Amy Bergman

Recently, I received a media request asking for my professional thoughts on the growing trend of “doom piles.” While the phrase may be having a moment online, the reality behind it is something many professional organizers have been seeing for years.

A doom pile is a collection of items that have been postponed, relocated, or deferred rather than fully processed. In our industry, we say that doom stands for “Didn’t Organize, Only Moved.”

It is the stack of mail on the counter, the chair covered in clothing, the tote bags by the front door, or the random assortment of papers, chargers, receipts, and unfinished decisions that quietly accumulate over time. And importantly, doom piles are not necessarily signs of laziness or carelessness. More often, they are signs of overwhelm, decision fatigue, emotional exhaustion, or executive functioning challenges.

The Connection Between Doom Piles and ADHD

As a professional organizer, I frequently work with clients who struggle with executive functioning, including many individuals with ADHD and other neurodivergent processing styles.

For these individuals, organizing is not simply about “trying harder” or “being more disciplined.” Many traditional organizing methods fail because they rely heavily on sustained attention, memory recall, multi-step processes, and delayed decision-making.

Doom piles often form when

• an item does not have a clearly defined home
• putting something away requires too many steps
• visual reminders feel necessary in order to remember tasks
• the brain becomes overwhelmed by too many micro-decisions
• perfectionism creates paralysis
• shame causes avoidance

In many cases, doom piles begin as coping mechanisms. Someone leaves items visible because “out of sight, out of mind” is a very real challenge for them. Unfortunately, those visual reminders can eventually become visually overstimulating and emotionally overwhelming.

Why Shame Makes Doom Piles Worse

One of the biggest challenges surrounding doom piles is the shame attached to them.

People often internalize clutter as a personal failure. They may believe they are lazy, disorganized, irresponsible, or incapable. Over time, that shame creates avoidance, which allows clutter to continue growing. This is why compassionate organizing matters.

People do not create sustainable systems through criticism or perfectionism. They create sustainable systems when their home is designed to support the way their brain naturally functions.

Why Traditional Organizing Advice Often Falls Short

Many organizing systems are built around aesthetics instead of functionality.

Complex folding systems, hidden storage, decorative bins, and highly curated organizing methods may look beautiful, but they are often difficult to maintain for people with executive functioning challenges. In my work, I find that neurodivergent-friendly organizing systems tend to work best when they are

• visible
• simple
• accessible
• intuitive
• low-maintenance
• easy to reset

For example, open and/or clear storage frequently works better than closed bins because it reduces the extra step of opening containers and allows items to remain visually accessible.

Likewise, reducing friction matters enormously. If putting something away requires too much effort, the system will likely fail over time.

Practical Strategies for Tackling Doom Piles

Here are some real-life approaches to move forward and break up your doom piles.

Start Smaller Than You Think

One of the biggest mistakes people make is trying to organize an entire room at once. This often triggers overwhelm and shutdown.

Instead, focus on one tiny category, surface, or pile at a time.

Small wins create momentum.

Focus on Function Over Perfection

A successful organizing system is not necessarily the prettiest one. It is the one a person can realistically maintain consistently.

Reduce Visual Overload

Too many visible items can overstimulate the brain. Editing down belongings often makes maintaining organization dramatically easier.

Create “Drop Zones” Intentionally

Because many people naturally create piles, it can help to work with that tendency rather than against it.

Designated drop zones with clear boundaries can prevent clutter from spreading throughout the home.

Build Reset Routines

Short daily resets are often more effective than occasional large-scale organizing sessions. Even 10 to 15 minutes a day can prevent piles from becoming emotionally overwhelming.

Eliminate Extra Steps

The fewer steps involved in a system, the more likely it is to succeed long-term.

For example:

• hooks instead of hangers
• open bins instead of lids
• visible laundry baskets
• trash cans where clutter naturally accumulates

Organization Should Support the Brain, Not Fight It

The goal of organizing is not perfection. The goal is to create systems that reduce stress, support daily functioning, and make life feel more manageable. Doom piles are often symptoms of overwhelm, not character flaws. When we approach clutter with curiosity, compassion, and realistic systems, lasting change becomes much more possible.

Additional Resources

Did you know NAPO’s Find a Pro directory can help you find local compassionate care you need to get organized and/or be more productive? Enter your zip code to find your right fit at https://napo.empowereddirectory.com. 

NAPO offers 300+ hours of continuing education and invaluable insights for organizing/productivity; if you want to learn more about organizing for people with executive functioning difficulties, check out

• Dr. Regina Lark’s Organizing the Invisible: Women, ADHD, and Emotional Labor https://www.pathlms.com/napo/courses/28333
• Dr. Ari Tuckman’s I Guess I Should Do It: Help Clients Deal with Ambiguity & Ambivalence https://www.pathlms.com/napo/courses/108831
• NAPO’s exclusive specialist certificate Brain-Based Conditions Specialist Certificate & Resources https://www.pathlms.com/napo/product_bundles/2180

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