Lisa Curtis, a former hoarder, is now dedicated to transforming the lives of people living in homes filled with clutter and filth. Growing up, she had a fondness for collecting items, which she later recognized as hoarding. Her journey began in 2013 after the death of her father, who was also a hoarder. Upon entering his chaotic home, she found it bursting with belongings, untouched for years. “My dad would never let us into his house,” said Lisa, reflecting on the shock of discovering a time capsule of clutter.
Over six months, Lisa spent her weekends sorting through her father’s possessions, deciding what to keep, donate, sell, or discard. His hoarding began after the death of her grandmother in 2001, as he struggled with grief and neglected household maintenance. Heartbroken by the state of his home, Lisa gradually cleared it out while realizing that she shared some of his collecting tendencies. This prompted her to focus on her own three-bedroom house, where she successfully eliminated thousands of items.
Encouraged by friends and colleagues who sought her decluttering assistance, Lisa began offering her services as a side hustle. By 2017, this endeavor evolved into a full-time career, allowing her to earn around £50,000 annually. Now a mother of three, she spends her days entering the homes of fellow hoarders to help them confront their habits and reclaim their spaces. The work is rewarding for Lisa; she feels fulfilled knowing she is making a tangible difference in people’s lives.
Throughout her career, Lisa has faced challenging situations, including dealing with clients who have stored unsanitary items or accumulated vast collections of unused goods. “I had one lady who had thousands of knitting magazines, all completely unopened,” she recounted. Her experiences have shown her that being a collector doesn’t always equate to an unsanitary environment; however, the lack of space can lead to significant issues over time.
Lisa’s personal struggles with hoarding tendencies allow her to empathize with her clients, fostering trust and comfort as they navigate their challenges together. She has worked with various individuals from different backgrounds—some being white-collar professionals like bank managers and architects—who often feel shame about their habits. This stigma can prevent many from seeking help; thus, Lisa aims to educate others about hoarding and raise awareness to reduce feelings of embarrassment.
Now committed to advocating for those affected by hoarding, Lisa believes that understanding each person’s story can combat the mean comments that often deter individuals from asking for help. “Everyone has a story,” she emphasizes, hoping to inspire others to seek assistance without fear of judgment or ridicule. She aims to create a more compassionate dialogue around hoarding and its complexities.