If you’ve ever shoved a pile of mail into a drawer, thrown a mess into a closet, or “organized” your clutter by simply moving it out of sight, you’re already familiar with the infamous DOOM pile. What does DOOM stand for? Didn’t Organize, Only Moved. And yes, that acronym is painfully accurate.
DOOM piles are common, especially for neurodivergent folks managing ADHD, executive dysfunction, or just plain overwhelm. They show up when your brain is too saturated to sort, clean, or decide. So instead, you move the mess. Out of sight, out of mind—until the pile becomes a source of stress, shame, or lost gloves.
The Psychology Behind DOOM Piles
DOOM piles aren’t laziness. They’re a survival tactic when cognitive resources are low. It takes executive function to sort and organize—a task that can feel impossible if your mental load is already maxed out. So the pile lives another day, often growing.
What You Can Do Instead
- Create Fewer Landing Zones: Reduce the number of surfaces where clutter collects. One host literally got rid of her bedroom dresser because it only ever served as a DOOM pile magnet.
- Use Visual Storage: Out of sight equals out of mind. Use open shelves, clear bins, or labeled containers.
- Contain, Then Conquer: Box the pile, but label it with a date and intention to review. Then follow through—even if it’s just 5 minutes at a time.
- Build Weekly Rituals: One tip is to review actionable mail every Sunday. If you touch it, process it.
- Use Dopamine Wisely: Pair low-stimulation tasks with high-reward activities—like music or a favorite snack.
TL;DR:
DOOM piles form when your executive function can’t keep up. You’re not broken. You’re full. Be kind to your brain, and try systems that respect your limits.