Press Release - Recent Demographics Show Hoarding Affects 2-5% of Population

    Most people know of a home in their neighborhood where the home is obviously overflowing with clutter.  Some homes begin not functioning and contents spills out into the yard. Most people have no idea where to turn to for help. Over 10 million people in the US have clinically significant hoarding, and the average age at treatment is 50.  They tend to be single, have a high rate of divorce, live alone and usually have a family history of hoarding.  Onset usually occurs in childhood but does not become severe until adulthood.
    Hoarding was the focus for the recent National Study Group on Chronic Disorganization (NSGCD) Conference held in 2008 in St. Louis, MO.  Over one hundred professional organizers joined to learn more about the disposition and acquisition cycles involved in hoarding. Leading experts joined together in St. Louis to present the latest research and techniques on this subject.  
    Mary Pankiewicz, a Certified Professional Organizer in Chronic Disorganization, attended a National Study Group on Chronic Disorganization (NSGCD) Conference in St. Louis, MO that focused on hoarding.  The conference highlights included learning more about the disposition and acquisition cycles involved in hoarding, and leading experts presented the latest research and techniques on this subject.
    Nationally recognized expert and key note speaker Gail Steketee, MSW, PhD, presented ground breaking material on hoarding, including new methods of study and models to a explain hoarder’s behavior. Said Dr. Steketee, “Hoarding is a remarkably prevalent problem with recent estimates that approximately 2-5% of adults are affected by serious hoarding problems that make their homes difficult to use. In its most severe forms, hoarding causes falls, respiratory and other health problems, and even fire and loss of life. Although a few researchers have spent nearly 10 years studying it, this work is still in its infancy. We have a great deal more to learn about the causes of hoarding and the best methods for effectively intervening in this very persistent problem.” says Dr. Steketee.  Dr. Steketee, recognized NSGCD as “a remarkable group of professional organizers who are dedicated to gaining a good understanding of the disorganization they work with so they can provide help that truly makes a difference.”
    Said Pankiewicz, “Our hoarding clients are fragile and vulnerable. It is vital that we have the focused training to encourage them to continue through an often painful process of change.”  Kit Anderson, President of NSGCD, also commented that “NSGCD is the premier source for education about chronic disorganization. Hoarding is just one of the situations we are trained to handle. We also specialize in helping clients with ADHD and other challenges find organizing solutions to meet their unique needs.”
    Pankiewicz was awarded with the Level IV NSGCD Training Program Coach Certificate at the St. Louis conference. This award recognizes her significant knowledge in the field of chronic disorganization with respect to coaching, training, communications and productivity.

What is Hoarding?
    Hoarding is usually considered a subtype of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). Like other compulsive behaviors, hoarding is an effort to manage the anxiety raised by obsessive doubts. There are varying levels of hoarding behavior. A diagnosis of OCD of the hoarding type is made when there is significant distress or disruption to feelings of self-worth, interpersonal relationships, education, occupation, housing, finances, legal issues, or health as a result of hoarding behavior.

Clutter-free & Organized, owned by Mary Pankiewicz, works with corporations and individuals to help them make time and space for what’s important to them. Pankiewicz works one-on-one with clients to help them streamline their environment and create effective strategies for an organized lifestyle. For more information visit ww.clutterfree.biz or call 865-607-9460.

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WBIR Channel 10, Knoxville, calls Mary their “professional organizer.” In the past year she has done over 60 TV organizing segments.

“I really enjoy your segments on Channel 10!” -- Brooke Bradley

“Thanks again for being on my radio show. You were a terrific guest.” -- Duffy Spencer, Ph.D., New York City, NY

“Listened to you on the radio today. What a great job you did! You handled the questions very comfortably and knowledgeably.” -- Greg Maciolek

Media Quotes

The Kingsport Times-News, April 2005, featured Mary Pankiewicz of Clutter-free & Organized. Front page article, “Get Organized.” (64K PDF)

The Business Journal of Tri-Cities TN/Virginia, April 2004, featured Mary Pankiewicz of Clutter-free & Organized. Second article, “Why Your Office Seems to Remain a Constant Mess.”

The Knoxville News-Sentinel Women’s Expo article featured Mary Pankiewicz of Clutter-free & Organized,“ Expert Links Clutter-free Closets to Easing Stress in Life.”

Bountiful Health magazine, June 2004, “Get Organized; Weed Out Clutter,” written by Mary Pankiewicz of Clutter-free & Organized.

The Knoxville News-Sentinel—2003 Business section, “Clutter Cuts Down Productivity, Office Workers Discover.” Upon having Clutter-free & Organized completely organize her office, Remona Jessee who uses her home office as her primary base said, “It really makes a difference!” Organizing is one way to bring people’s stress levels down.

HGTV Ideas magazine quoted, “Bringing in someone who doesn’t know you and your house can provide a very good perspective on the problem and the solution,” says Pankiewicz. “My job is to come up with a process that will work for a family.”

Volunteer Valley Business Journal, “Controlling Clutter a Booming Business.” Article featured Mary Pankiewicz of Clutter-free & Organized. “I become a partner with my clients and help them accomplish their goals.”

Kingsport Times-News, “Real Help for Pack Rats.” “Pankiewicz helps clients free their homes and offices from the junk that’s slowly but steadily gobbling up precious space and silently stealing their sense of well-being.”

Woman’s Day, August 2000, several of Clutter-free & Organized ideas were quoted in “Twenty-One Ways to Save Time Every Day.”

Citizen Tribune, November 2001, “Inaugural Luncheon Held for Women in Business,” “The concept of the WIB program was the brainchild of Mary Pankiewicz, owner of Clutter-free & Organized, and Pam Lawson, editor of the East Tennessee Women’s Magazine.”

The Florida Times-Union, Nassau Neighbors “Organizing Isn’t Job for Amateurs.” “I think ‘stuff’ has become the buzzword of the millennium,” says Pankiewicz as she presented a program at Books Plus. Magee, a client, was quoted as saying, “Pankiewicz taught us new skill while she helped us tackle our organizing projects.”