Ep 3. Chris and Dale

Chris and Dale are the subjects of season 2 episode 3 of Hoarders, a reality television series that explores the devastating effects of hoarding disorder on individuals and their loved ones.

Chris is a 45-year-old man who lives alone in a small house in California. He has been living in the same house for over 20 years and has accumulated a vast collection of clutter and debris. The house is packed with garbage, old newspapers, magazines, and broken appliances, and Chris has trouble navigating through it. He is aware of the problem and has expressed his desire to clean up the house, but he has been unable to do so on his own.

Dale is a 61-year-old man who lives in a large house in Maryland. Dale's hoarding has become so severe that he has been forced to sleep in his car, as the clutter in his house has overtaken his bedroom and living areas. Dale has been estranged from his family for several years, and his hoarding has been a significant factor in their estrangement. Dale's adult son has agreed to come to help clean up the house, but he is skeptical about his father's willingness to change.

The episode begins with a tour of Chris's cluttered house. Chris admits that he has a hard time throwing things away and that he is embarrassed by the state of his home. Professional organizers are brought in to help Chris sort through his belongings and decide what to keep and what to discard. Chris struggles with the decision-making process, often becoming overwhelmed and emotional. However, with the help of his support team, he manages to fill several dumpsters with garbage and unwanted items. The process is slow, but Chris begins to feel hopeful that he can reclaim his home and his life.

Dale's situation is more challenging. His son arrives to help clean up the house, but he is upset by the state of his father's living conditions. The house is filled with piles of garbage, old food, and feces from numerous cats that Dale has been caring for. Dale is uncooperative and seems to have little interest in cleaning up the house. His son becomes frustrated and reluctantly leaves, feeling as though he has failed his father.

Despite the setback, Dale's son continues to communicate with his father and tries to convince him to seek professional help for his hoarding disorder. Eventually, Dale agrees to attend therapy sessions, and he begins to show signs of progress. He allows his son to clean up the house, and he begins to take responsibility for his actions. In the end, there is a glimmer of hope that Dale and his family can reconcile and begin to heal.

The episode is a poignant portrayal of the devastating effects of hoarding disorder on individuals and their loved ones. It highlights the challenges of overcoming hoarding behavior and the importance of seeking professional help. Despite the difficult journey, the episode ends on a positive note, suggesting that change is possible for those who are willing to seek it.