Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), which is a chronic neurobiological disorder that is characterized by degrees of impulsivity, hyperactivity and inattention.

Depression causes people to have an extremely hard time being motivated to organize or stay organized. They are tired and feel hopeless and helpless. It takes all their energy just to wake up in the morning, let alone stay organized.

TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury)  can also cause someone to become chronically unorganized. You could have experienced something as minor as a mild concussion or as serious as major brain trauma.

Chronic Pain can also be a culprit of chronic disorganization. When it hurts to complete daily tasks that can get in the way of being productive.  

Other conditions, stressors or traumatic events in your life or surroundings can also cause disorganization. While the above conditions are leading causes, it doesn’t mean that you have to have any of those diagnoses to be chronically disorganized.

• Do you feel like you are drowning in clutter, surrounded by piles of newspapers, catalogs, paperwork, clothing, bags of items you have bought but have not put away, and the situation is only getting worse?
• Have you been disorganized for as long as you can remember?
• Have you tried many different systems, continually changing them because you are not satisfied?
• Are you constantly late for appointments?
• Do you run from one calamity to another?
• Do you have many projects going on at once and nothing has been completed?
• Do you feel guilty and/or angry about often working late and missing out on being with family or friends?
• Do you panic at the thought of having anyone over?
• Are you living in C.H.A.O.S. (Can’t Have Anyone Over Syndrome)?
• Are your children ashamed to ask their friends to come over to visit?
• Do you long for organization, but it seems like a far away dream?
• Do you own it ten times over, but can’t find it when you need it?

First, don’t be afraid to ask for help or support. It can feel like a daunting task when you go it alone. Having a friend, family member or counselor can be wonderful for support. A professional organizer with the right credentials will help provide a clear path, motivation and provide solutions based on your needs. 

The Institute for Challenging Disorganization recommends these six steps to overcome chronic disorganization.

We can help you put these recommended steps into action –

1. Start now.
2. Put your goals in writing and prioritize them.
3. Translate them into a plan and a schedule.
4. Break tasks into small pieces.
5. Keep in mind that what is delayed often is forgotten.
6. Strive for good enough, not perfection.

The Institute for Challenging Disorganization recommends working with a professional organizer who is knowledgeable and experienced in chronic disorganization issues. 

Our founder Randi Lyman holds multiple certifications specializing in Chronic Disorganization. She’s dedicated herself to helping people overcome all types of organizing challenges for over two decades. 

You can find out more about Randi and her extensive list of training and certifications on our About Us Page.

No. However chronic disorganization can be a symptom of hoarding. Another main hoarding symptom is having a hard time letting go of possessions due to an attachment or belief. This results in an abundance of accumlated items that can cause one’s environment to become unhealthy and hazardous. Symptoms can be developed after experiencing a major lifechanging event that affects coping abilities as well as genetic disposition.