Filthy with Things

Marsha Laxner's specific collection.

Brazilian scythes and harrows

A type of furniture owned by Marsha Laxner.

Figured mahogany highboy

Three U.S. Presidents mentioned in the story through their items.

Jefferson, Washington, and Adams

The place where the Laxners keep some of their clutter.

Garage

Phrase used to describe the tightness of items in Marsha Laxner’s home.

Tightly as Machu Picchu

Marsha Laxner’s husband.

Julian Laxner

Julian imagines this unusual feature connecting the pool to another part of the house.

Pool flows into the warehouse

Where Julian suggests the delivery driver put the highboy.

Porch

The event that 'washes Julian Laxner clean'.

Meteor showers

How Julian Laxner's fate is described.

Condemned like Sisyphus

A luxury vehicle mentioned in the story.

Range Rover

Julian Laxner’s profession.

Astronomer

How Julian Laxner came into money for his possessions.

Late mother’s money

Julian Laxner's feelings about his possessions.

Feels like Judas

Susan Certaine’s occupation.

Professional organizer

Specific scents associated with Susan Certaine.

Hot breath, soap, Sen-Sen, and Listerine

Description of Susan Certaine’s method of organizing.

Like a dental hygienist

The time Susan Certaine estimates it will take to organize the house.

A week

Susan Certaine’s usual wardrobe choice.

Wears black

Where Marsha Laxner frequently shops for items.

Flea markets

Public figure mentioned in relation to a large collection of shoes.

Imelda Marcos

Country where one of Susan Certaine’s clients worked as a journalist.

Ethiopia

The profession of the three children of Susan Certaine’s clients.

Grain merchants

How much money Susan Certaine charges each day.

A thousand dollars a day

A psychologist mentioned in the story.

Dr. Doris Hauskopf

Where Julian Laxner has breakfast.

Armenian deli

Items from foreign places mentioned in the Laxners' home.

Birdhouses from Heidelberg and Zurich

How long Marsha Laxner’s house has been in its cluttered condition.

Two years

Large vehicles mentioned in relation to the house's situation.

18-wheel vans

Where the Laxners live.

Simi Valley

How many years Julian and Marsha Laxner have been married.

16 years

Area of Mare Fecunditatis mentioned in the story.

Southeast quadrants

How long Julian takes to answer the door to Susan Certaine.

60 seconds

What Julian Laxner received when he was 12, belonging to Captain Joshua Slocum.

Starview scope

Type of telescope mentioned in the story.

Astrolabe

Julian Laxner’s breakfast order.

Eggs over easy, 3 strips of bacon, toast, waffles, coffee, orange juice, and yogurt with fruit

What Susan Certaine typically orders for breakfast.

Wheat toast and coffee

The metaphorical name associated with Julian Laxner.

Co-dependent hostel

Location of the Susan Certaine Co-Dependent Hostel.

Sherman Oaks in Manhattan

Business owned by Fred, bunkmate of Julian at the hostel.

BMW dealership in Encino

The movie shown in the mental hospital.

The Snake Pit

Where Julian Laxner goes to escape from his life.

Motel

What time Julian Laxner wakes up on Sunday.

6 AM

Soap used by Julian Laxner in place of detergent.

Ivory soap

Type of electric razor used by Julian Laxner.

Braun Flex Control

How late the cab is when Julian Laxner calls for it.

45 minutes late

Cosmetic item worn by Susan Certaine.

Blush

Susan Certaine’s organizing technique.

Organizing one item per day for 60 days