I Don't Wanna Go Down To The Basement
December 2, 2004 2:36 AM Subscribe
These are a few of my favorite things: We've spoken previously of Disposophobia, crazy eBay moms, and all things Collyer--to that end, here's a support group and an enterprising company specializing in Clutter Management and Disposophobia, with lots and lots of before, during, and after pictures, some of which may not be safe for viewing while eating.
This post was deleted for the following reason: Poster's Request -- frimble
I hate to be the guy in the natty sweater, but I confess to being not a little disgusted with the pop-psychology involved -- not to mention the professionals! -- in castigating these persons who heap belongings about them in such a delightfully manic fashion.
One could almost believe heaping belongings is more acceptable if only the heap is capably and regularly moved from an individual's possession into the collective, namely arriving at landfills and -- optimistically -- church parking lots.
The disposophobists are the fat unblinking eyes of our Culture and in the least are to be lauded for the scraggly, sandwich-lined filigree of their obsessions.
Yikes! Time for sleep.
posted by undule at 3:51 AM on December 2, 2004
One could almost believe heaping belongings is more acceptable if only the heap is capably and regularly moved from an individual's possession into the collective, namely arriving at landfills and -- optimistically -- church parking lots.
The disposophobists are the fat unblinking eyes of our Culture and in the least are to be lauded for the scraggly, sandwich-lined filigree of their obsessions.
Yikes! Time for sleep.
posted by undule at 3:51 AM on December 2, 2004
*yawn* another new day. But what to wear? Now, to cook myself some breakfast. Hmmm...maybe I should check the other fridge. And where did I put all the cups? Oh, that's right, in the hall. I could have sworn there were some clean baby wipes around here somewhere...I guess this one will do. The living room could really use a vacuuming, too. Oh well, I guess I'll just grab some money for the bus and be on my way.
posted by nTeleKy at 6:46 AM on December 2, 2004
posted by nTeleKy at 6:46 AM on December 2, 2004
nTeleKy: I can't fathom how any actual living could be done in that living room! This is some seriously repulsive stuff. How anybody could live like that is beyond me, and I thought I was a messy guy. Thanks for the links, fandango_matt.
posted by baphomet at 8:33 AM on December 2, 2004
posted by baphomet at 8:33 AM on December 2, 2004
I hate to be the guy in the natty sweater, but I confess to being not a little disgusted with the pop-psychology involved -- not to mention the professionals! -- in castigating these persons who heap belongings about them in such a delightfully manic fashion.
I dunno. I have a parent with this problem -- not this bad, thank god -- but trust me, it's not a freeing approach to life. My father is shackled by his junk, all of which he 'intends to do something with someday'.
The usual assumption about this problem (also known as 'hoarding') is that it's a subset of O.C.D., but one that can't be controlled in any way. Forms of O.C.D. that involve ticcing or counting or compulsive washing respond to anti-depressants, but this problem doesn't.
Everyone I've contacted has told me that the only thing I can do is let my dad die of a heart attack on a couch piled with filth, bury his rat-chewed body, and then set fire to the house I grew up in.
It's not fun to watch, especially if you love the person involved.
posted by jrochest at 5:54 PM on December 2, 2004 [1 favorite]
I dunno. I have a parent with this problem -- not this bad, thank god -- but trust me, it's not a freeing approach to life. My father is shackled by his junk, all of which he 'intends to do something with someday'.
The usual assumption about this problem (also known as 'hoarding') is that it's a subset of O.C.D., but one that can't be controlled in any way. Forms of O.C.D. that involve ticcing or counting or compulsive washing respond to anti-depressants, but this problem doesn't.
Everyone I've contacted has told me that the only thing I can do is let my dad die of a heart attack on a couch piled with filth, bury his rat-chewed body, and then set fire to the house I grew up in.
It's not fun to watch, especially if you love the person involved.
posted by jrochest at 5:54 PM on December 2, 2004 [1 favorite]
I've seen some of these - the last, I think, was the Ebay mom - and it always helps me to go ahead and do something I'd been putting off. Today, I think I'll clean the fridge. Also, I'm so going to use this collection to strongarm my husband - who only hoards electronics - into dealing with the computer graveyard that is our hallway.
So in other words, one of these threads a week would do a whole heap o' good to help keep me locked down on the tidy track. Everybody? Is this schedule good for you?
At any rate, Disaster Masters is a good idea, and they have a very convincing FAQ, but I suppose that unless it is located in a major metropolitan area, such a specialized business couldn't fly. Too bad - I'm sure there are a lot of people all over who could benefit from such a service, even if they are finally driven to it (as the FAQ suggests) only in the event of a worst-case scenario such as eviction or a public health menace warning.
posted by taz at 3:06 AM on December 3, 2004
So in other words, one of these threads a week would do a whole heap o' good to help keep me locked down on the tidy track. Everybody? Is this schedule good for you?
At any rate, Disaster Masters is a good idea, and they have a very convincing FAQ, but I suppose that unless it is located in a major metropolitan area, such a specialized business couldn't fly. Too bad - I'm sure there are a lot of people all over who could benefit from such a service, even if they are finally driven to it (as the FAQ suggests) only in the event of a worst-case scenario such as eviction or a public health menace warning.
posted by taz at 3:06 AM on December 3, 2004
Taz my dear one, such links have the same affect on me. They fill me with dread. We should gather around a firepit and instead of the Guy With Hooks for Hands Who Hated Teen Sexuality, we can whisper about the Woman Who Had Twenty Cats and Loved Ebay Too Much.
You go deal with the computer graveyard; I'll be looking for unloved books and records to sell, and eyeing the cats with distrust.
posted by melissa may at 4:52 AM on December 3, 2004
You go deal with the computer graveyard; I'll be looking for unloved books and records to sell, and eyeing the cats with distrust.
posted by melissa may at 4:52 AM on December 3, 2004
You got it, mm - I'll bring the marshmallows... And the Lysol.
posted by taz at 5:33 AM on December 3, 2004
posted by taz at 5:33 AM on December 3, 2004
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posted by loquacious at 2:57 AM on December 2, 2004