Ep 3. Charles & Alvin

In season 6 episode 3 of Hoarders, viewers are introduced to two men named Charles and Alvin. Charles is a retired veteran and former mail carrier who lost his wife to cancer several years ago. Since then, he has struggled with depression and has developed a severe hoarding problem. His home is filled with piles of mail, newspapers, and other junk, making it almost impossible to navigate through the rooms. Charles' son is concerned for his father's safety and has reached out to the Hoarders team for help.

Alvin is an artist and collector who has accumulated so much stuff that he can no longer find places to store it all. Every room in his home is cluttered with boxes, artwork, and various other objects. Alvin's girlfriend is fed up with the hoarding, and has given him an ultimatum: clean up the house or she'll leave. Feeling overwhelmed and unsure of where to start, Alvin also turns to the Hoarders team for assistance.

As the episode progresses, viewers watch as Charles and Alvin work with the team of experts to start tackling their hoarding issues. They are each faced with difficult decisions as they sort through their belongings and determine what to keep and what to get rid of. At times, they are resistant to let go of certain things, but are ultimately able to make progress towards a cleaner and more organized living space.

Throughout the episode, viewers also get a glimpse at the emotional toll that hoarding has taken on both Charles and Alvin. Charles is haunted by his wife's death and feels guilty for not being able to keep up with the maintenance of their home. He is also embarrassed by the mess and feels like a burden to his family. Meanwhile, Alvin struggles with anxiety and has a difficult time coping with the stress of decluttering.

As the episode comes to a close, viewers are left with the hope that Charles and Alvin will be able to maintain their progress and continue to work towards a clutter-free life. The show offers a powerful reminder that hoarding is a complex issue that requires empathy and understanding, and that there is always hope for recovery.