What do you think?
Rate this book
Buried in Treasures: Help for Compulsive Acquiring, Saving, and Hoarding
While most people find it relatively easy to manage their possessions, some find it extremely difficult. If you have a problem resisting the urge to acquire and you find your home cluttered and filled to capacity with items many people would find useless and unnecessary, you may suffer from a condition known as hoarding disorder.
Hoarding is a behavioral problem consisting of clutter, difficulty discarding items, and excessive buying or acquiring. Hoarding is often associated with significant reduction in quality of life, and in extreme cases, it can pose serious health risks. If you or a loved one has hoarding disorder, this book can help.
This fully updated Second Edition of Buried in Treasures outlines a scientifically based, effective program for helping those with hoarding disorder dig their way out of the clutter and chaos of their homes. Written by scientists and practioners who are leaders in studying and treating hoarding disorder, this book outlines a program of skill-building, learning to think about possessions in a different way, and gradual challenges to help people manage their clutter and their lives. It also provides useful information for family and friends of people who hoard, as they struggle to understand and help.
Discover the reasons for your problems with acquiring, saving, and hoarding, and learn new ways of thinking about your possessions so you can decide what you really need and what you can do without. Learn to identify the "bad guys" that cause and maintain your hoarding behavior and meet the "good guys" who can help motivate you and put you on the path to change. Useful self-assessments will help you determine the severity of your problem. Training exercises, case examples, organizing tips, and motivation boosters help change the way you think and behave toward your possessions. This book provides easy-to-understand strategies and techniques that anyone can use.
Hoarding is a behavioral problem consisting of clutter, difficulty discarding items, and excessive buying or acquiring. Hoarding is often associated with significant reduction in quality of life, and in extreme cases, it can pose serious health risks. If you or a loved one has hoarding disorder, this book can help.
This fully updated Second Edition of Buried in Treasures outlines a scientifically based, effective program for helping those with hoarding disorder dig their way out of the clutter and chaos of their homes. Written by scientists and practioners who are leaders in studying and treating hoarding disorder, this book outlines a program of skill-building, learning to think about possessions in a different way, and gradual challenges to help people manage their clutter and their lives. It also provides useful information for family and friends of people who hoard, as they struggle to understand and help.
Discover the reasons for your problems with acquiring, saving, and hoarding, and learn new ways of thinking about your possessions so you can decide what you really need and what you can do without. Learn to identify the "bad guys" that cause and maintain your hoarding behavior and meet the "good guys" who can help motivate you and put you on the path to change. Useful self-assessments will help you determine the severity of your problem. Training exercises, case examples, organizing tips, and motivation boosters help change the way you think and behave toward your possessions. This book provides easy-to-understand strategies and techniques that anyone can use.
222 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 1, 2006
247 people are currently reading
1341 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 105 reviews
August 14, 2015
This book is pretty decent. It's written for chronically disorganized people, as opposed to a regular messy home or the mental illness of true intensive hoarding. It talks through the mental processes that hold you up, the reasons you hold on to things, and how to train yourself to think and feel differently.
It does not have cute organizing ideas, or photographs, or gimmicks. It has interview questions to ask yourself and worksheets to fill out. It is a book of counseling, psychology, and understanding. There is the occasional note to professionals and family members, but the majority of it is for the clutterer himself.
It is a good read if:
-You are your own worst obstacle (not space, or time)
-You are in over your head but still want to change
-You are so overwhelmed that you cannot take any initial steps
It is not for you if:
-you are highly motivated and excited, just looking for ideas
-you do not read extensive text (quite detailed)
It does not have cute organizing ideas, or photographs, or gimmicks. It has interview questions to ask yourself and worksheets to fill out. It is a book of counseling, psychology, and understanding. There is the occasional note to professionals and family members, but the majority of it is for the clutterer himself.
