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00:03Wow oh my god families across Australia are drowning in clutter this is what we
00:14took out of your house for all of them the stakes are high and they're desperate for
00:24help clutter is anything that gets between you and the life you want to live Peter Walsh frees them
00:33from the stuff holding them back while Cherie Barber renovates their homes in record time
00:43and Angie Kent brings much loved treasures back to life it gives me goosebumps
00:54it's the greatest transformation of their lives
01:12Nicole and her Greek parents Val and Bill have faced many challenges together
01:18Bill spent years battling cancer which forced the family to close the shoe shop they'd run for
01:24decades and now Nicole has had to move back home together with her fiancee Tyson
01:30times are really tough and we were not able to afford paying rent paying bills so my parents
01:36were very gracious in offering a space for us to come and live with them so that we can save
01:41a bit
01:41of money and try and get ahead and pay for our wedding but there's a family secret that has
01:47become a huge source of conflict
01:55the clutter in the basement is overwhelming there's so many different things with different business
02:00ventures that my mom's tried out and when the businesses Val started to help make ends meet
02:06failed to take off she was left with an enormous amount of unsold stock there's so much stuff and it's
02:15a
02:15constant reminder of my failures it's very emotional for me to even go down there
02:30it's got out of hand totally and there comes a time when you've got to say look enough is enough
02:38so we've tried to sort it out we've had conflict we will go back and forth about you know why
02:43do
02:43you need to keep this and never get stuck with but now we need space so we can not be
02:49on top of one
03:00another with the cost of living crisis forcing many young people to move back in with their parents
03:06the lack of privacy can mean tensions quickly built and for Val her out of control clutter is not only
03:13taking up much-needed space but it's also coming between her and her family's happiness
03:22hey hello come on in let's go please lead on I'm loving this house oh Bill I presume how you
03:30doing
03:30how are you I'm doing well although I'm slightly confused the house looks great no clutter what's the
03:37story downstairs okay well let's have a look come on wow you weren't kidding oh my god well it looks
03:54like a department store that's bizarre I'm in shock this behind closed doors type of clutter
04:06is typically shoved in cupboards or drawers where no one can see it but Val has taken it to a
04:12whole
04:12new level this enormous basement is filled to the brim it's not only overwhelming in volume but also in
04:20variety there's a lot of homewares little exercise equipment back here I can see Christmas furniture
04:30cooking decorative clothes how many years has it been since you've used this space 15
04:3615 15 okay talk to us about how things have gotten to this stage with our
04:42family business I was able to run a little like department store as you can put it women would come
04:48that I knew from my shop and that being their friends and they'd go shopping okay so a little
04:54entrepreneurial yes thank you side businesses yeah selling stuff yeah but sadly it came to an end
05:01there was a lot going on in our family life with my husband Bill was diagnosed with chronic lymphoma
05:07leukemia Bill was gonna die so he had to have a bone marrow transplant it was really hard and I
05:18had to take
05:19care of things at home but we're really lucky Bill's in remission now it's just been idle since then and
05:27then of course it became a dumping ground what does it feel like living on top of this depressing
05:38feels like a dirty secret yeah okay so as the big Greek family I imagine there's all family
05:45celebration how does this fit into that it doesn't it did once it's an embarrassment that it's in this
05:52state I'd like to reclaim it I presume all of you have your own different needs so what do you
05:59actually want
05:59this room to become we would love it to be a few different things I think having been here for
06:04eight
06:04months altogether it's really evident that we do need space to kind of unwind a little bit mum would
06:11also love to get back into beading and jewelry making maybe a little crafts corner okay I think
06:16also like I want to have my bachelorette party down here I've been set a huge challenge this beautiful
06:26family needs somewhere to come together and celebrate special occasions but also a space to
06:32unwind away from one another my mind's already ticking over with exciting ideas of how to transform
06:38this massive basement into multiple zones that'll satisfy everyone's needs so we better get cracking
06:51to help Val and her family reclaim the space the team begin packing up everything from
06:56the basement so it can be decluttered at a nearby warehouse lots of stuff to load in the van heavy
07:03boxes on the bottom lighter boxes on top and with open areas under furniture use that to put on shape
07:21what a find this 19th century brass candelabra is stunning but it's snapped in two and it's clearly seen better
07:29days I can't wait to find out its story and restore this beautiful treasure
07:37just put the boxes down I've got to tell you we've been working for quite some time and we haven't
07:43really made that big of a dent
07:45yeah yeah it's like very overwhelming talk to me so up until
07:52was it this year last year we decluttered this year okay so but you've already previously made an attempt to
