Un-piling the pile system
Tips on how to tackle piles of unorganized things and manage motivation
Source: Flickr (@jellaluna), "56/365 Scrap Piles"
Piles are a basic form of organization and have a legitimate use in an organized setting. Consider the classic inbox-outbox system in offices or the large piles of resources on a construction site waiting to be used. Some more familiar examples of piles might be laundry or the items you’ve bought or thrifted that you haven’t put away. These can quickly become overwhelming, making our spaces feel cluttered instead of organized.
In this article, I’ll explore the answers to 4 questions: 1. why we tend to create piles, 2. how to prevent them from growing out of control, 3. what strategies can be used for tackling existing clutter, and 4. What are some ways to stay motivated to keep things organized.
1. Why do we pile?
It’s a natural habit, rooted in convenience and efficiency. Instead of deciding where each item belongs immediately, we set it aside for later, creating a temporary holding system.
Piling is one of the most instinctive ways to organize. It's a way of organizing that doesn't resemble a system because of its simplicity and primitive nature. Piling is a natural response when we need quick access to things without overcomplicating organization. The problem arises when piles stop being useful and start becoming overwhelming, turning into clutter rather than a functional system. Above all, it's important to remember that you’re not alone in this habit, and there is no shame in having outstanding piles. It is something that happens to professionals and students, and we all go about organizing in ways that suit our needs and wants.
For people with ADHD, piling can be an effective way to keep important items within sight, as out of sight often means out of mind. Stacks of papers, clothes, or miscellaneous objects serve as visual reminders of tasks that need to be done. On social media, this may be known as DOOM piling, which stands for “Didn't Organize, Only Moved.” Without the motivation to properly organize, the tasks become harder and harder to work on as it is more difficult to choose which task to start with. Even those without ADHD use piling as an informal organization method until the motivation comes to clear tasks. For anyone, the challenge is that without a structured plan, these piles can quickly spiral out of control.
Many of us lead busy lives with priorities, and not all piles are the result of disorganization and sometimes; they happen because we are yet to have an alternative that works. If a filing cabinet is too much effort or there isn’t enough storage space, a pile becomes the default. While piling feels like a temporary fix, it often becomes a long-term habit when no better system is put in place. Shelving and drawers may not be affordable or available. Realizing that there is a lack of storage equipment or space can be the first step in taking proactive steps to clear your piles.
The sheer amount of things that we own or the tasks we have to do can also lead to piles. Modern life comes with an overwhelming number of responsibilities and possessions. When there’s too much to manage, sorting everything immediately can feel impossible. Piles become reminders of unfinished tasks and unorganized spaces, making it even harder to start tackling them. Exhaustion and burnout, results of having too much to deal with which can be any combination of work, school, family, and extracurricular commitments. These sources, among others, can be very important to us, but also cause too many tasks and objects to pile up. While these causes don’t need to have clear-cut solutions, managing the inflow of new responsibility while you tackle un-piling can lead to gradual progress and an easier time in the long run.
In addition to the piles of tasks, we also collect a lot of items that we haven’t found a place for. Buying stuff gives the outward sense of contentment, but we don’t always have a long-term plan for everything. There might be things being saved for a collection, or something you wanted at the moment, but have no place to put it. If materialism is a source of your piles, addressing your spending or collecting habits will be important in tackling piles of stuff.
2. How do we avoid piling too much?
Before tackling the piles themselves, it’s important to understand why they form in the first place. Now that I’ve discussed common causes for piles, you should address the root causes of piling. Are they a result of a lack of storage, an overwhelming schedule, or simply a habit of postponing organization? Avoiding the constant creation of piles allows you to establish a system of regular decluttering that works. Here are a few systems that you can try out for yourself!
Piling often happens when we’re too mentally or physically exhausted to put things away properly. Instead of forcing ourselves to clean while stressed, take a moment to relax so you’re able to feel refreshed to take on the task. Seeing piles in your room can be discouraging or overwhelming. Make sure you’re not stressing about the state of your piles and overcommitting without having the energy to finish. I find that trapping myself with all of my belongings indoors can make me feel constricted, even claustrophobic. I always make sure I take myself outdoors and appreciate the open air before returning indoors. A quick break, walk, or exercise can help reset the mind, making it easier to approach tidying with a clear head.
I find it easy to think, “I’ll deal with all of this when I have a free weekend,” but between school, volunteering, and trying to have some kind of social life, that mythical free weekend rarely appears. I’ve been guilty of letting unfinished projects pile up like half-designed scrapbook pages and sketches, especially when it all starts to feel like this physical reminder of everything I haven’t finished. However, instead of giving up on being organized entirely, I pick one small part of what I've been procrastinating on. For example, in the past, I would put all of my scrapbook pieces into a book before putting it away. The feeling of finishing even a tiny task gives me momentum to turn to other piles leaving only the assembly for when I’m ready. If I'm not up to rearranging my entire wardrobe, I'll make sure I at least tidy what comes out of the wash and put away a bit more every time.
Just like meetings or appointments, setting a designated time for tidying up ensures it actually gets done. Whether it’s a daily 10-minute cleanup before bed to a deep clean after every holiday, having a schedule turns decluttering into a habit rather than an afterthought. The more routine it becomes, the less likely large piles are to form in the first place. While it's difficult to get out of the habit of procrastinating, it might never get done if you don’t take small steps each day.