It is a good read if:
-You are your own worst obstacle (not space, or time)
-You are in over your head but still want to change
-You are so overwhelmed that you cannot take any initial steps
It is not for you if:
-you are highly motivated and excited, just looking for ideas
-you do not read extensive text (quite detailed)
January 17, 2009
"Buried in Treasures" is one of the best books I've read on the subject of compulsive hoarding. It's like having a therapist/professional organizer take you through the steps necessary to combat what truly is a genuine disorder (no pun intended). The author addresses many of the characteristics, cognitive dissonance and limitations faced by people with this illness, as well as those who suffer along with them due to living with or near a hoarder. While hoarding is not a new illness, it is becoming more prevalent simply because of the amount of "stuff" our modern society offers. It's not unlike an alcoholic who works in a bar. "Stuff" is there for the taking...and collecting.
Anyone who works in the fields of therapy, professional organizing, or professional housecleaning will gain valuable insight & step-by-step techniques to help clients with this disorder. Hoarders are a stubborn lot & require very specific strategies beyond simply clearing out the garbage, because it WILL return despite the best of intentions.
Anyone who works in the fields of therapy, professional organizing, or professional housecleaning will gain valuable insight & step-by-step techniques to help clients with this disorder. Hoarders are a stubborn lot & require very specific strategies beyond simply clearing out the garbage, because it WILL return despite the best of intentions.
March 31, 2008
So far, so good. I can say that because I'm not a hoarder! And the better news is that I'm finally getting some insight as to why I can't stay on top of clutter.
***************
I found the first part (the why) better than the how-to. There are any number of how-to organize books out there with better and worse instructions on how to go through your things and sort them.
The why of clutter is much more interesting, and a neglected discussion. I found for me, the qualities that contribute to clutter are: over-active ambitions (I think I can accomplish more than I really have time/energy for), inappropriate emotional attachment to items (write about it, figure it out, then chuck it or treat the item with respect), and plain old ADD. I semi-seriously wondered over the years of I could have ADD, but now I'm sure of it. I don't intent to "seek treatment" for it, but to know that's why I function the way I do is so enlightening! I can be more realistic with myself and gentler, too.
This book would be really helpful for loved ones of "hoarders" or "cluttery people." It is compassionately written and has several side-bars for family members and friends. Overall a really good book.
***************
I found the first part (the why) better than the how-to. There are any number of how-to organize books out there with better and worse instructions on how to go through your things and sort them.
The why of clutter is much more interesting, and a neglected discussion. I found for me, the qualities that contribute to clutter are: over-active ambitions (I think I can accomplish more than I really have time/energy for), inappropriate emotional attachment to items (write about it, figure it out, then chuck it or treat the item with respect), and plain old ADD. I semi-seriously wondered over the years of I could have ADD, but now I'm sure of it. I don't intent to "seek treatment" for it, but to know that's why I function the way I do is so enlightening! I can be more realistic with myself and gentler, too.
This book would be really helpful for loved ones of "hoarders" or "cluttery people." It is compassionately written and has several side-bars for family members and friends. Overall a really good book.
July 24, 2011
This book is about helping people with compulsive harding issues. If you have a family member with hoarding issues, this helps explain their way of thinking and how to deal with and help them. If you have hoarding issues, this is a very practical book to help you understand why you hoard and to overcome this addiction if you want to. If you aren't sure if you are a hoarder, this book will help you undersand yourself better and determine in a relaxed noconfrontational way weather or not you need help. It uses easy to understand language and has workbook type pages to help you do the quizes adn exercises necessary to overcome hoarding tendancies. I read it. I gave it to my mom to read. And I'm sending a copy to my sisters to read, because when someone in a family has a problem with hoarding, it can effect everyone.