07:57declutter here what precipitated that was that you moving back in
08:01yeah and then I pretty much just said it's not it's not acceptable it was so hard that I had
08:07meltdowns
08:08why
08:13this is really hard
08:18basically I hated myself I hated the fact that it was affecting my children it was affecting my husband and
08:25my own relationship I didn't want to come home
08:28so where are you now in terms of letting things go I really don't know it's going to be a
08:35confronting few days mum
08:40coming up
08:43Cherie's team tackle the monumental Renault
08:47oh wow
08:48oh my god
08:49and will being confronted by the colossal clutter be the wake-up call Val needs
08:54is your decision for this
08:57or for
08:58your family
09:11Peter is helping Val, Bill and their daughter Nicole pack up thousands of items from their basement
09:18mountains of clutter from Val's shuttered business ventures she ran from home
09:22has meant there's little space for Nicole and her fiancee Tyson
09:25now they've moved back in to save money for their wedding
09:36it's so surreal seeing it all come up from the basement
09:40I'm not going to lie if I'm still very overwhelmed
09:43I'm feeling relieved
09:45it's like a nightmare coming to an end
09:49I think my mum's in a bit of a panic
09:51and when we go through everything I'm anticipating that there may be a bit of conflict
09:55I know that I'm ready to encourage her to get rid of a lot more than I think she's willing
09:59to
10:00so we'll see how that unfolds
10:02with the last van jam-packed
10:05the contents are transported to the Space Invaders warehouse
10:11we're an army of movers
10:13arrange it all into categories
10:15so Nicole and Val can confront the enormous problem
10:22I am freaking out at the scale of this
10:25it's the biggest collection of clutter we've ever taken from just one group
10:30okay, keep walking
10:31all this stuff is causing a huge rift between mother and daughter
10:36so I need them to start working together
10:38if they've got any hope of restoring harmony to their home
10:43on the count of three
10:44I want you to have a look at just
10:48how much stuff you have been living on top of
10:51one
10:52two
10:54three
10:55open your eyes
10:58oh
10:58oh
11:01oh wow
11:02oh my god
11:06oh my gosh
11:08I'm actually a bit lost for words
11:10oh my god
11:13all of this
11:14took us 480 boxes
11:18to get here
11:19oh my, whoa
11:22you've been busy mum
11:23I don't even know what to say
11:24I'm like
11:25gobsmacked
11:29let me show you what you have here
11:31you ready?
11:31yeah
11:31here we go
11:3314 tables of kitchenware items
11:37wow
11:37oh my lord
11:38three tables packed with sporting equipment
11:42jewellery, linen
11:43I just can't believe
11:45then here we have over 140 handbags
11:54what can I say?
11:56then covering the whole back wall
11:58furniture, mannequins, dresses
12:02oh my gosh, I'm gonna cry
12:04then here we have over 500 decor items
12:11plus over 100 vases and other decorator items in the cubby hole
12:18huge
12:18I'm shocked
12:22you're gonna have to let go of close to 90% of what you see before you
12:27for this to fit back into your basement for it to be the kind of space that you want
12:32that's a lot
12:34that's a lot
12:35you have to make a decision
12:37is your decision for this
12:40or is your decision for your family
12:47you ready?
12:49yeah, let's do it
12:50come with me, let's get started
12:55back at the house, Cherie is putting together her ambitious plans
13:00now this cavernous L-shaped basement has been cleared out
13:03I can see its true potential
13:05I want to turn the once cluttered far end
13:08into a living space where Nicole
13:10and her fiance Tyson can watch TV
13:12and chill out by themselves
13:15create a central dining zone for the couple to share meals
13:19transform the left hand side into a bar and lounge
13:22where the family can host events
13:24including Nicole's bachelorette party
13:27and in the front corner
13:28as Bal wants to get back into making jewellery
13:31I'm gonna surprise her with a special crafting area
13:34that's four brand new zones to create in just two days
13:42as the tradies rip out old shelving
13:45and remove the dark timber skirting boards so they can be painted
13:49cracks are patched and the ceiling brightened with a crisp white
13:54meanwhile new cabinetry is assembled
13:59this basement had nowhere to store things out of sight
14:02so I'm installing a heap of cupboards and drawers across all zones
14:05to help keep things nice and tidy
14:08in the new living room
14:10Cherie wants wall lights installed
14:12but electrician Roy has uncovered a problem
14:15the plaster is stuck directly onto the brick
14:18so if we can't get our cables in between the little gap
14:22we may need to chase the plaster
14:23the problem is is if we have to cut the walls open
14:28when the lights come on you always see the patch marks
14:31if the team have to open up the wall to connect electrical cables
14:35to the power point near the floor
14:36we'll have to replaster the whole wall
14:40that's a big job that'll take time and resources
14:43I just don't have
14:47Back at the warehouse
14:49I want to play a little game with you
14:50it's called push the purse
14:52Val and Nicole's first task
14:54is to tackle the 140 handbags and purses
14:57that were piled high in the basement
15:00anything you would like to let go of
15:01slide it down the table into one of the boxes
15:04I'm already nervous
15:05don't be
15:06most of this is unsold stock from Bell's business ventures
15:10here we go
15:11so it's concerning that she's already stressing over
15:14what should be a straightforward declutter
15:17these are all brand new
15:19I'm a bit overwhelmed
15:22that can go
15:23you sure?
