Being Bipolar and... Organized! (Sort Of)

Let's talk about the whirlwind of being bipolar and (DIS)organized.

I've got 99 problems, and being dipolar and disorganized is most definitely ONE — but y'all, we're thriving anyway! Listen, I am naturally disorganized – specifically when it comes to my home. But here's the plot twist: I discovered my need for organization while temporarily living with my sister.

My bipolar brain and getting organized

Now, my sister isn't just organized, she's a professional organizer (yes, I’m flexing her credentials). Her home was so organized that even though she lived farther away, I was getting ready faster and arriving to work on time. Who knew miracles came in labeled bins and color-coded calendars?

This epiphany launched a 6-week (weekends only – I'm not superhuman) mission to organize my home. For MY BRAIN. Let's be clear: I'll never be a natural-born organizer (shameless plug for sis, @naturalbornorganizers), but with her guidance, we devised a system that has kept me semi-sane for a decade.

The truth is, if you're bipolar, you need a sprinkle of strategy and a dash of grace. Here's how I’ve made it work – sass and all.

Disruptions, detours, and divine interruptions

Life's a rollercoaster, and baby, I'm strapped in. Disruptions happen, routines get derailed, and yes, I occasionally spiral... But I ALWAYS bounce back because I'm still that girl. The key? Understanding the culprits behind my chaos. Here are my top 5 routine-wreckers:

1. Being sick
2. Being depressed (and let’s be real, sometimes these first 2 tag-team me like it's WWE)
3. Monthly cycle madness (a.k.a menstrual flow)
4. Business travel (a.k.a. "professional jet lag")
5. Being exhausted (because who isn’t?)

The million-dollar question: How long does it take you to recover when life hits? I've learned to roll with the punches and keep my bounce-back game strong.

Set the vibe, rule your tribe

How can I make my home work for my brain? Here are the top 3 rules that work for me (and my beautifully chaotic bipolar brain):

1. Everything must have a home

If every item in your house has a designated "home," you'll know exactly where to put it. This makes it stupidly easy to clean up when life pulls you off track. Think of it as your home's GPS: no more "recalculating" when tidying up.

2. Wardrobe/accessories visually laid out

I'm chronically late – to the point where my dentist gives me a fake appointment time, so I'll show up on time. (We listen, and we don't judge.) To combat my perpetual tardiness, I make sure my wardrobe is organized in a way that lets me see everything. It's grab-and-go simplicity, which helps me get out the door faster and with less stress.

3. DECLUTTER regularly

If I don't wear it, I don't keep it. Period.

I keep a clear bag in my closet to fill with items I'm ready to part with: my donation station. Once a month, that bag hits the donation pile. A clear bag = a clear closet = a clear mind.

And for every new item I bring in, something old has to go. It's like a no-nonsense game of musical chairs. One in, one out.

4. Small spaces, big wins

I prefer smaller spaces because the more rooms I have, the more "STUFF" I'm tempted to buy to fill them. Clutter is my kryptonite, so I avoid it like an ex who's still texting "wyd?" at midnight.

Organized home, organized mind

Here's the tea: My home is often a reflection of my mind. When my space is tidy, my thoughts are clearer. And when the clutter creeps back in (because it always does), I remind myself to be gentle.

Nobody's perfect every second of every day. If I'm struggling, I call in my ace: my sister, the queen of organization.

Making it work with bipolar

Life's messy, but so am I – and we're making it work. If you're bipolar and (DIS)organized like me, I hope these tips help you reclaim your space, your time, and your sanity. Cheers to a clutter-free new year and a whole lot of grace along the way.