Ep 6. Manuel & Carla

In this episode of Hoarders, we meet Manuel and Carla, a couple who have been hoarding for over 20 years in their San Antonio home. Manuel, a veteran who struggles with PTSD, began accumulating items as a way to cope with his trauma, while Carla started hoarding after her father passed away. The couple's home has become so cluttered and dangerous that they have been forced to sleep in their cars.

The episode starts with the Hoarders team arriving at Manuel and Carla's home to assess the situation. The house is filled with junk, including piles of clothing, broken furniture, and food waste. The team quickly realizes that the situation is dire, with dangerous mold growing on the walls and ceilings.

As the clean-up process begins, the team discovers the extent of the hoarding problem. Manuel and Carla have countless objects stored in every room of the house, including old toys, magazines, and even a broken piano. The team also finds evidence of rodent and insect infestations throughout the cluttered house.

The cleaning process is not without its challenges, as Manuel and Carla struggle to part with their possessions. Manuel, in particular, has trouble letting go of items that have sentimental value, such as his veteran uniform and photos from his military days. Carla, on the other hand, becomes overwhelmed by the sheer amount of clutter they have accumulated and breaks down in tears.

Despite the emotional toll, the Hoarders team works tirelessly to clear the house of clutter and debris. They also enlist the help of a professional cleaning crew to sanitize and decontaminate the home. With the help of the team, Manuel and Carla are able to let go of many of their possessions and begin to see the potential of a clutter-free home.

As the episode draws to a close, the team reflects on the progress that has been made, but also acknowledges that the couple still has a long road ahead of them. With the help of a therapist, Manuel is able to work through his PTSD and the underlying causes of his hoarding. Carla, too, receives therapy to cope with her grief and anxiety.

In the end, the Hoarders team is able to transform Manuel and Carla's home from a hazardous and cluttered space into a safe and livable environment. The couple is grateful for the help they have received and hopeful for a brighter future. The episode serves as a reminder that hoarding is a complex disorder that requires understanding and compassion, as well as professional help.