Ep 3. Carolyn / Jo

Carolyn / Jo is the third episode of the third season of Hoarders, a reality television show that follows individuals with hoarding disorders as they work to reclaim their lives and homes from clutter and debris. In this installment, viewers are introduced to two separate stories, each highlighting the devastating effects of hoarding on both the individuals struggling with the disorder and their loved ones.

The first half of the episode centers around Carolyn, a middle-aged woman from New York who has been hoarding for over twenty years. Her home is filled to the brim with newspapers, food containers, and various other items that she has accumulated over time. Despite her best efforts to keep her hoarding a secret, her family has discovered her problem and is deeply concerned about her well-being. In an effort to help her confront her hoarding and improve her living situation, her son and daughter-in-law have called upon a professional organizer to assist them in the clean-up process.

As they begin to tackle the mess, it becomes clear just how severe Carolyn's hoarding has become. She has been living without running water or electricity for quite some time, making hygiene and basic day-to-day tasks nearly impossible. Her family is visibly distraught at the sight of the living conditions she has been enduring. However, with the help of the organizer and their own determination, they begin to make progress.

The second half of the episode features Jo, a woman in her forties who lives alone in a small apartment in California. Jo's hoarding began after a series of traumatic events in her life left her feeling overwhelmed and unable to cope. She has been hoarding for nearly ten years and has not allowed anyone to enter her apartment during that time. When city officials become aware of the situation, they issue a warning to Jo that she will be evicted if she does not make significant improvements to her living conditions.

Jo's hoarding has left her home almost completely inaccessible. Her hallway is piled high with boxes, and her kitchen is filled with dirty dishes and spoiled food. She has even been living without a functional toilet for quite some time. Despite these challenges, Jo is determined to regain control of her living space with the help of a professional organizer.

As they begin to sort through her clutter, Jo is overcome with emotion. She struggles to let go of the items she has been holding onto for so long and becomes frustrated with the process. However, with the support of her organizer, she is able to make progress. By the end of the episode, Jo's apartment has undergone a dramatic transformation, giving her the opportunity to start fresh and move forward with a renewed sense of purpose.

In the end, both Carolyn and Jo's stories serve as powerful reminders of the impact of hoarding on not only the individual who is struggling but also those around them. The process of overcoming a hoarding disorder can be challenging and emotional, but with the right support, it is possible to regain control of one's life and home.