3. So now what? How to unpile.
Before diving into decluttering, it helps to understand why you want an organized space in the first place. Do you feel more productive in a tidy environment? Does clutter make you anxious? Are you tired of losing important items? Identifying your personal reasons for staying organized can make the process feel more purposeful and rewarding.
For me, while balancing classes, volunteering, and side projects, I’ve learned the hard way that putting things off “just for a bit” can lead to a lot of stress. Whether it’s laundry, art supplies, paperwork, or even digital clutter like unread emails and files from past assignments, I don’t want piles to make me feel worse. Yet, sometimes, I still wait until my floors become filled with tripping hazards. When this happens, I try to handle things in small batches. I group similar tasks so that I can get a certain type of clutter for a while, for example, organizing everything that would go into my desk, or items that would fit in a craft box. Do you ever go through a pile’s contents one by one? Think of it this way: if I were baking cookies, it would be easier to bake a dozen rather than a single cookie twelve times. If a pile is mixed with assorted things, sort them first and save the process from jumping all over the place to organize. It’s not about being perfectly tidy all the time, but about being efficient by grouping them into batches that knock the pile down each time.
Not every day is the right day to tackle clutter, and that’s okay. Forcing yourself to clean when you’re drained or unmotivated can make it feel like a chore rather than a positive change. Instead, be patient with yourself and recognize that motivation often comes in waves. When you do feel the urge to organize, ride that momentum and use it to make meaningful progress. Start at the first instance of motivation, such as when you notice you have less floor to walk on. Start tackling the piles when you notice that and before you start stumbling over them.
One of the most helpful things I’ve learned is that you don’t have to tackle the piles alone. Simply telling someone adds accountability and makes it feel like a task rather than an option. Other times, I’ve used a strategy called body doubling, which is having someone nearby while I tidy or organize. They don’t even have to help; their presence just makes it easier to stay focused and get started. Sometimes, my brother sits on my bed to call me out when I take too long of a break, or alternatively, I text a friend updates as I go. But when the piles feel too overwhelming and it is too physically or mentally challenging to use these systems yourself, it’s completely okay to ask for help. We all need support sometimes. Everyone has to deal with their own piles and responsibilities, but we're also able to help each other with them from time to time.
4. Keeping things unpiled.
Piling happens when there isn’t a functional system in place, so creating a more complex organization system that fits your habits can be key. One system that can keep things in piles is an inbox-outbox. Paperwork or designated drop zones, like a tray or box for frequently used items, can keep clutter from accumulating while separating them from things you know you have to dispose of. Any similar system where the movement of items and tasks is meaningful prevents too much from backing up.
There are usually systems that work better than others for a specific purpose. It can be helpful to learn about your options. There are a multitude of different ways to organize things that all take various levels of effort to maintain, and you can find websites that list them extensively if you want to take the effort of finding the perfect one. While there are other systems, I’ve narrowed it down to a notable few options:
Certain items can be arranged alphabetically or chronologically, and it's not just books! Sheet music, homework, recipes, video games, board games, and DVDs.
Similar to an inbox-outbox system, you can use a hierarchical system or pyramid system to organize items from most used to least used, with the most frequently used items at the top.
Other organization systems that you may find include colour coding, especially for digital clutter, by easily identifying different categories or types of items to take and deposit from.
I use a pyramid system with a clay sculpture repurposed as a trinket holder for my glasses and the headphones I use every day, and boxes for craft materials, which I crack open when I have free time.
The best system is one that feels natural to maintain rather than a chore to follow. If setting up an organization system with designated trays is feasible without looking for something that works, use what you have—organization doesn’t have to be expensive. It’s tempting to buy fancy storage containers, but more stuff might worsen your piling if you’re not certain of its use. Instead of splurging on plastic bins, start by repurposing what you already own—shoeboxes, jars, or baskets. The key is to group similar items together and refine your categories over time. This way, your organization system evolves with your needs instead of becoming another unfinished project.
One of the biggest reasons piles grow is procrastination. While it’s not always possible to deal with everything immediately, small habits like putting things back right away or taking a few minutes to tidy up daily can prevent piles from forming in the first place. While it might be annoying to put away your bag when you get home when all you want is a nap, doing it sooner means you won’t have to bother with it later, when you might also just forget about it.
Sometimes, the biggest obstacle to staying organized or preventing a buildup of work is simply being too tired. If exhaustion is a recurring issue, it’s important to address that first. Resting when needed prevents burnout, making it easier to keep up with small organizational tasks. A well-rested mind and body is less likely to become apathetic and far more likely to follow through on maintaining a grip on your to-do list.
Like many students, I’m constantly juggling school, volunteering, and a collection of half-finished personal projects. I know how easy it is to let things build up. I don’t always have it all figured out, and sometimes, I have to stop and ask myself why a pile formed in the first place. Picking up small, sustainable habits along the way can make a huge difference, turning tidying into something that feels natural instead of overwhelming. Experiment with different organization systems for yourself and find what you can keep up with. Whether you go about it alone or with someone else, you can clear your piles and create a breathable space within your control. Have a go at un-piling those piles, I promise it will be worthwhile!