Wednesday, November 19, 2008

Clean House

I have three shows I really like. One of them I catch when I can on the Style Network; it's called Clean House. I love it. It's very formulaic but fun (for me) too, cheesy jokes and all. Here's the formula:
1. A messy family is introduced.
2. The Clean House cast comes to the house to meet the family and check out the mayhem.
3. They begin trying to get the family to let go of the clutter they don't need. (You'd be surprised at the emotional connection people make with the strangest things.)The hostess sits the family down to discover what is causing all of the foolishness and gives them straight talk counsel.
4. They have a huge yard sale. Whatever they don't sell goes to charity. The money they make from the yard sale is matched by the show for the first thousand dollars. This is the money they will use to organize and redecorate 2-3 rooms in the house.
5. The family is sent to a hotel for a couple days while the entire Clean House crew proceeds to clean, organize, and decorate the home.
6. The family comes back for reveal day. Most love the transformation, and hopefully they are motivated to not be clutter slobs anymore.

So, with that said... Sometimes when I watch the show and it gets to the family in the hotel part, the owners of the home will start expressing how nervous they are about how the house is going to be decorated. What if they don't like it? They have picky tastes, etc.

This is where my confusion comes into play. If your home is so packed with trash and clutter that you've got cat poop tucked away for years or a massive ant problem in your kitchen or an overwhelming stench of garbage or you can't sleep on your own bed because there are too many things on top and no where else to put it or the list goes on..... and people are willing to step in and clean up your nasty mess, wouldn't you just be grateful? Who cares if the paint color is one you wouldn't choose yourself? ANYTHING would be an improvement from the pile that it was before. Most of the people on the show are very grateful for the help even before they see the transformation, but a few of them... I tell you. I think that you've lost any credibility as far as your own home design goes once you can't tell what type of flooring you have because there is too much junk covering it.
Sidenote: Why do so many of the people on this show have doll collections? Interesting coincidence, don't you think?
Also, if you ever have a chance to watch one of the 2 messiest home in the country episodes, do it. It will make you feel like your home is a shining beacon of clean.

11 comments:

Rasmussen Forever said...

I would love for anyone to clean my home. I found an episode on youtube and I was appauled at how some people can really live. It was worst than disgusting. It also made me want to get up and really clean and clear out my own home. Fun post, Maren!

adrienne said...

I've got to agree with you here. I've seen this show and they should definitely just be grateful for what they are getting. I have to admit I don't really understand how people can let it get to that point. When my house is too cluttery/messy I'm one ornery wife and mother.

Heidi said...

I have another favorite home show where I have never heard a complaint from the recipient--Extreme Makeover Home Edition. Sophie loves to watch it with me. That's a show that always makes me puts my own life into perspective. I get teary-eyed just about every time I see it.

Teisha said...

I love these kinds of shows. Any sort of re-decorating I can spend hours watching. I watch HGTV for hours Maybe it's because Im a wannabe interior designer. I can understand the people who pay for transformation themselves, but otherwise, if a show is offering to come in and help make you living space better. And even front some of the cost. You have lost all priveleges on complaining about anything.

Krista said...

You've got a problem with doll collectors? Just kidding! My favorite part of any week is going through a closet or cupboard and throwing/giving things away. It is my neighbors' favorite too. I really need to get started on my basement. Need any furniture?

Wendy Peay said...

I wouldn't even need the redecorating-just get rid of the clutter PLEASE!! If I could get rid of that, I could figure out the decorating (maybe) myself!! I You are so funny, but you have a great point.

Unknown said...

I want somebody to come and clean out Gary's office. Is their a clutter-fairy?

Unknown said...

I mean "there". Duh.

Kelley Rae said...

I've never seen the show but loved your description of it. Made me laugh as all of your comments on stupid human behavior usually does. I would probably be addicted to HGTV too if I had it, probably another reason why we don't have cable.

Krista said...

I finally saw this show yesterday! I am already hooked. It is so funny what people are attached to.

Kim Ward said...

Maren, you are hilarous, but I must say well said!