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Series 5: 7. The House Where the Hobbies Took Over

The team head to the West Midlands to help the Clarke family. When Sarah and Jon first moved in together, two households merged into one, and now their home has been overtaken by clutter. Evidence of the things this family love – books, bikes and crafting materials – have left no room for everyday life. Sarah and Jon are both deaf, and the clutter is hindering the family’s communication and connection, so they’re in desperate need of a change.\n\nWith the team's help, the family pack all their possessions into boxes, stripping every item from their home to reveal its hidden potential. Throughout the process, the team get to know the family behind the clutter. Sarah’s love of arts and crafts is deeply rooted in her experience growing up as the only deaf person in a hearing family, while Jon’s dream job as a bike technician is spilling into the house. In the past, sentimental mum Sarah has struggled to declutter because of the memories attached to the items she’s holding onto, but she is now ready to let go to make her home work for her and the family. \n\nOnce all 520 boxes are packed, the family’s possessions are displayed in a huge warehouse – an awe-inspiring art installation of their lives, uncovering 112 board games, 4,017 plastic toys and 433 pieces of wood crafts. There are emotional moments as Sarah struggles to let go of her huge book collection, and Jon reflects on his adoption of Sarah’s eldest son, Timeon. On day two, Dilly’s firm but fair encouragement helps Sarah part with her huge collection of arts and crafts equipment as she feels the weight of the mum guilt she’s been carrying. \n\nOnce the most treasured items are selected, Stacey and the team face the challenge of turning the Clarkes' house into a home fit for the family to enjoy the things they love. Rob breathes new life into the living room by installing a sleek room divider and creates a craft cupboard of dreams for Sarah to enjoy with the children. Dilly has her work cut out to put helpful systems in place, while Iwan uses clever and easy ideas to refresh and brighten the home and garden.\n\nWill Stacey and her team’s efforts to declutter, organise and upcycle provide the fresh start the Clarkes have been dreaming of?

Source: BBC 2