Buried in Treasures: Help for Compulsive Acquiring, Saving, and Hoarding (Treatments That Work)

Somewhat overwhelming but if you do 10 - 15 minutes a day, or chunks in a day, you can get rid of a lot of the junk.

Buried in Treasures: Help for Compulsive Acquiring, Saving and Hoarding by David F. Tolin, Randy O. Frost and Gail Steketee is playful. It refers to "good guys," positive habits for controlling hoarding impulses, and "bad guys," negative habits exacerbating hoarding. There are jokes scattered among the pages. It's well-written - there are passages that are just plain pleasant to read, they flow well. There's very little jargon. There are excellent motivational techniques discussed throughout. But the authors don't avoid requiring difficult work from their readers: many of the exercises in this book will be distressing.Designed for both people who suspect or know they have hoarding disorder, and people who want to help those afflicted by this mental illness, it's been successfully translated into the foundation of a peer-facilitated workshop. Discouragingly, I couldn't find anything like a clearinghouse to find sessions. My 9-14-2019 online search using several different parameters yielded only a few vague indications that the workshops are still available anywhere. I couldn't find anything at all for Washington State. I dearly hope that the groups are simply offered more privately, through mental health agencies for example.Lauren Williams, Certified Professional Organizer(R), Owner, Casual Uncluttering LCC, Woodinville, WA USA

Ordered as a gift. It was just what she wanted!

I bought this book to understand why 3 of my family members are hoarders, upon the advice of a counselor. I did not completely read the book. It is written for a hoarder who is ready to work on their problem, or at least acknowledges it. However, it did give me some insight into the nature of the problem and provided suggestions for dealing with the various excuses a hoarder will use to defer action. I will keep it and refer to it as needed while working with my family on this issue.

Already learned alot. East to read & understand. And found out one of the authors lives in next town. Wish they would make seminars of this info as it would benefit so many people.

It has been a life-changer for a family member. Thank you SO much to the authors - I hope this will help her to have company at her house again.

Worst book I ever purchased.1. Solutions are great if you are 92, never used any technology. Why? Because they suggest using index cards to store recipes. To go out and buy label maker & filing cabinets instead of converting everything to digital. If you are a compulsive shopper it’s great cos they want you to buy a lot of stuff to further clutter your home.2. Not truly a workbook. More of questions used for psych intake. No real depth.3. First book I’ve ever written a bad review. Only book I didn’t have not even 1 good idea.4. One example. Page 138. Step 6. Call daughter. Do you really want to pay $23 for this brilliant advice. It never would occur to anyone to call a family member. (Sarcasm). Just keep reading it’s one silly idea after another.5. Page 125. Chart with days of week. Nothing more, just days. Wow just brilliant. (Sarcasm)6. Page 147. Decision 1. Should I keep it or let it go? (Wow I never thought of this before.)Decision 2. What category does this thing belong? Poor English and Oh geez, I was just going to throw it away but now I should stop, debate this category.Decision 3. Where should it go? (Huh, what, I’m not supposed to leave all my “treasures” stacked on top of each other?)Decision 4. Move item to its final location. (If only I had a PhD then I could have these brilliant ideas on paper too and charge $23.)I’m actually thinking about creating a comedy routine from this book. It’s so outdated. My greatest disappointment is they forgot to mention how to organize our 8 track tapes.I am guessing they have a lot of paid reviewers because the rating makes zero sense.

Therapist recommended this book. Getting ready to work through it. Only problem is . . . have the Kindle version. If you are actually going to try to overcoming your hoarding disorder . . . this book rocks! Plenty of detailed information in easy-to-understand layman's terms. But don't get the Kindle version . . . need to be able to write all over this book because there are many spot on questions and step-by-steps that need to be completed on paper.

My Mum is a hoarder, this has given me an insight to what is a very very difficult situation to deal with. I have noticed some behaviour in her that has been explained in this book and it makes sense. I have seen and heard the excuses, and still nothing changes. I have taken to getting rid of things and cleaning our kitchen, but its like that kids game where you re-arrange blocks to create a picture. Nothing seems to disappear. I literally need a skip but it will just go back to the way it is.This book emphasises group therapy - there is no such thing in my home town. I haven't finished the book, but when I do I may order this for my mother as there is a work book/ check list that the hoarder must complete - this may prove helpful.

Useful insights

I volunteered to be a mentor for senior hoarders. This book was recommended to me by the social worker. It's written as a self-help book for hoarders with sidebars speaking to social workers / helpers. It's based on a lot of research but it's easy-to-read and practical. It's of particular use for hoarders and people working with them but it has wider appeal than that as you consider your and other people's relationships with stuff.

I work in healthcare and this book contains great info that has helped me better understand a relative that is buried in treasures. I think if someone dealing with this issue is ready to accept that they have an issue and are willing to change, this is a great resource.

This is the best self-help book on the market if you struggle with hoarding and compulsive acquiring. DO NOT expect a quick fix and DO expect to put in time and effort but if you do and you follow the book, you can gain a great deal of insight and strategies to work on your challenges.