Home Organization Glossary of Terms
Below are key closet and office organizing terms and descriptions that will help you navigate your way through your organizational experience from beginning to end.
chronic disorganization
According to the National Study Group on Chronic Disorganization (NSGCD): “Chronic disorganization is having a past history of disorganization in which self-help efforts to change have failed, an undermining of current quality of life due to disorganization, and the expectation of future disorganization.”
clutter
Any item in your home or office that takes up your time, space, money and/or energy that gives you no benefits in return.
coaching
A service provided by many professional organizers, much like a personal trainer for physical workouts, a professional organizing coach keeps you on track with organization.
collections
Items of similar variety, usually kept for sentimental reasons, although collections can also have monetary value.
concierge
In the organizing world, this word refers to a hired professional who helps with day-to-day errands including shopping, dry cleaning pick up, library returns, etc.
Also known as: personal shopper
downsizing
To reduce anything to a smaller number or size; in reference to a house, collection, wardrobe, etc.
Also known as: cut down, reduce, diminish
ergonomics
The study of the relationship between an employee and his/her environment.
Also known as: comfort design, user-friendly systems, functional design
estate planning
Arranging for the dispensation and management of your assets at death through wills, trusts and other legal devices.
feng shui
The Chinese art and practice of creating harmonious surroundings that enhance the balance of yin and yang, especially in reference to furniture placement and interior décor.
Also known as: thoughtful interior design
hoarding
A pattern of behavior characterized by excessive acquisition and inability or unwillingness to discard large quantities of objects that might be considered useless or without value.
Also known as: compulsive hoarding, compulsive collecting
labeling
The act of marking an item or storage container for organizational purposes and easy retrieval.
memorabilia
Collection of objects connected with famous people or events.
Also known as: mementoes, souvenirs
NAPO
National Association of Professional Organizers
organizer
Person or storage system which helps one gain control of organizational habits and/or space. (Items include many categories such as shoe organizer, jewelry organizer, over-the-door organizer, etc.)
priorities
Referring to a task or goal which is of utmost importance.
procrastination
The act or habit of putting off or delaying something, especially those things requiring immediate attention.
virtual organizing
Professional organizing accomplished through email, video chat and other technological means (used especially when a professional organizer is not available in a certain area).
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