Over the 30+ years I’ve been helping overwhelmed individuals create organization and calm in their lives, most of my clients have been affected by chronic disorganization (CD).

When I first started Oh, So Organized! in 1993, I didn’t know what chronic disorganization was. What I did recognize was that the organizational challenges many of my clients faced were complex, persistent, and deep.

It wasn’t until 1995, when I met Judith Kolberg, a pioneer and thought leader in the organizing industry, and heard her speak at my first NAPO (National Association of Productivity and Organizing Professionals) conference, that I learned about the term chronic disorganization, which she coined. I began to understand the complexities of CD and the similarities between my clients and those Judith described.

As a CPO-CD® and contributing author to The Chronic Disorganization Tapestry, I’ve spent more than three decades helping people affected by chronic disorganization navigate their organizing challenges with compassion and practical support.

What is Chronic Disorganization?

As defined by the Institute for Challenging Disorganization (ICD), chronic disorganization:

• “Persists over a long period of time

• Frequently undermines the quality of life, and

• Recurs despite repeated self-help attempts.”

The ICD website further clarifies that “chronic disorganization may be present with brain-based challenges such as ADHD, anxiety, depression, Hoarding Disorder, PTSD, TBI, and more.”

Little did I know that Judith’s panel session at NAPO would have such a profound impact on my work. Since then, I have consistently invested in education, professional development, and certifications to deepen my understanding of chronic disorganization and provide the best possible help and support to my clients. I became actively involved with ICD, received much of my training from ICD, and served as its past president.

The Chronic Disorganization Tapestry

Almost two years ago, I was invited, along with eleven of my colleagues, to be a contributing author to an ICD book they planned to publish. This was an easy “yes” because I’m a big advocate for ICD, the premier educational resource on chronic disorganization.

Fast-forward to now, and The Chronic Disorganization Tapestry – How to Thrive Despite Organizing Challenges is finally available! This book is a guide that covers:

• the unique challenges of chronic disorganization

• simple, evidence-based strategies

• case studies

• insights from industry experts

This publication wouldn’t have been possible without the fierce dedication of the Chronic Disorganization Tapestry Task Force members: Carolyn Caldwell, Laurene Livesey Park, Ingrid Tielemans, and Nacho Eguiarte, and the authors’ contributions. My deepest gratitude and congratulations to all!

A Quick Content Guide

I am honored to be included in ICD’s wonderful new publication, written for people affected by chronic disorganization, professional organizers, and other professionals who support them.

Here is a quick guide to the chapter topics and their authors:

• Chapter 1: The Challenge of Chronic Disorganization by Alison Lush

• Chapter 2: When Too Much is Too Much: The Challenge of Hoarding by Hilde Verdijk

• Chapter 3: The Challenge of Organizing While Aging by Diane N. Quintana

• Chapter 4: A Multifaceted Dilemma: The Challenge of ADHD by Sara S. Skillen

• Chapter 5: Organizing Through Change: The Challenge of Transitions by Phyllis Flood Knerr

• Chapter 6: The Challenge of Time by Colette Robicheau

• Chapter 7: The Challenge of Productivity by Cindy Sullivan

• Chapter 8: Not Only Words: The Challenge of Communication by Alice Price

• Chapter 9: When the Body is Challenged by Amanda Scudder

• Chapter 10: When the Mind is Challenged by Susan Fay West

• Chapter 11: The Challenge for Students by Juliet Landau-Pope

• Chapter 12: The Challenge of Giving and Receiving Support by Linda Samuels

The book is available from retailers including Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Alibris, and Bookshop.

“We aren’t meant to go through this life alone. Everyone needs help at times.”

— Linda Samuels, CPO-CD®, CVOP™

My Chapter: The Challenge of Giving and Receiving Support

From a young age, I always loved helping others. Over three decades ago, when I considered starting my own company, I knew that helping people had to be a key element of my business. After brainstorming ideas for what type of business would ‘fit’ that requirement, I eventually founded Oh, So Organized!

It felt especially meaningful to be asked to contribute a chapter on giving and receiving support to The Chronic Disorganization Tapestry.

In Chapter 12, “The Challenge of Giving and Receiving Support,” I explore chronic disorganization in that context and ways in which giving and receiving help can foster progress and growth. Perspectives are considered from:

• individuals affected by CD

• related professionals who support people affected by CD

• professional organizers who work with individuals affected by CD

We aren’t meant to go through this life alone. Everyone needs help at times, whether it’s practical, technical, or emotional, or simply the presence of another person alongside us. For people affected by chronic disorganization, and for those who support them, fostering compassion, curiosity, and agency is essential to progress and growth.

