Is There Hope for Chronic Disorganization?

Absolutely yes, there is hope for anyone experiencing disorganization.  There may not be the 60 minute miracle you see on several popular television programs, but it is possible to change the situation. 

The A & E channel is now showing a series of programs on hoarding, an extreme area of disorganization.  It can also be downloaded from their web site.  One of the more important aspects of these programs is the hopelessness that the clients display.  With years of accumulation of all kinds of things and refusal to deal with their situation, most have been threatened with eviction from their homes. 

Just as it took many years for their environments to become inhabitable, it will take time for emotional and mental attitudes about their "things" to be resolved and their homes to be changed into safe, clean and pleasant places to live.  Their willingness to work with a team of specialists including therapists and professional organizers will make the journey more successful.

Most of us have never experienced disorganization to this extreme, but we all need to be aware that over time any situation can deteriorate if we are not diligent to maintain a satisfactory level of organization in our homes.  Professional organizers can help with strategies and solutions that will make that process easier and more successful.

What is Being Organized?

They say beauty is in the eye of the beholder and in some ways, being organized means different things to different people.  Even professional organizers differ in the way they define and characterize being organized.  Regardless of the definitions, being organized is a positive thing just as being disorganized has negative connotations.

It is true each of us will have our own organizing styles just as we have individual personalities and preferences.  But there are some common threads that characterize organized spaces.

1.  They have items arranged so they are not overcrowded.  There are not too many items in the space and each can be accessed easily. 
2.  Similar items are grouped together.  We call it "like with like". 
3.  Items are contained so they remain in their designeated space without falling out or wandering into other spaces.
4.  Items are placed where they are used.  The more frequently they are used, the closer they should be.
5.  Every item has a permanent, specific home.  Nothing else is put in that space so it can always be found and always be returned to its home.

In organized spaces, any item can be found withing a minute, cleaning is easier and spaces have a sense of calm and peace.  We live in a universe with orderly systems all around us and I believe we can never be truly content until our personal spaces are orderly too.

Crafting Can Get Crazy

Making something with your own hands is an opportunity to be creative and produce something that will enhance your life and often that of others. It is rewarding to see the items you have created be appreciated by others and sometimes be a source of additional income.

Those who have these unique abilities often find themselves learning more and more crafting techniques and building an accumulation of supplies that are needed to make the products. When there is no limit to the kinds and amounts of projects, disorganization can occur.

As a professional organizer and former craftaholic, I can recommend limiting the number of different crafts you make. If you love sewing, limit yourself to projects that use fabrics. It may be quilts (my favorite), purses, aprons, jumpers or tote bags. If you like rubber stamping and papers, limit yourself to cards, scrapbooks, invitations, etc. If you like beading, limit yourself to making jewelry, embellishing clothing and other accessories. In other words, try to stick with crafts that are related in the supplies they require.

The problem occurs if you try to do beading, rubber stamping, sewing or other combinations of crafting. Unless you have a very large space for storage and working, it is very difficult to organize so many different types of supplies. For those who do have large workrooms, keeping the different craft supplies in separate zones makes is much easier to store and access those items.

Crafting is a great outlet for relieving stress and producing objects that can bless you and others. Keeping the amount of supplies to a reasonable number is an exercise in self discipline. We all can use more of that.

Suitcase Organizing

This year I have travelled more than any other year and I am fine tuning the art of packing a suitcase. I will admit I am high maintenance so this ritual is always problematic.

At the professional organizers conference in April, I was challenged by another organizer to reduce the amount of stuff I pack. She had flown to Florida with only one 21" suitcase that fit in the overhead compartment of the plane. I had travelled in my van with that suitcase, the 26" version and an overnight toiletries bag.


My last trip was for 9 days and included a dress up affair as well as more casual events and 4 stops along the way. I eliminated the 26" suitcase so there was a measure of success in downsizing. One good organizing strategy I used was to pack my most travel friendly clothing so wrinkles would not be an issue. Knits are better than woven fabrics for packing and blends or synthetics are better than cotton and linen. They are not more comfortable but they look better after being crushed for several hours. If ironing is an option after you arrive, any fabric will do.


There will be more travelling in my future so I am testing all new clothing with the "ball it up in your hand" method to determine its travel worthiness. Taking items that can be hand washed and will dry quickly is another good strategy to reduce the number of similar items needed. Finally, good wardrobe planning with clothing pieces that can be used several times is the best way to reduce the amount of items.


Planning, practice and persistence are always good strategies for any organizational problem and should make suitcase organizing more successful with each trip. Now I must practice what I preach.

Pictures for Inventory

There are many good reasons to take pictures of your spaces. Last time I wrote about using them as an instructor in knowing how to get started in organizing. But pictues can also be used to keep a record of your household inventory.

For insurance purposes, you should have an itemized list of the things in your space. This would include all of your furnishings as well as personal belongings and financial records. Most professional organizers support the idea of being very thorough and detailed in your descriptions. The easiest way to approach the project is with pictures.

Begin by taking pictures of every room. This would inclue the walls and floor so all the furnishings are captured. If any of the furnishings contain drawers, cabinet doors or shelves, take pictures of the contents in them. Don't forget closets. Depending on your camera memory, this make take several rounds of taking pictures, downloading them, clearing the camera card memory and staring over again. If you are not using a digital camera, you will need lots of film.

After all of the pictures are stored or developed, being making a list of everything you have. Where appropriate, list the approximate original cost and purchase date. While personal items may change frequently, having a base list of your possessions will make an accounting of your things so much easier should the need arise.

Make copies of this list and store them in a fireproof box, a safety deposit box, of off site with family or friends. Keeping a copy in your emergency exit files is a good idea, too.

No one wants to think about a disaster affecting them or their home, but being prepared for one is a proactive way to protect what you own.