15:25yeah
15:25come on push the purse Val
15:27push the purse
15:29like it?
15:30oh no
15:31why?
15:33no
15:36hold for one sec
15:37I want to check in
15:39are you okay?
15:40because this is your stuff
15:42and I know that previously
15:44when Nicole has led this charge
15:47it's led to tight moments with you two
15:51because I don't want you to feel remorse later
15:54I want it to be considered
15:56yeah
15:56are you okay?
15:57I'm okay
15:58okay let's keep moving
16:01yes no?
16:03no
16:04you sure?
16:04uh yeah
16:05sure
16:06Val says she's okay
16:08but I'm worried that by Nicole making most of the decisions
16:12resentment's bubbling just beneath the surface
16:15and could derail this whole process
16:18well these were part of my business
16:20that can all go
16:21they sold very well when I did that
16:23is that why you still have them?
16:24none of these?
16:25no
16:26good job
16:27yeah
16:27okay
16:29so you're keeping three
16:30which means
16:33137
16:34are off to donation
16:36yeah I'm ecstatic
16:37this is great
16:40while Val has let plenty of bags go
16:42she doesn't look happy
16:44and that could spell trouble for the challenges ahead
16:47we've got lots to do
16:48yep
16:49let's keep moving
16:49okay
16:50let's go
16:52coming up
16:53Angie learns about an incredible family heirloom
16:57this is the treasures that I dream about
17:00and long simmering tensions boil over
17:03I think we need one
17:04I don't think we do
17:05no
17:06I'm telling you
17:06I'm telling you
17:17at Val's house
17:18the basement reno is a hive of activity
17:21with the living room's TV cabinets being installed down the far end
17:25Cherie can turn her attention to the once cluttered front section
17:29I want to convert this space into a bar and lounge
17:32so the family can celebrate special occasions like Nicole's upcoming bachelorette party
17:38problem is there's a structural bulkhead coming down from the ceiling which we can't knock out
17:43and a strange recess along the wall
17:47so we're constructing a timber frame to fill in the recess I don't need in the bar area
17:53then I'll extend the wall past the protruding bulkhead to create a new nook for the TV unit in the
17:58living room
18:00as work continues new flooring arrives
18:05to go over the bare concrete floor I've chosen laminate planks
18:09not only will they be easy to keep clean
18:11but the light natural tones are really going to warm up the space and give a seamless flow throughout
18:16we're going to be able to be able to be able to be able to squeeze power cables for the
18:31wall lights
18:32between the plaster and the brick wall
18:34we did try but as you can see it's pretty well fixed to that brick there
18:39but as a compromise rather than coming all the way down to the nearest power point
18:43yeah and running from there
18:44we have connected up to the down light
18:47this is a great solution
18:49instead of cutting open the walls from the power point and running cabling up the wall to the new lights
18:54Roy's run cables down from the ceiling lights instead which is a shorter span
18:59it also means with the new lights I've selected shining downward there'll be no noticeable wall fix underneath
19:07we're using plasterboard to patch the ceiling holes and corner cement to fill those and the cable channels
19:13I just hope it dries quickly so we can get on and paint this huge room
19:22what about this?