July 15, 2016
The first workbook I've read for helping hoarders. Since I had already done a lot of the mental shift and physical decluttering before reading this book, it was a little difficult to assess whether this would have been helpful at an earlier stage. However, I do definitely think it's worth reading if you believe you struggle with hoarding but aren't sure how to proceed (and aren't ready to seek professional help)
My two concerns: the quizzes to assess whether you have a problem with hoarding are likely to under-diagnose folks like me who had serious mental challenges relating to stuff, but haven't yet acquired suffocating amounts of it
- The program requires significant methodical follow-through, perhaps more than many hoarders may be able to manage, at least at first.
I found the book by some of the same authors - Stuff: Compulsive Hoarding and the Meaning of Things - to be more beneficial in examining my hoarding tendencies.
My two concerns: the quizzes to assess whether you have a problem with hoarding are likely to under-diagnose folks like me who had serious mental challenges relating to stuff, but haven't yet acquired suffocating amounts of it
- The program requires significant methodical follow-through, perhaps more than many hoarders may be able to manage, at least at first.
I found the book by some of the same authors - Stuff: Compulsive Hoarding and the Meaning of Things - to be more beneficial in examining my hoarding tendencies.
July 17, 2013
I dunno about the "scientific" aspect of the authors' approach. But I do know that they ask the right questions, intelligently, and without soft-pedaling or minimizing the problems of hoarders. There's no "just get over it". They show a true understanding of the fact that when one can see fifty uses for an object, that makes it harder to get rid of it. And yet, they encourage the reader to live a real life, unencumbered by stuff and the false selves that the hoard can represent to the hoarder. There are lots of books about clutter, and hoarding. This one is better than most.
December 15, 2017
As a professional organizer with experience helping clients (and also my own mother) who are "buried in treasures" and need help for their "compulsive acquiring, saving, and hoarding", I highly recommend this book for those wanting to get help and also for their friends and family who want to help them. It includes worksheets that can be completed by those wanting to do it themselves. It also contains extremely helpful tips for loved ones and those trying to help. Even as a professional trained in hoarding behaviors, I admit that while I can follow the tips for my clients and remain objective and professional with even the most challenging clients with hoarding behaviors, I have had difficulty doing so with my mother. The book admits that few will be able to do it on their own and it recommends that those struggling seek out support groups, therapists, and professional organizers trained in hoarding behaviors to come alongside them. I agree - and especially with my personal experience and failures with my mom - I will agree that it would be rare that a family member could take the place of a support group, therapist, or professional organizer when it comes to helping a loved one with hoarding behaviors.
I read this as part of my training and will keep it as a reference book.
I read this as part of my training and will keep it as a reference book.
September 6, 2015
This is an interesting book for those who are interested in the topic of hoarding, a recent fascination of mine. Particularly interested in the psychological factors that predispose to this disorder, I have found limited resources for understanding. This book does provide some useful perspectives, especially using a self rating scale that helps to delineate contributing factors to the severity of the problem: See pages 21-23, The Hoarding Severity Scale. This measurement is particularly helpful because it attributes a score to three separate problems: 1. Clutter; 2. Difficulty Discarding; and 3. Acquiring. Generally, a hoarder has some component of all three, but is unique in how these factors interface with one another.
On pages 40-42, there is a process that allows one to analyze reasons for hoarding in a diagrammatic format that looks interesting.
On page 46, there is an 8 point questionnaire that evaluates potential for change, that actually could be modified and used to evaluate readiness for change with any behavioral problem, and is based on the research of Prochaska and McConnaghy: "Stage of Change in Psychotherapy". There are four potential states: pre-contemplation (only thinking about change); contemplation (preparing for change); action (self-explanatory); and maintenance (sustained change.)
The latter part of the text is a workbook, and of less interest unless you are actually using the process. As a therapist, I feel it would be very unlikely that someone with a hoarding problem using only this workbook would be successful into this stage. I do feel, however, that this would be an excellent workbook for a coach or therapist to recommend or even require as a commitment toward measurable change.
In general, this book is interesting, useful, but unlikely to create sustained change unless coordinated with some type of coaching and/or therapy.
On pages 40-42, there is a process that allows one to analyze reasons for hoarding in a diagrammatic format that looks interesting.
