Chronic Disorganization (CD) is a term that was first coined by Judith Colberg (A Veteran Professional Organizer) in 1992. It is characterized by the persistence of severe disorganization over a long period of time. Here's an overview of what CD is and ways to approach the subject and ideas from a professional organizer on how to move forward.

In addition to therapy and working with a Professional Organizer, there are many resources in the Pacific Northwest that specifically cater to those who struggle with hoarding tendencies. The list below provides some of the best resources available in the Portland to Vancouver areas.

Medical Teams International is a faith based organization with the mission of “Daring to love like Jesus.” They provide refugees with medical care, disaster relief to those in need, mobile dental programs, and more. A direct way that you can contribute to their organization’s cause is by donating medical supplies.

Over the months, I collect unwanted glasses from clients and donate them to the Lions Club. Many people living in low to middle income countries do not have the access they need for basic eye care services or corrective lenses. The Lions Recycle For Sight Program provides a solution for those in need.

You can make a big difference in the lives of America’s veterans and their families when you use Pickup Please as a donation resource. By selling your items to private companies through an annual bid, Pickup Please aids in the funding needed to support the local, state, and national programs of the Vietnam Veterans of America.

How long should you keep all of the paperwork and records you acquire from life changes, purchases or those needed to file your taxes?

Caring Closet is a non-profit that is based out of Vancouver, Washington. They accept medical equipment donations such as: hospital beds, wheelchairs, walkers, bath benches and adult briefs and give them to those in need at no cost.

Curb-It is an on demand junk removal service that allows you the convenience to dispose of unused and unwanted things, easily and responsibly.

Soles for souls has built a business model that positively impacts our Earth and community through providing resources for donations of new or gently used shoes.

With locations in both Vancouver and Spokane, NW Furniture Bank provides a place to donate your old furniture to a charitable cause.

Free Geek helps to bridge the gap between digital turnover and environmental sustainability.

The ICD offers an assessment tool called The Clutter–Hoarding Scale®. This scale was developed to give professional organizers and related professionals definitive parameters related to health and safety when it comes to hoarding situations.