19:24yep, keep
19:25keep one
19:27Peter and Nicole are trying to help Val cull the enormous amount of kitchenware
19:32bought for her now closed businesses and her own family's needs
19:36try for a dish
19:38I think we need one
19:39I don't think we do
19:39I'm telling you
19:42we don't use
19:44okay
19:45I can feel the tension building
19:48Val and Nicole are not on the same page at all
19:51and I'm worried these disagreements could escalate
19:54so I want to try and get Val to see what holding on to all this stuff is costing her
20:00tell me how you feel looking at the amount of money that's been expended here
20:06um, guilt
20:07okay, I can understand that, that's fair
20:09maybe I had my hands dipped into many areas and not realising how much I had
20:15and once Bill got sick with cancer, I think it was my coping mechanism
20:19yes
20:20but I need you to see what this stuff has done to you and your family
20:25it keeps you up at night, late
20:28I mean even the financial side of it
20:29it stresses you both out, it causes tension when there doesn't need to be tension
20:34I was really worried that you would never ever let this go
20:36and then I would one day deal with your things
20:39and that
20:39that was gonna
20:43inside was harbouring
20:44I wouldn't say resentment is the right word
20:46it's quite strong
20:47but we want to see you rise above things like you've done with everything else
20:51and we know that you're capable
20:55yeah, I get that
20:57Nicole's delivered her message loud and clear
21:00and given her mum a lot to think about
21:03so I'm hoping Val can now let go of the things she bought
21:06partly for her businesses
21:08but also as a kind of retail therapy
21:10to cope during the traumatic years that Bill was battling cancer
21:14so can these go then?
21:17yes
21:17good
21:19that can stay
21:21these are going?
21:22yep
21:23I think mum's a very brave person to go through this whole process
21:26she's an incredible woman
21:27going? good
21:28Peter's really helped mum think about the value in what she's going to keep
21:33and the amount she should keep
21:34it's honestly helped having somebody else mediate
21:39you started with 14 tables piled high
21:42these four tables are what you're keeping
21:44but what's incredible
21:4753 boxes going off to donation
21:49amazing job
21:51hello, you should be doing the
21:53come on, let's see the cluttered hands
21:55exactly, Nicole
21:56now, lots more to do
21:58let's do it
21:59let's go, come on this way
22:00good, good job
22:02while Peter and Val
22:04continue sorting through items
22:06Nicole heads upstairs to catch up with Angie
22:08who's keen to find out more about the candelabra she discovered in the cluttered basement
22:14you've got a good eye Angie
22:15this definitely is something quite special
22:18okay
22:18it was from an antique shop and it was one of the first things mum had purchased for the home
22:23before we even moved in
22:24to symbolise the start of a new chapter for our family
22:26oh, I love that
22:27and it's just so beautiful
22:28it is beautiful
22:29she loves it so much
22:31but obviously it's a bit broken
22:33and I'm guessing it goes like this
22:35that's correct, yeah
22:36and we've got a few crystals missing
22:38so this broke about eight months ago
22:40when myself and my fiance Tyson moved in
22:43I don't know how it happened but mum found it on the floor
22:46one morning
22:47it did cause a bite
22:49like a bit of tension
22:50she was that upset she couldn't even look at it anymore
22:53and she told me to throw it out
22:54but I didn't have the heart to get rid of it
22:56so I stashed it in her basement
22:59so she doesn't even know you've still got this in the house
23:01no
23:03this is the treasures that I like dream about
23:06it's the biggest treasure in that basement I think
23:10this candelabra clearly means so much to Val
23:13so I want to restore it and surprise her by placing it in her newly renovated basement
23:19it would be so special if it could be fixed
23:21I hope it can
23:25Back at the house, Cherie's team are taking delivery of new benchtops
23:29starting with the longest one that'll form the entertainment unit
23:34this is huge and it's a five person job to move this monster
23:38you good?