On page 46, there is an 8 point questionnaire that evaluates potential for change, that actually could be modified and used to evaluate readiness for change with any behavioral problem, and is based on the research of Prochaska and McConnaghy: "Stage of Change in Psychotherapy". There are four potential states: pre-contemplation (only thinking about change); contemplation (preparing for change); action (self-explanatory); and maintenance (sustained change.)
The latter part of the text is a workbook, and of less interest unless you are actually using the process. As a therapist, I feel it would be very unlikely that someone with a hoarding problem using only this workbook would be successful into this stage. I do feel, however, that this would be an excellent workbook for a coach or therapist to recommend or even require as a commitment toward measurable change.
In general, this book is interesting, useful, but unlikely to create sustained change unless coordinated with some type of coaching and/or therapy.
April 22, 2014
This book is written for a target audience of hoarders, but it does have some good information for someone who may have a hoarder in their life. The authors posit that hoarding isn't so much about holding on to useless stuff as it is a disorder with the brain's decision-making process when considering what to discard. Therefore the book breaks down questions that a person can ask (themselves or the hoarder in their life) to aid in that process so that the hoarder may begin to discard. I found the premise quite interesting, as I have never heard the problem explained in this way before. The concern is that this book will likely only work for a hoarder who is already EXTREMELY motivated to get rid of their clutter. Lacking an exterior threat, such as a landlord eviction, or looming condemnation by a health department, there may be little motivation for the hoarder to follow this process. It also appears to be very time-consuming, at least until the hoarder gets more used to the process, so anyone hoping to help a hoarder would also need to be really committed to the process in order to be of any real value. Still, it is the most valuable book I have read on the subject to date.
September 19, 2014
Great book for a person that really wants to change. Read through it, now going back and working on the exercises. I will get my life back on track, thanks to this wonderfully written book with the guidelines to work through my mess.
April 27, 2025
This is the handbook that I think most people should start with when decluttering. I got this recommendation from a NAPO-certified professional organizer, but I worked through it on my own. It strikes a good balance between having a strong grounding in research, telling relatable stories for emotional resonance, and guiding the reader with step by step instructions.
Some of the questionnaires are good for a reality check: is your stuff affecting your life? (Very similar to how Activities of Daily Living are assessed in a wide variety of medical contexts.) Other questionnaires will help you name the type of roadblock you face. Some hoarders get hung up on thinking their stuff is way more valuable than it is, or on finding the most perfect and responsible way to dispose of something; others struggle more with bringing new things into the home. Articulating those differences helps you find advice that's more relevant to your life, not just in this book but in other resources too.
Some people may struggle with following the book's plan by themselves. The authors tell you to build your distress tolerance by approaching a difficult situation (e.g. a tempting flea market) and gradually habituating to it. They also assume that you can build a habit by simply sitting down to work on something for a few minutes a day, and keep doing it consistently, day after day. If you struggle to use cognitive behavioral therapy or you can't maintain habits like brushing your teeth (e.g. I think ADHD might make this difficult?), then you may find this book's exercises difficult to do without some peer support.
Some of the questionnaires are good for a reality check: is your stuff affecting your life? (Very similar to how Activities of Daily Living are assessed in a wide variety of medical contexts.) Other questionnaires will help you name the type of roadblock you face. Some hoarders get hung up on thinking their stuff is way more valuable than it is, or on finding the most perfect and responsible way to dispose of something; others struggle more with bringing new things into the home. Articulating those differences helps you find advice that's more relevant to your life, not just in this book but in other resources too.
Some people may struggle with following the book's plan by themselves. The authors tell you to build your distress tolerance by approaching a difficult situation (e.g. a tempting flea market) and gradually habituating to it. They also assume that you can build a habit by simply sitting down to work on something for a few minutes a day, and keep doing it consistently, day after day. If you struggle to use cognitive behavioral therapy or you can't maintain habits like brushing your teeth (e.g. I think ADHD might make this difficult?), then you may find this book's exercises difficult to do without some peer support.
