So, you’ve got ADHD, and your home looks like a tornado had a party in it? No worries, you’re not alone! Organizing your space when you have ADHD is like trying to herd cats—chaotic, unpredictable, and occasionally hilarious if you’re not tearing your hair out. But here’s the thing: it’s not your fault, and there are ways to tame the chaos without losing your mind (or your favorite socks).
Why ADHD Makes Home Organization Tricky
First, you have to understand why organizing is so challenging when you’ve got ADHD:
- Attention, What? – Dp you start cleaning the kitchen, then suddenly find yourself sorting through a box of old photos in the attic? That’s the ADHD attention drift at work. Your brain is wired to chase the most interesting thing at the moment, which often isn’t what you originally set out to do.
- Decision Overload – When you’re organizing, you’re making a thousand tiny decisions: Keep or toss? Store it here or there? It’s exhausting for anyone, but with ADHD, those decisions can feel like climbing Everest in flip-flops.
- Time Blindness – You might tell yourself, “I’ll just tidy up for 10 minutes,” and then four hours later, you’re knee-deep in a new craft project instead of finishing the task at hand. ADHD messes with your sense of time, making it hard to stick to a plan.
Ways to De-Clutter and Stay Organized
Those are some of the reasons why home organization can be tough. Here are some strategies to help you conquer the clutter and keep your space organized.
- Start Small (Really Small) – You don’t have to tackle the whole house at once. Start with one tiny area—like that junk drawer in the kitchen. Set a timer for 10 minutes. If you’re still feeling it when the timer goes off, keep going. If not, no guilt. You’ve made progress, and that’s what counts.
- Make It Fun (or at Least Less Boring) – Turn on your favorite playlist, dance while you declutter, or turn the process into a game. For example, see how many items you can put away during the chorus of a song. The more enjoyable the task, the more likely you are to stick with it.
- Use Clear Containers – Out of sight is out of mind, especially with ADHD. Use clear bins or containers so you can see what’s inside without having to dig around. Label them too, so you don’t have to rely on memory (because, let’s face it, that’s a gamble).
- Set Up “Zones” – Designate specific areas for specific activities. Have a “drop zone” by the door for keys, mail, and bags, so they don’t end up scattered across your living room. Create a “charging zone” for electronics, so you’re not hunting for your phone charger at 2 AM.
- Declutter Regularly – Clutter tends to accumulate faster than you can say, “Where did all this stuff come from?” Schedule regular decluttering sessions—weekly or monthly—so things don’t get out of hand. Think of it as routine maintenance, like brushing your teeth.
- Get Help When You Need It – Sometimes, the best strategy is to bring in reinforcements. Whether it’s a friend, family member, or professional organizer, having someone to help you stay on track can make a huge difference.
- Celebrate Your Wins – Organizing with ADHD is a big deal, so don’t forget to celebrate your successes! Whether it’s finishing that small drawer or finally seeing the floor in your bedroom, take a moment to appreciate what you’ve accomplished. Maybe even treat yourself to something special—just make sure it doesn’t become the next clutter challenge!
Living with ADHD means your brain operates a little differently. Getting your home organized might be a struggle, but with these strategies, you can create a space that’s functional, peaceful, and maybe even a little stylish. Remember, perfection isn’t the goal—progress is. So, take a deep breath, grab that timer, and start small.
(Oh, and if all else fails, just blame it on the cats. They won’t mind.)
References
- https://www.additudemag.com/category/manage-adhd-life/home-organization/—
- https://chadd.org/for-adults/organizing-the-home-and-office-space/—
- https://www.webmd.com/add-adhd/tips-organize-home-adhd—
- https://reviewed.usatoday.com/accessibility/features/adult-adhd-organization-tools—