23:41I'm hoping it'll fit around the tight corners of the staircase
23:44so it can be installed ASAP
23:47watch that light again
23:49yeah, watch that lamp
23:51blow
23:51down, down, down, down, down
23:55got it
23:56great work guys
24:01while the bench is installed
24:02Cherie turns her attention to the area under the stairs
24:05that was overrun with stock from Val's shuttered business ventures
24:09once we cleared the clutter
24:10I could see these horrible metal shelves that look like they belonged in a supermarket
24:15so I'm going to replace them with the bank of cabinets
24:17to form a stylish sideboard in the new dining area
24:22and to the right of the cabinets new shelving units are being installed as part of the fourth and final
24:27zone
24:29so Val can get back to making her own jewellery
24:32we're building a special craft corner with plenty of space for her to express her creativity
24:40over on the rear wall of the new living area
24:42the plaster patching is finally dry enough for the team to begin painting
24:47this basement was dull and boring
24:50so I'm going to go with a really bold pop of colour throughout
24:53hey Mark
24:54yep
24:54instead of dipping your roller in the paint tray
24:57rolling it out and then putting that on the wall
24:59all you do is you feed this into your paint can
25:01it feeds the paint up through the roller
25:03you never have to stop
25:12and while the team paint and then install new colour match doors to the entertainment unit
25:22Sheree needs to shop for new window furnishings
25:25the basement has these three tiny windows which are pushed all the way up near the ceiling
25:29and really make you feel like you're in a jail cell
25:33so for privacy I'm going to add Venetian blinds
25:36and to give the illusion of bigger windows
25:38full length shears that'll still let in light
25:41if you're wanting something with a bit of a linen look
25:43we have got something like this which is a polyester
25:45I reckon that's the one
25:47great
25:55coming up
25:58don't look at me like that
25:59seriously
26:00Peter's patience is tested
26:03whoa
26:05and later the family are gobsmacked by their transformed basement
26:09oh my god
26:16at the warehouse Angie's working on the candelabra she found in the basement
26:20after it broke when Nicole moved back in with her parents
26:24Val always loved this gorgeous 19th century treasure but believes it was tossed in the trash
26:30but now I can bring this beauty back to life
26:35first I'm polishing the tarnished brass with an acid base cleaner to restore its shine
26:41next I'm replacing the missing crystals with ones I've sourced second hand and making sure they're sparkling clean
26:48to reconnect the stem which snapped off from the base
26:51I'm going to track down a local golden silversmith who will be able to solder the two pieces back together
26:59I can't wait to see Val's face when she sees this restored to its former glory
27:07downstairs
27:07this table here what would you like to keep
27:10I'd like to keep all the colourful stuff
27:11stop the train
27:13Peter and Nicole are trying to help Val reduce the hundreds of decorator items which overwhelm the family's basement
27:21where's it going to go
27:22so some of these will go in my cabinet in my kitchen
27:25what about this wall of vases
27:28because some of these are very expensive
27:30what's the story there?
27:32so they were for resale and some of them are what I had in the house
27:36so those oriental ones I want to keep
27:38where will they go?
27:39in the bedroom
27:43don't look at me like that
27:44seriously I don't want aspiration I want real
27:49I have a place for them
27:53Val wants to hold on to all this stuff
27:55and I'm wondering if it's because she's sunk so much cash into it
27:59these vases are worth between $100 and $150 each
28:04possibly yeah
28:05that's between $10,000 and $15,000 here on the wall
28:14yeah it's phenomenal
28:16that's my honeymoon now
28:18yeah no but it is
28:21for her family's sake I know Val wants to move on from the cluttered life she's created
28:26so I'm going to try a different approach
28:29what if I could offer you guys three months free storage
28:32you can photograph and sell all of these decorator items
28:36out of a storage facility on an online marketplace
28:39if at the end of three months they're not sold
28:42they go to donation then
28:44but whatever money you can recoup you can put towards the wedding
28:49that sounds good
28:50let's get started
28:52with a clear financial goal in mind
28:54I'm hoping Val will feel empowered to convert this clutter into cash
28:59are you wanting to sell this one or keep it?
29:00we've got one at home do we need two?
29:02no
29:02can we sell those?
29:05if you wish to?
29:06yeah
29:06I think that's pretty good
29:08and straight away Val's embracing the challenge
29:12and powering through all her belongings
29:17amazing job
29:18you are taking 12 decorator items home
29:23all of these are going off to donation
29:26but the best thing of all is that the high value items
29:30you are now going to use to recoup money
29:32you probably have about $20,000, $22,000 worth of merchandise on this table
29:38it's great
29:39ok good
29:40we've still got more to do
29:41let's go come with me
29:42fantastic
29:49back at the house
29:50as the team install brass lights
29:52and oak coloured panels across the different basement zones
29:56the new bar is taking shape
29:59first I'm installing a wall of cabinetry
30:01and a big bench top
30:05next to add a really eye-catching feature
30:08I'm using stick-on tiles to create a vibrant splash back
30:12that's quick and easy to install
30:17meanwhile with the Renault deadline looming
30:19the clean-up gets underway
30:22we're all having to work on top of each other
30:24to get everything done in time
30:26and with new curtains, blinds and furniture arriving soon
30:30I need all the Renault dust and debris gone
30:39at the warehouse Val's next challenge is to reduce her large collection of beading and jewellery
30:46tell me what we're looking at here
30:47so it's a combination of things
30:49so one is stuff that I've bought for resale
30:51ok
30:51and stuff that I've bought to make my own personal jewellery collection
30:55so you've got quite a creative side
30:57are you still doing this?
