Welcome to Nobody Told Me. I'm Laura Owens. And I'm Jan Black. Is hoarding or cluttering an issue in your life? Are your things starting to overwhelm you? On this episode,

we'll get some advice on what to do if you or someone close to you is a hoarder. Joining us is

Elaine Burchall, who's a hoarding behavior specialist and clutter coach. She's the founder of the

Canadian National Horting Coalition and the author of a great new book called Conquer the Clutter,

Strategies to Identify, Manage, and Overcome Horting.

Elaine, thank you so much for joining us.

Thank you for the invitation.

Tell us why you decided to become a hoarding behavior specialist.

That's fascinating.

I was a social worker already with quite a number

of years of experience, working with people in difficult life transitions. And when I discovered

the topic of hoarding, I realized how unique each person is. It all looks like the same mess on the floor, Jan and Laura, but it isn't.

The path in is very unique to the person.

So the path you need to help them walk out is just as unique and particular to them.

And I love that challenge.

And I really, there's nothing like seeing somebody get it.

And then go on like the elderly lady today saying to me that for the first time,

her home, her place has become her home.

Oh, wow.

Well, how does it typically start? And what age do people typically start to gather clutter? That depends on a number of things. So if we could talk a little

bit about the three paths, that would help kind of frame that discussion.

Sure.

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