How Can I Help?

Do you feel overwhelmed, disorganized, or stuck? You don’t have to do this alone. I’m here to help! Virtual organizing is an extraordinary path forward – Local feel with a global reach.

Let’s talk! I’m easy to reach.

• Schedule a Discovery Call

• Fill out the Contact Form

• Email me at linda@ohsoorganized.com or

• Call 914-271-5673

Getting organized, building confidence, and reaching your goals are possible, especially with support.

Many people hire a professional organizer to declutter, create order, or make their spaces more functional. The good news is that professional organizers can help achieve those goals. However, the benefits of working with a professional organizer can go much deeper than the visible changes in a space.

The right support can help you build confidence, make decisions more easily, develop sustainable habits, and create a home that reflects who you are now. These are just a few of the benefits beyond simply “more organized.”

For over 30 years, I’ve had the joy of helping people navigate organizing challenges. I’ve seen clients transform, becoming more confident, capable, and self-trusting. Beyond becoming more organized, they’ve made profound changes in their mindset, habits, and self-efficacy.

12 Benefits of Hiring a Professional Organizer That Go Way Beyond Organizing

While some clients have seen results in as few as three virtual organizing sessions, most continue working with me longer to create more positive changes. These are the top 12 benefits, beyond getting more organized, that my clients consistently experience during our work together.

1. Make steady progress.

“I am making significant progress. I couldn’t do that a while ago.”

• Get past feeling stuck and take consistent action.

• Complete projects that have been on hold for months or years.

• Build momentum that carries over between virtual organizing sessions.

2. Reduce overwhelm.

“I am way less overwhelmed.”

• Break large, overwhelming projects into small, manageable steps.

• Replace confusion with a clear, personalized plan.

• Feel less anxious about organizing tasks.

3. Create lasting organizing habits.

“This is so empowering.”

• Develop realistic, sustainable routines.

• Practice maintaining spaces rather than starting over repeatedly.

• Learn systems that fit individual lifestyles and preferences.

4. Strengthen decision-making skills.

“I do not need those.”

• Become more confident about what to keep, donate, recycle, sell, or discard.

• Spend less time second-guessing decisions.

• Learn practical decision-making strategies that work in all areas.

5. Develop accountability and consistency.

“I’m building on my wins.”

• Stay focused on goals through regular check-ins.

• Follow through on action steps between sessions.

• Celebrate progress while maintaining motivation.

“This is so empowering.”

— Oh, So Organized! Client

6. Improve daily functioning.

“It feels great in here. I have hope and am not as overwhelmed.”

• Create spaces that are easier to use and maintain.

• Reduce time spent searching for items.

• Increase efficiency in everyday routines.

7. Receive personalized guidance.

“I just want to be my true me.”

• Benefit from solutions tailored to individual challenges, goals, and strengths.

• Learn organizing strategies that work with, not against, personal thinking styles.

• Adjust strategies as life circumstances change.

8. Experience compassionate, nonjudgmental support.

“Not impossible or unconquerable anymore.”

• Feel understood, not criticized.

• Work at a comfortable pace, without pressure.

• Build trust within a supportive, collaborative partnership.

9. Improve emotional well-being.

“Things feel mentally more manageable.”

• Feel calmer, less distracted, and more in control.

• Reduce guilt and frustration associated with clutter.

• Strengthen self-awareness and emotional resilience by addressing personal patterns such as perfectionism, burnout, decision fatigue, negative self-talk, and unrealistic expectations.

10. Create more functional spaces.

“I now have a blueprint for how to declutter.”

• Reclaim rooms for their intended use.

• Improve access to frequently used items.

• Make spaces safer and easier to navigate.

11. Build long-term independence.

“I feel very motivated.”

• Learn skills rather than relying on someone else to organize.

• Apply organizing principles to new areas.

• Continue making progress after formal organizing sessions end.

12. Increase confidence and self-trust.

“I can do this!”

• Experience success through small, achievable wins.

• Trust your ability to stay flexible and determine your best next action.

• Feel more capable of managing your time, energy, space, and things independently.

How Can Hiring a Professional Organizer Help?

The reality is that we all need help at times. There is no shame in reaching out for the support you need. I’ve experienced this many times, hiring someone to help with something I was stuck on, to manage a large project, or to fill a skills gap when I couldn’t accomplish what I needed on my own.

Have you worked with a professional organizer? What benefits did you experience? If you are an organizer, what benefits have your clients experienced working with you?

I’d love to hear your thoughts. I invite you to join the conversation.