30:59no, since Bill got sick
31:00and then I had to take care of the businesses, the household
31:03I'm so desperately wanting to get back into that
31:05there's a lot of just stuff that's in the way of letting that creative person out
31:10it just takes me back to what I love doing and how much I've missed it
31:22as Val devoted years to caring for her family
31:25her passions became buried in the clutter
31:27but now that she's no longer selling jewellery
31:29we need to clear the excess stock
31:32to give Val back the space to express her creativity once again
31:36if it doesn't contribute to you as that creative person
31:39it goes off to donation
31:41stay or go?
31:42that can stay
31:44I need that
31:46ok good
31:46well that can
31:49stay
31:54there's still a part of you
31:56that's holding on to this stuff
31:59yeah, like it hurts to let it go
32:01because I loved what I did back then
32:03making someone feel special about their purchase
32:08I need Val to reframe her thinking
32:10rather than mourn the end of her selling jewellery
32:13and making others happy
32:15I want Val to find joy in doing something for herself
32:18and her own artistic achievements
32:22this is an expression of you
32:24yeah
32:24but this
32:26tells me who you are
32:29yeah
32:31I think I have to say
32:33you know what Val?
32:34you can't keep everything
32:36yeah, thank you
32:37ok, so let's keep moving through this
32:40all of this?
32:41yeah, that can go
32:45at last, a real breakthrough
32:48by helping her identify the things to keep
32:51hopefully Val can finally whittle all this stuff down
32:54that can go
32:56that can go, that can go
32:57and with every item she lets go
33:00she loosens the grip the clutter has on her
33:04so, look at what you've achieved
33:06this is what you're keeping
33:08yeah
33:08and we have 14 boxes off to donation
33:12yeah, I'm really happy
33:14the new Val, I love it
33:15we've got lots more to do
33:16you good to go?
33:17yeah, let's go
33:18let's make it happen
33:21coming up, as the Renault team race to the finish line
33:25get ready to have your mind blown
33:27Val and Nicole are stunned by their enormous donation total
33:32that is a lot
33:44wow
33:45at Val, Nicole and Bill's house
33:47as the renovation rubbish is being collected outside
33:52a new TV is being installed in the basement living area
33:56and the new curtains and blinds are going on the windows
34:01I'm also installing a curtain track on the ceiling around the new craft area
34:05it's a really cost effective way to divide the space
34:09and add privacy without making any permanent structural changes
34:15meanwhile, the furniture deliveries are beginning to arrive
34:19I've ordered a large comfy sofa for the living space
34:22so there's plenty of room for Nicole and her fiancee
34:26to chill out in front of the TV
34:29and these luxe fabric chairs will be super comfy in their new dining space
34:36stay or go?
34:37that can go
34:38okay, good
34:38that can go
34:40with Peter's help, Val and Nicole are working together
34:44to get through the last of the clutter
34:46it's been great
34:47but I think you need a new home
34:48okay, good
34:48goodbye Ted
34:50clearing everything
34:51from old furniture
34:52the table
34:53thank you
34:54I'm loving your harmony
34:55to CDs and DVDs
34:57go
34:59sports equipment
35:00I'm happy to see these go
35:02and surplus clothes
35:06you've been sitting on this for years
35:08is there any sense of loss?
35:10no, I feel really good about it
35:13I was very much in denial and I didn't want to admit it
35:16but Peter has helped me so much
35:17and after today I'm horrified to do the same thing again
35:20and I'm really grateful that Peter brought that out
35:25finally the enormous task is over
35:27and it's time to find out how successful they've been
35:32Val, Nicole
35:33on the count of three
35:35I want you to open your eyes
35:37and see the end result of your incredible amount of work
35:42one
35:43two
35:45three
35:45open your eyes and look at your keep pile
35:50wow
35:51that's great
35:52that's amazing
35:56oh my gosh
35:57where is it all?
