Ep 4. Robin / Ken

Robin / Ken is the fourth episode of the third season of Hoarders, which follows the lives of individuals struggling with compulsive hoarding disorder. In this episode, the focus is on two hoarders, Robin and Ken, whose severe hoarding behavior has caused significant problems for themselves and their families.

Robin is a single mother who lives in a small apartment with her teenage daughter. Her apartment is filled with mountains of clutter, including piles of clothing, newspapers, and broken furniture. The living room is completely unusable and the kitchen appliances are buried underneath stacks of debris. Robin's daughter has been forced to sleep on a couch for years because her bedroom is filled to the ceiling with possessions.

Robin's compulsive hoarding was triggered by the death of her mother, which left her feeling lost and alone. She began using shopping as a coping mechanism, compulsively buying items to fill the void left by her mother's passing. As her hoarding became more severe, Robin lost her job, further isolating her from the outside world.

The second hoarder featured in this episode is Ken, a former taxi driver who now lives alone in a house that is so cluttered he can barely move around. His compulsive hoarding has caused him to lose contact with his family, who are concerned about his well-being but have been unable to reach him because of the stacks of newspapers and junk mail that block his doors and windows.

Ken's hoarding began when he retired from his job as a taxi driver and was unable to find another source of income. He began collecting items that he thought could be valuable, like coins and stamps, but soon found himself unable to part with any of his possessions. His hoarding has caused significant damage to his home, including water damage and infestations of rodents and insects.

Both Robin and Ken have been living in squalid conditions for years, without access to basic necessities like clean water and functioning bathrooms. Their loved ones have tried to intervene before, but their efforts have been met with resistance and anger from the hoarders.

The episode starts with the arrival of the hoarding cleanup crew, who have been tasked with removing the mountains of clutter from Robin and Ken's homes. The crew consists of trained professionals who work with hoarders to declutter their homes in a safe and respectful way.

However, the cleanup process is not easy. Robin and Ken are both deeply attached to their possessions and struggle to part with any of them, even if they are clearly garbage or useless items. The cleanup crew must work with them patiently and gently to help them distinguish between what is valuable and what is not.

Throughout the episode, viewers will witness the emotional turmoil that Robin and Ken experience as they watch their possessions being removed from their homes. They both struggle with feelings of loss and sadness as they see the items that have given them comfort and solace for years being taken away.

Despite the difficulty of the cleanup process, the hoarding cleanup crew is able to make significant progress in both Robin and Ken's homes. They are able to clear out entire rooms and return them to functional living spaces. By the end of the episode, Robin and Ken are both able to see the benefits of decluttering their homes and are committed to maintaining a clutter-free environment in the future.

In conclusion, Hoarders season 3 episode 4, Robin / Ken, is a heartbreaking yet inspiring look at the lives of two hoarders who have lost themselves in their possessions. The episode serves as a reminder that compulsive hoarding is a debilitating disorder that requires professional help to overcome. However, with patience, compassion, and a willingness to change, it is possible for hoarders to regain control of their lives and live in a clutter-free environment.