3 Steps to Break the Pattern of
Disorganization
BY KATE VARNESS
We sat on the bed ’ s edge in what Jennifer called “ her dump-it room .”
This spot , previously occupied by her daughter , now served as a dumping ground for stuff she didn ’ t know what to do with . Like two brave archeologists , we made it through the layer of newer items . The next layer showed evidence of previous attempts to get organized : sorted piles abandoned like mummified remains from Pompeii .
Jennifer let out a deep sigh .
“ Story of my life ,” she told me . “ I never got it done . When I did , it was only a matter of time before the mess came back .”
She was silent for a moment . “ My mother always told me what a slob I was . Then my ex- took over . Now my daughter gets on my case because she has nowhere to stay when she visits . I ’ m such an embarrassment !”