35:59I know
36:00you started with 480 boxes
36:05what you're looking at here is a mere 46 boxes
36:09which is a reduction of 91%
36:14that's incredible
36:14massive, massive amount
36:16huge
36:18you did good mum, I'm proud of you
36:22that is incredible
36:23over here
36:25we've got another little pile
36:27this is your high value items that you are going to sell
36:31I've got a little plan for that
36:33but I can't wait for you to see your donation pile
36:36on the count of three
36:37I want you to turn around
36:40one, two, three
36:42take a look
36:43oh my god
36:46that's insane
36:49oh my lord
36:52thank goodness
36:53goodbye
36:55oh my god
36:56that's great
36:59we are looking at all these beautiful clothes
37:03jewellery, homewares
37:04oh
37:05you have been so generous
37:07you're going to donate all of this
37:09they're going to resell it on
37:11and it will be the cash equivalent of
37:13get ready to have your mind blown
37:1772,000
37:18oh my god
37:19that is a lot of dollars
37:25that is a lot
37:26it's incredible
37:30yeah, wow
37:31I think I did well
37:32you did incredibly well
37:35I'm very happy that my stuff
37:37is going to go to people who need it
37:40I feel stoked, I feel amazing
37:44the items being donated
37:46will be taken to a local charity shop
37:49while Angie has arranged for the things Val has chosen to resell herself
37:53to be taken to a secure storage unit
37:58welcome
37:58welcome to your very own market
38:02oh my god, it's so amazing
38:03very cool
38:04Val has so many high value items she no longer needs
38:08and I'm going to show her how to turn them into cold hard cash
38:12the best way to sell these items is
38:14by taking lots of photos
38:17also you have the original boxes which people love
38:19so pick an item, set it up, do a nice clean backdrop
38:24have some good lighting, you don't want your shadow in it
38:27and just go to town
38:29it's important to make sure each item is clean
38:32remember to get plenty of angles and photograph any damage
38:35so buyers know what they're getting
38:38perfect
38:48over at the house
38:49the belongings Val is keeping are taken inside
38:53where Peter finds a home for them
38:57while new artwork is being delivered
39:00I've selected these stunning prints as they're all about families coming together
39:05and they really help bring this place to life
39:08as Cherie adds soft furnishings
39:11plus an air purifier to help keep the basement fresh and comfortable
39:16Angie places the special treasure she's restored to surprise Val
39:26next
39:26oh my god
39:28oh my god
39:29the family are blown away by their renovated basement
39:34this is so amazing
39:42Nicole Val and Bill are heading home to see their newly renovated basement for the first time
39:48it's been an extraordinary week
39:50and I'm looking forward to the next chapter of our lives
39:53the transformation I've seen in my mum has been incredible
39:57and now I really cannot wait to see the new basement
39:59I'm excited and I'm anxious to see it
40:05Bill, Nicole, Val
40:07when we came downstairs into this basement
40:09it was so cluttered
40:11we could barely move
40:13on the count of three
40:14I want you to check out the first of your incredible new spaces
40:20one
40:21two
40:22three
40:24open your eyes
40:26oh my god
40:27oh my god
40:28oh my god
40:35wow
40:36this is amazing
40:38very nice
40:39beautiful
40:39it's not the same space
40:41I'm actually shocked
40:42the original basement was just one big cave of clutter
40:47it was dark and uninviting with no usable space
40:54it's now been divided into multiple zones
40:57the first to be revealed is a stress-free space for Nicole and her fiancee Tyson
41:02to enjoy some uninterrupted rest and relaxation
41:06I'm lost for words
41:08like honestly
41:08I don't know how this happened in such a short time
41:11that's insane
41:13this is surreal
41:18you'll notice that the bare concrete floors are gone
41:21you've got this beautiful floating floorboard that's really nice
41:24and it's going to be super easy to keep clean
41:26you've got a whole wall of storage
41:29it's amazing
41:30we've upgraded all the lighting so you've got all these beautiful wall lights now
41:35you'll notice these artworks on the wall
41:37I'm loving those prints
41:40we've installed Venetian blinds and you've got these curtains now
41:43look how beautiful they look
41:44they look amazing
41:45it's swell
41:47I'm loving the colours
41:48loving it
41:49yeah the colours work so well
41:53Nicole when we first got here you were like I want some privacy with my fiancee
41:57and it's like we have this whole space
42:00I will give them passes
42:01I can definitely see myself down here with him
42:04thank you
42:05well it wasn't just me
42:07the wonderful team at Grey Army and Grey Care worked around the clock
42:11so I'm just blessed that we could do this for you
42:14this is beautiful
42:17this is only the first of many surprises
42:20I want you to turn around and check out your incredible new bar space
42:26have a look
42:28whoa
42:28oh wow yeah
42:32oh wow
42:33oh my lord
42:40wow this is amazing
42:41oh I see you smiling
42:44very nice
42:46the second part of the huge basement was as chaotic as the first
42:50with stuff piled halfway up to the ceiling
42:54celebrations had become a thing of the past
42:59now it's a stylish bar and lounge area
43:02where the family can once again host special events
43:05like Nicole's upcoming bachelorette party
43:08I can't believe that this is ours
43:10we created an oversized bar so you can have so many friends down here
43:14it's very nice
43:15you've got lots of cabinetry below here
43:18you remember the weird bulkhead that was sticking out of the ceiling
43:21where we extended the wall and added custom shelving
43:24so now it's all in line with the end of the bulkhead
43:27that's so clever
43:28I love the splash back too
43:30you've got plenty of bench space to mix drinks
43:33I'm just thinking of all the food up here
43:35yeah
43:36we've got this gorgeous couch here that's super comfortable
43:39we've got this mood lighting so it looks beautiful here at night
43:43and the prints
43:45the prints are amazing
43:46I feel like we're in a sexy new bar somewhere in Melbourne
43:48you do?