How Can I Help?

Do you feel overwhelmed, disorganized, or stuck? You don’t have to do this alone. I’m here to help! Virtual organizing is an extraordinary path forward – Local feel with a global reach.

Let’s talk! I’m easy to reach.

• Schedule a Discovery Call

• Fill out the Contact Form

• Email me at linda@ohsoorganized.com or

• Call 914-271-5673

Getting organized, building confidence, and reaching your goals are possible, especially with support.

Enjoy the latest edition (v56) of the “What’s Interesting?” series, featuring my most recent finds that inspire, spark curiosity, and relate to organizing and life balance. These unique motivation discoveries reflect this month’s blog theme.

You are an engaged, vibrant, and generous group. I am deeply grateful for your ongoing presence, positive energy, and contributions to this community. I look forward to your participation and further contributions to this curated collection.

What do you find interesting?

What’s Interesting? – 5 Best Motivation Discoveries

1. Interesting Read – Motivation Truth

Are you curious how motivation works? If so, you’ll love Drive – The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us by bestselling author Daniel Pink.

Drawing on 50 years of behavioral science research, Pink argues for rethinking conventional wisdom about motivation. He explains that the outdated “carrot and stick” approach rarely works.

The most effective motivation stems from three elements: autonomy, mastery, and purpose. He says, “Human beings have an innate inner drive to be autonomous, self-determined, and connected to one another. And when that drive is liberated, people achieve more and live richer lives.”

Drive covers topics, including:

• Differences between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation

• How extrinsic rewards can demotivate and lead to worse performance

• Strategies to awaken motivation, including creating a “To Don’t List”

• Contrasts between Type I (internal satisfaction) and Type X (external rewards) behavior

To learn more about your motivational behavior, take Pink’s short and enlightening survey.

2. Interesting Research – Motivation Incentive

A recent @goodneuroscience Instagram post caught my attention. It asked, “What happens to your brain when you spend most of your time in a cluttered space, according to neuroscience?”

The post cited three studies, including:

• Home clutter and mental well-being - ScienceDirect

• Clutter and the visual cortex published - Neuron

• Home tours, mood, and cortisol published – NIH

Some of the research conclusions indicate:

• Clutter keeps the visual cortex in a state of low-level processing.

• Constant low-level processing of the visual cortex (due to clutter) raises cortisol levels over time and makes it harder to rest, even when you’re sitting still.

• Greater home clutter was associated with lower mental well-being.

• People with more clutter experienced more negative emotions and lower life satisfaction.

• Clutter reduced people’s perception of their home’s beauty, which was linked to poorer well-being.

Defining why you want to declutter can boost motivation. Consider these ideas:

• Decluttering isn’t just about getting organized. It’s not only about having fewer things. It’s about improving how you feel at home.

• Removing items from your home to experience more peace and beauty is more motivating than “I should clean.”

• Focusing on enhancing the beauty of your home is a more positive goal than simply saying, “I should get rid of stuff.”

• Finding simple ways to transform your home into a source of restoration instead of a place of constant visual stress.

These studies offer compelling motivation, especially if you are affected by chronic disorganization or feel overwhelmed by clutter. Shift your focus from letting go of things or from “I should get organized” to creating a home that feels calmer, more peaceful, and enjoyable.

“Defining why you want to declutter can boost motivation.”

— Linda Samuels, CPO-CD®, CVOP™

 3. Interesting Resource – Motivation Recycling  

Recycling has become part of our everyday experience. There are many differences among towns and cities in what can be recycled curbside and how to do so. This often leaves households with many categories their municipalities don’t pick up. Then what happens?

The plastic bags, wrappers, unwearable textiles, bottle caps and lids, bread tags, pill bottles, electronics, batteries, light bulbs, styrofoam, and more either get thrown out with a side order of guilt or are saved, taking up precious space, until you find a viable recycling source.

Stress no more. Ridwell has you covered. They partner with innovators who help reuse or recycle trickier items.

Ridwell Stats:

• 97% of what they collect is reused or recycled

• 35 million pounds have been kept out of landfills so far

Ridwell Services:

• Bi-weekly pickups starting at $20/month (available in select US cities)

• Mail-in nationwide service starting at $9/bag

Learn more about the options here: ridwell.com

If your recycling woes are demotivating your efforts, yet you want to become more eco-friendly, consider using Ridwell to bridge that gap. Your motivation will increase as you simplify your recycling plan.

