We all have our own businesses and many have specialized areas that they work in, such as offices, storage area, workshops, and kitchens, so it was easy to coordinate everyone and let them do their thing. To have a group of people work together so well with the single goal in mind of helping out this family was really amazing to be a part of. In all, we contributed over 100 hours over a two day period.
The situation was that a single parent who had adopted two special needs children needed help regaining control over their home. Due to the attention that the children needed, he was not able to maintain the home, and it had become packed with stuff, including rooms full of clothes, lots of toys, and ordinary household items until there were just paths to move around in the home. He takes very good care of the children, but had the compulsion to give them everything that he could, until the house got to the condition that we found it.
Over a two day period, we went through the entire house, creating useable living spaces, installing storage solutions, sorting clothes, and getting rid of the items that they did not need. The owner had control over getting rid of the stuff, so you can imagine how draining it was on him. We had a therapist from Chicago for support, as well as 1-800 Got Junk to haul away over 6 truckloads of stuff. (Each truckload weighs on average 2 tons.) A local carpenter donated his time and materials to build a bunk bed for the children. SecurX provided shredding services for any papers that need to be destroyed.
When we were all done, the Maid Brigade came in and cleaned the entire house. It was really amazing how we transformed the house in two days. Brenden is still working with the family to keep them on track of staying organized and in a recent conversation, he said that they are doing well and still keeping the house orderly.
We were informed that with the editing time, it would probably be early spring before this episode of “Hoarders” airs on A&E. We will post an announcement on our website when we have the date.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help when you are ready to become organized. NAPO Wisconsin members are caring professionals who are looking out for client’s interests. We can give you direction, encouragement, and tactics to help you live a more organized life.
National Association of Professional Organizers - NAPO is The Organizing Authority
P.O. Box 422 • Pewaukee, WI 53072