43:49and Nicole can you see yourself having your bachelorette party here?
43:53I can't wait to have my bachelorette party here
43:54it's the perfect space for it
43:56oh my gosh
43:58I cannot get over how amazing this space is
44:01it's going to mean a lot more fun nights at home
44:04it's unreal that this is now below the stairs
44:06it's not a dirty little secret anymore
44:10there's always more to see with Cherie's designs
44:13do you want to check out your amazing dining area?
44:16yes
44:17well here we go
44:18turn around
44:20oh my gosh
44:21how cute is that?
44:22it's so cute
44:23oh wow
44:24that is so adorable
44:25I love it
44:26oh my gosh
44:33I'm loving it
44:34I love the colour of the table too
44:36yeah
44:36it's amazing
44:37this area was a canyon of clutter
44:40with its own ridges and valleys
44:45it's now been transformed into a private dining space
44:49where Nicole can share a meal with her partner
44:51away from her mum and dad
44:54you can come downstairs from the kitchen
44:56sit and eat a meal together
44:58yeah
44:58how cute is it?
45:00look at those chairs
45:00and I love that
45:02all that storage
45:04pretty perfect
45:09the front corner of the basement was dark
45:12and overrun with so much clutter
45:14it was almost impossible to reach
45:16alright
45:18oh my god
45:20oh my god
45:26it's now been reimagined as a light and bright craft corner
45:30where Val can get creative making her own jewellery
45:33oh my god
45:36isn't that cool
45:39what?
45:43this is so amazing
45:46so now you have a dedicated crafting area
45:48all of your beading
45:50all of your jewellery
45:51I cannot believe it
45:52all of your items are all here
45:53that wall unit
45:54oh my god
45:55and then if you want some privacy
45:57all you do is just pull the curtain
45:59backwards or forwards
46:00that's such a great idea
46:02Sheree, I am speechless
46:04what else do you see?
46:10oh my god
46:12Nicole and I had a little chat the other day
46:14and she told me that you thought it was in the bin somewhere
46:17because it broke
46:18it broke
46:18yeah
46:18after Nicole had stashed the candelabra in the basement
46:22Angie rescued it from the clutter
46:24cleaned it up and had it repaired to look as good as new
46:27it looks amazing
46:28it looks beautiful
46:30I'm so grateful that it could be put together
46:32that's a beautiful piece
46:33yeah
46:35there were so many treasures buried down here and lost
46:39but now the only things back in here
46:42are things that will help you as a family enjoy this incredible space
46:48I still cannot believe that this space is ours
46:52we're going to make lots of new wonderful memories down here
46:56I'm just so unbelievably grateful
47:00oh my god
47:04hi girls
47:05finally it's time for family and friends
47:08including Nicole's fiancee Tyson
47:10to check out the transformation
47:13this is insane huh
47:15oh my god
47:18Peter, Cherie and Angie
47:19thank you from the bottom of my heart
47:20it's been an incredible journey
47:22and we couldn't have done it without the three of you
47:24I've seen such a transformation in mum
47:26I don't think she'll ever want to go back to her old ways
47:28and I'm really excited for what that means for our future
47:34the cluttered basement was the family secret
47:37driving a wedge between mother and daughter
47:39but by letting go of the traumatic past
47:42Val, Bill and Nicole have not only gained a new space to live together in harmony
47:47but also a party palace to celebrate good times
47:50and create wonderful new memories
47:52you