4. Interesting Product – Motivation Tracker

Do you find it hard to build new habits? If so, you’ll love K’arst’s sleek Habit Tracker Pro. The pad helps you:

• Track up to 8 habits per week

• Build momentum

• Reflect on your progress

• Notice patterns

• Keep yourself accountable

The Habit Tracker Pro is compact and portable, and its paper is made from recycled stone, which is especially smooth. While many digital trackers are available, if you prefer analog or just want a break from your devices, K’arst’s tracker is an excellent option.

One reviewer said, “This is so easy and so motivating.” And who doesn’t like something that’s easy and motivating?

5. Interesting Thought – Motivation Capable

“Never forget how wildly capable you are.” You already have everything you need to make progress. Embodying that idea will help you take action. Action cultivates motivation, which keeps you moving forward.

Being “wildly capable” means you already have the tools to accomplish what you want. These include hard and soft skills, resources, and the ability to find additional support when needed.

Don’t hesitate. Take that first step. The next steps will become clear as you go.

Which Motivation Ideas Work Best?

When clutter feels overwhelming and paralyzing, what will help? As I shared, there are many types of clutter and strategies to help you move forward.

Which of these discoveries resonates most with you? Do you have any decluttering resources or ideas to share? I’d love to hear your thoughts and invite you to join the conversation.

How Can I Help?

Do you feel overwhelmed, stuck, or disorganized? Is clutter preventing you from living the life you want? I’m here to help. Virtual organizing is an extraordinary path forward – Local feel with a global reach.

Let’s talk. I’m easy to reach.

• Schedule a Discovery Call

• Fill out the Contact form

• Email me at linda@ohsoorganized.com or

• Call 914-271-5673

Decluttering, getting organized, and nurturing motivation are possible, especially with support.

Feeling stuck is something everyone experiences. It can also take a toll on motivation. Have you felt this way lately?

There can be many reasons you might feel at a standstill, such as:

• Overwhelm from a big or complex project

• Perfectionism and the belief that you have to do it “the right way”

• Decision fatigue that leaves you with little capacity to act

• Unclear about what to do next

• Lack of accountability or support

• Unrealistic expectations about what can be accomplished

• Fear of failure, success, or making the wrong decision

• Waiting until you feel motivated

Do any of these sound familiar, or is there another reason holding you back?

The “I Can’t” Mindset

When you get stuck, something psychological can happen. Instead of feeling a sense of agency and believing you will figure things out and move forward, you focus on what isn’t possible or what you can’t do.

The “I Can’t” mindset could be what’s keeping you stuck. You might ruminate or focus on messages like:

• “This project is so big. I’ll never get it done.”

• “I don’t know where to start.”

• “I don’t have the time.”

• “I don’t have the energy.”

• “It’s impossible for me to get organized.”

• “I’ll never catch up.”

• “I’m afraid I’ll make the wrong decision.”

• “I need to feel motivated first.”

Are any of these phrases ones you ‘hear’ yourself say? Identifying your unique “I Can’t” provides valuable insight into what’s keeping you blocked.

The Shift That Unlocks You, Builds Momentum, and Sparks Motivation

Mindset is everything. It can make all the difference in how you experience life and in what you do or don’t do. One way to take control of the narrative that hasn’t been working for you is to change the dialogue.

Instead of focusing on what’s not possible or your “I Can’t” list, use one of these possibility-infused questions to work its magic. Some options include:

• What’s one small step I can take right now?

• What’s possible today?

• What’s one thing I can do in the next five minutes?

• What’s good enough for today?

• What would make this a little easier?

And if you want an elegantly simple question, here’s one from James Clear that I love:

“What can I do?”

Ask a possibility-focused question to immediately shift your mindset toward a more positive, proactive one. 

“What can I do?”

— James Clear

The Choice Is Yours

It doesn’t feel good to be stuck. Your internal dialogue strongly shapes whether you stay stuck or move forward. Pay attention to the messages you tell yourself. You have the power to shift the dialogue from “I can’t” to “I can.”

Which phrases help or hurt you? How could a shift in mindset benefit you? How would that shift help you get unstuck? In what ways would it help build your motivation? I’d love to hear your thoughts. I invite you to join the conversation.

How Can I Help?

Do you feel overwhelmed, disorganized, and stuck? Are you struggling with a lack of motivation? I’m here to help! You don’t have to do this alone. Virtual organizing is an extraordinary path forward – Local feel with a global reach.

Let’s talk! I’m easy to reach.

• Schedule a Discovery Call

• Fill out the Contact Form

• Email me at linda@ohsoorganized.com or

• Call 914-271-5673

Getting organized, cultivating motivation, and reaching your goals are possible, especially with support.