February 17, 2024
This is the most detailed and seemingly doable (work)book on hoarding that I have read so far. It’s for the motivated hoarder and is full of great questions and questionnaires. While it is a straight forward book, the hard part for the hoarder is actually putting it down and doing what it says.
February 8, 2017
Purchased this book to help us assemble a diagnostic tool for use by housing inspectors in our CDBG-funded Minor Home Repair program, to help seniors and people who have disabilities retain their housing and live as independently as possible. Symptomatic hoarding can progress to eventually pose threats to animals (pets) and neighbors, and it is a delicate operation to intervene respectfully and sensitively, yet with assertiveness and concern for the community as a whole. Though limited in its usefulness for the intended purpose, this book did provide context and insights for city staff which in turn helped us communicate more effectively with affected residents.
December 2, 2008
Written for people whose hoarding has really gotten out of control. I was trying to find help for someone who is working up to a hoarding problem, but I don't think this book would be useful...yet. If the person in question took the quizzes in this book, I think they would be convinced they don't have a problem due to the lack of squalor in their home. My Mother In Law is an undeniable hoarder, though, and I saw her clearly in most of the descriptions in this book.
August 24, 2011
A very well-written look at the possible causes and certain consequences of hoarding. I was able to recognize people I have known and know and also catch glimpses into my own quirks. This book allowed me to be more compassionate and understanding of myself and others and I hope I never get all the way to complete hoarder! But I can see that their therapeutic approach can help; slowing down and making decisions is really a good way to avoid clutter.
April 9, 2016
A depressing read mainly because it is a depressing subject for the family members of hoarders. The work is well-organized and well-written. It gives insights into why people hoard and why they are compulsive acquirers. I'm not so sure the suggestions for getting people out of the hoarding disorder will work. Some of the ideas sound helpful, at least to a non-hoarder. Not so sure a hoarder would buy into them. But I'm glad I read it and even more glad to take it back to the library.
July 24, 2011
Informative, but not as useful as any of the books by Peter Walsh on overcoming clutter. This books does get more to the heart of why people become compulsive hoarders, and there are lots of "quizzes" to see if you qualify, but from what I've seen of true hoarders, they would never buy this books to find out.
January 20, 2019
This was very interesting to learn more about what hoarders are going on in their minds. There is more going on than just thinking that they can't throw things away and the assumption that they are poor housekeepers.
March 22, 2024
Asking a hoarder what they want to get rid of is a waste of time. They have no mental capacity to process the answer to that question. The only question that MIGHT help is, "You have 12 of these items; which six are you willing part with?"
February 27, 2022
Kind of a workbook that I couldn't write in, as it was a library book.
I recognized some characteristics in myself, but a lot in people I know.
This doesn't offer tons of new ideas, but speaks to you in a calm voice, so that hopefully you might come to understand WHY. I like that it was a gentle approach, that it didn't get in your face, making you want to shut down because people are trying to change you and tell you what you need to get rid of. Instead, it helps us to understand why we acquire and save and have trouble getting rid of things.
I wish a couple people I know would get it from the library and read it, because I think it could be helpful. If you understand WHY maybe you can move forward.
Among other things, I appreciated the 'Thinking it through' list of questions to ask yourself about your things.
And the 'OHIO rule' - only handle it once.
I recognized some characteristics in myself, but a lot in people I know.
This doesn't offer tons of new ideas, but speaks to you in a calm voice, so that hopefully you might come to understand WHY. I like that it was a gentle approach, that it didn't get in your face, making you want to shut down because people are trying to change you and tell you what you need to get rid of. Instead, it helps us to understand why we acquire and save and have trouble getting rid of things.
I wish a couple people I know would get it from the library and read it, because I think it could be helpful. If you understand WHY maybe you can move forward.
Among other things, I appreciated the 'Thinking it through' list of questions to ask yourself about your things.
