Everyone gets disorganized sometimes: When you take on too much at work, when you catch a cold and fall behind on your to-do list, when you go through a big change like getting married or having a baby. This "situational disorganization" is a normal part of life.

Chronic disorganization is different.

The National Study Group on Chronic Disorganization (NSGCD) defines CD as a lifelong struggle against disorganization in which self-help efforts haven't worked, leaving you with negative feelings or consequences every day.

Some examples of what CD is like:

• You're surrounded by papers in piles, boxes, or bags

• You feel like you're swimming in clutter

• You spend every day putting out fires, with no time for long-term planning

• You feel guilty about always working overtime and missing out on family time

• You're embarrassed to invite people into your home or office

• You're always running late or get there just barely in time

• You're sure you'd never be able to move all that stuff to a new home

• Everyone in your house is tripping on kids' toys or unfinished laundry

• You're positive you have one of those somewhere, but have to buy another because you can't find it

What Causes Chronic Disorganization?

There are many conditions and situations that can lead to chronic disorganization. In our experience, the most common cause is attention deficit disorder (ADD or AD/HD). AD/HD is characterized by distractibility and difficulty in planning or completing activities, which makes it really tough to sustain a system of organization . . . but it can be done.

Chronic pain is another common cause of chronic disorganization. If you hurt all the time, you rarely feel like reorganizing a closet or filing paperwork. Many of our clients are battling fibromyalgia, arthritis, or chronic fatigue syndrome as they work toward improving their organization.

Chronic disorganization can result from a brain injury, even something as seemingly minor as a mild concussion. It can also develop along with Alzheimer's disease or thyroid dysfunction.

The most extreme form of chronic disorganization leads to the hoarding of possessions to the point that the home is unsafe. This situation is usually the result of a psychological condition such as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), hoarding disorder (believed to be a form of OCD), or depression and requires the intervention of a mental health professional. In such cases, a professional organizer experienced in chronic disorganization can work together with the therapist to help the client carry out his or her organizational goals.

How Red Letter Day Can Help

At Red Letter Day, we focus on helping chronically disorganized clients to gain control of their lives. We work in a coaching format, which allows our clients to make small changes over time—much more effective than a whirlwind application of new systems with no corresponding development of new habits. If you are temporarily or situationally disorganized, an organizing makeover might be all you need to get back on track. But if you're chronically disorganized, you need to learn and practice new habits in order to maintain your new organizing systems.

At Red Letter Day, we don't just do it for you: We work with you to introduce change at a manageable, sustainable pace. Click on the following link for availability and pricing.

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