The Host Of Hoarders Reveals How To Really Declutter Your Home

It's not completely uncommon for people to become hoarders at some point or another in their lives. After all, we are humans, and as humans, we can become attached to both people and things. However, what is being hoarded can vary. Sometimes people collect and maintain family heirlooms, while other times, people simply hoard unnecessary things like trash. Additionally, for those with an unused bedroom in their home, it likely gets used as storage and can quickly get filled up. While everybody holds on to something at some point or another, excessive hoarding can be unhealthy.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, hoarding is actually a disorder that happens when people save and hang on to a sizable amount of items. Sometimes these items are needed, but more often than not, they're things that can be done away with. Additionally, depending on how bad the situation is, this disorder can lead to both physical and mental problems. However, it doesn't have to get this bad. Decluttering your home can be timely but simple as well.

While being the host of the show "Hoarders" as well as "Legacy List with Max Paxton," Max Paxton also wrote his new book "Keep the Memories, Lose the Stuff." Realtor spoke with him on how to get tips to declutter your home as he recently moved and went through this transition himself. The first thing Paxton suggests is to make a legacy list. This list includes five or so items in your home that help tell the story of your family. These are usually the most important items in the home and help to let go of items that are less important.

Additionally, he says the items on the list are usually emotionally attached things and not necessarily expensive items. When it comes to hoarding, Paxton says he likes to say, "You don't miss the stuff; you miss the people attached to the stuff." He also mentions to never throw out important paperwork that may include medical documents, financial documents, wills, and recent tax returns. Collections that hold no emotional value can be sold as well as most people want the money, not the actual items. Basically, anything that will not be used or have any attachment should be thrown out or donated, as suggested by this expert in decluttering.