Dear Annie: Can hoarding be cured? If not, I’ve reached the end of my rope.

My dear wife of more than 30 years, who does not work outside the home, has filled up our attic, two rented storage spaces and one bedroom with so much useless stuff that you cannot walk into any of them. Our own bedroom has stacks of papers, books and clothes all around. And now she has started to fill yet another bedroom with stuff. She shops every day — online and on TV in the morning and then in stores in the afternoon.

So it comes to this. If there is any way to help her and help us get back to a normal household without piles of junk and two rented storerooms, then I want to give our marriage a shot.

But if experts say hoarding is incurable, then I’m done with this marriage. If her shopping and her stuff are more important than I am, then I’m done with the marriage. — Husband of a Hoarder

Dear Husband of a Hoarder: In short, the answer to your question is yes, hoarding can be “cured” — or at least reduced — but it is going to take some effort on your part, as well. Your wife’s hoarding is less about the accumulation of things and more about an emotional meaning that they give her. Before you throw in the towel and say goodbye to your “dear wife” (that wording leads me to believe that you do care deeply about her), there are some clear action steps you can take.

Try to help her focus on the underlying needs that are not being met and leading her to hoard. You might be surprised at how you can help her fill some of those needs.

Tell her that though you are annoyed with the hoarding, there is so much more to her than this one hurdle she has to cross. Build up her self-esteem.

Editor’s note: “Ask Me Anything: A Year of Advice From Dear Annie” is out now! Annie Lane’s debut book — featuring favorite columns on love, friendship, family and etiquette — is available as a paperback and e-book. Visit http://www.creatorspublishing.com for more information. Send your questions for Annie Lane to dearannie@creators.com.