And the 'OHIO rule' - only handle it once.
November 8, 2024
Better as a resource for clinicians, but I believe it would be accessible to anyone wanting to learn about this disorder.
December 28, 2008
This poor book did not get a fair read from me. It's the third one I've read now on cluttering and hoarding and I'm just tired of reading about the topic. I will recommend this book to interested relatives primarily because there are highlighted sections providing wise advice for the family and friends of the hoarder. I also liked the little tests the reader could take to evaluate the extent of their problem. However, a good half of the book contains a system for actually cleaning up the hoarder's belongings. Though I hardly skimmed the book, the motivation strategies seemed superficial while the information on the cleaning and organizing system was complicated and intimidating.
June 6, 2015
The workbook aspects of this guide to helping you (or someone you love) with acquiring, saving and hoarding do not translate well to the Kindle Fire, so if you are planning on using the information within to "work and make notes and affirmations," you simply MUST purchase a paper / hard copy.
Otherwise, a decent read, with excellent advice for dealing with a hoarder in your life (patience, patience and even more patience), and for hoarders who fall off the wagon of accumulated things (take a deep breath, and start anew). In summation: Not as entertaining as some of the other books on hoarders, but useful as a guide to navigating cluttered waters.
Otherwise, a decent read, with excellent advice for dealing with a hoarder in your life (patience, patience and even more patience), and for hoarders who fall off the wagon of accumulated things (take a deep breath, and start anew). In summation: Not as entertaining as some of the other books on hoarders, but useful as a guide to navigating cluttered waters.
January 22, 2020
This may be helpful for those in initial stages of addressing hoarding disorder. Not helpful for spouse in long term marriage. Been married for 19 years. Finally moved out 4 years ago. Tried everything. Killing myself trying to stay ahead of hoarding. Sneaking garbage away to family’s cans to insure disposal. Went a year unable to eat at kitchen table. Exhausted.
My moving out changed nothing.
We are still married and spend time
together. Still enjoy each other’s company. He can visit my home. I will not visit his.
We will never again live in the same house.
Sad situation.
My moving out changed nothing.
We are still married and spend time
together. Still enjoy each other’s company. He can visit my home. I will not visit his.
We will never again live in the same house.
Sad situation.
March 30, 2018
I've read many books on clutter and hoarding. All have a few bits of advice but none of them go into the depth of this one and also offer logical ways to modify the behaviors associated with it. This is a workbook styled book and, as such, really helps one dig in and figure out what your own issues really are and what you can do to successfully get past them. This book is very inspiring and not judgmental in any way. I highly suggest it.
January 19, 2010
this book gave me insight into my acquiring, saving and collecting (i'm not to the hoarding stage as described here and elsewhere, but i do have more than a fair share of cds, dvds and books - can you have too many books?). i think this book would probably be useful to anyone who suspects s/he may have a little "too much" around the house.
June 13, 2010
Recently I found out that a friend of mine was a hoarder, so I am doing some research to better understand the condition. This book was chock full of questionnaires to help someone determine whether they are a hoarder and to what degree. Would be a helpful resource (along with a therapist and professional organizer) for someone who wants to break free of the hoarding cycle.
July 22, 2016
Really helpful practical recommendations for decluttering and de-hoarding. Don't know if it would work for really bad hoarding cases though. I gave it to the bad hoarding cases in my life and they're still in denial about being hoarders at all because "Hey at least we're not as bad as the people on Hoarders!" Still, this book helped me declutter.
December 19, 2011
Awesome book on learning to be organized and overcome the "collecting" or "hoarding" tendencies we all have to some degree. I also felt it was super helpful in learning to overcome the habit of over acquiring "stuff". Very very helpful.
June 3, 2011
This is a workbook to help people deal with hoarding. I think the authors are honest about the difficulty of treating this problem and have written a good manual for those who have the motivation (or will get motivation from the book) to succeed.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 105 reviews