In this big house somewhere in suburbia…this couple seems to have a big problem. Clutter and bargain shopping has not only taken over their house, but it’s smothering their lives and their love for each other.  Clutter has moved them further apart over the years and has moved the husband out of the bedroom….and close to leaving the house.  Married for 20 years, this couple is looking for Peter to help them save their marriage…and help them find what is really important…that just may be buried under all of their stuff in the second floor of their house. 

Again, just like in some other episodes, their source of shame is moved to the front yard of the “house-house-house.”  Their stuff took over their yard, as well as their neighbor’s yards on both sides it seemed.  As I was watching this episode, I caught of glimpse of a friend that I really love like a sister.  She loves her books…just like Oscar loved his books.  She also loves her clothes…just like Teresa loves her clothes.  It’s really hard for her to let any of it go….but my friend didn’t need Peter but did enlist the help of friends and Salvation Army.  Now…life is much better.  It’s good to see her smile as she climbed that mountain.

Back to the story…so as this couple worked through the “stuff” from their house, I was surprised how the communication and connection seemed to be as cluttered as the house and keeping them separated.  “Things” became more important than their relationship…which was a lesson for the viewer.  Don’t let things become more important than your relationship.  If you do….I think there is a bigger problem….don’t you? 

Some practical lessons that I picked up on from the show that I might be able to use and wanted to pass along include: 

• You only need 10 pair of shoes.  (Peter, What if I narrow it down to 20?  How about 20 purses too…would that be ok?) 
• About Bargain Hunting – “If price is the best thing about something, you should not be buying it.” 
• Another great quote about bargain shopping that Peter shared from his grandmother was, “You can go broke saving money.”  This is SO true!
• Clutter can control your life…but remember that you are much stronger than it.

Sticky notes that were left in the house when all was cleaned up and cleared away included:

• Finish the cycle!
• One in…one out!
• Quality of life or quantity of stuff?

 The last sticky note really said something to me – Quality of life or quantity of stuff?  As a final note, after this show, I was moved to CLEAN MY ROOM including the dreaded under the bed storage and free myself from some of my own stuff.  I choose quality of life…thank you Peter.