Home Organizing Explained: Disorganization

Disorganization can be physically observed, like cluttered counter tops, but can also be described as feeling overwhelmed or lacking a clear path forward. More often, the physical and emotional symptoms of disorganization come as a package deal. Getting organized and staying organized requires getting to the bottom of what is causing the disorganization, whether it is chronic disorganization or transitional disorganization.

Chronic Disorganization

Chronic Disorganization was a term coined by Judith Kolberg, Professional Organizer and founder of the Institute for Challenging Disorganization (ICD). ICD describes chronic disorganization as persistently and frequently undermining the quality of one’s life despite repeated self-help attempts. Chronic disorganization is often connected with neurodiversity and conditions that impact cognitive abilities, such as ADHD or chronic pain conditions. While chronic disorganization is not a diagnosis, it is observable. People who are managing chronic disorganization may experience re-purchasing items they can’t find or have various hobbies that results in a large quantity of items, and other physical and time management symptoms.

Conventional organizing methods are typically not a good fit for people managing chronic disorganization. Instead, there are social organizing methods, like body doubling, or emotional organizing techniques that trained professional organizers leverage in the organizing process.

Situational Disorganization

Situational Disorganization, on the other hand, is an acute form of disorganization which has occurred because of a life transition, such as becoming a parent, overscheduling yourself, moving homes, home renovations, downsizing, job change, illness or grief, to name a few.  In these cases, something has interrupted your life and required your resources and attention, leaving evidence of physical or mental disorganization. Getting organized likely just requires time. However, situations like parenthood or demanding jobs aren’t as temporary as other. Getting organized may require some extra hands and mental availability from a professional organizer and their team to get you set up with maintainable organizational systems.

Getting Organized

Whether you are managing chronic or transitional disorganization, organization is a learned skill that can be acquired by anyone. Understanding the causes of your disorganization can help you find a path forward. ICD’s Factors Associated with Disorganization is a great starting point to understand if there is a brain-based condition, belief system or situation factors causing disorganization. With empathy and understanding for the underlying causes of disorganization, you can enlist the help you need to make a plan to move forward and get organized.