Practical Tips for Organizing with ADHD

Every item you bring in is another item to maintain, clean, or put away. Keep the “incoming traffic” under control by:

• Opening and sorting mail right away instead of letting it pile up.

• Cutting down on impulse buys or late-night online shopping scrolls.

• Politely saying “no” to hand-me-downs or free items you don’t really need—especially from well-meaning family or friends who may have organizing struggles themselves.

Less stuff coming in = less stress and fewer decisions later.

ADHD brains thrive on quick wins. Choose a small but noticeable project to give yourself momentum—like clearing off the kitchen island, or folding and putting away the clothes sitting on “the chair.” Seeing progress where you spend the most time will keep you motivated. 

Time blindness is real. A simple timer can help keep you grounded:

• Work for just 5–10 minutes to get started.

• Cap sessions at 30 minutes.

• If you have more to do, reset and take short breaks between rounds.

This prevents burnout and helps you stick with the task at hand.

Large piles can feel overwhelming. Instead of thinking about the whole stack, pick up one item, make a decision, and move to the next. This reduces decision fatigue and keeps you from “looking ahead” and shutting down. 

When ADHD brains see “miscellaneous” or “junk,” it often means there isn’t a clear category. But every item has a home. We’ve noticed clients often need categories for things like:

• House hardware (command hooks, furniture pads, spare screws, kid-proofing tools).

• Electronics (phone cords, plugs, headphones, chargers, cameras, light bulbs, extension cords).

• Stationery and paperwork (even small scraps).

Sometimes the right “container” is as simple as a box, a pouch, or a labeled Ziploc bag.

Unfinished tasks can clutter up both your home and your brain. Make permanent spots for items that are:

• To be given to a friend.

• To sell or donate.

• To repair or return.

Having an “outgoing zone” keeps these items from floating endlessly around the house.

Instead of fighting your natural patterns, design systems that work with them:

• If you always drop your bag on the floor, add a bench or hook by the door.

• If wrappers pile up on your nightstand, place a small trash can there.

• If folding laundry is a struggle, hang more clothes instead.

When the same area needs constant tidying, it’s often a sign that you need a system designed for how you actually live.

Out of sight often means out of mind. Transparent bins and clear labels make it easier to see what you have and where it belongs. This reduces mental load and helps other household members stay consistent, too. 

Organizing with ADHD can be exhausting to manage alone. Working with a professional organizer who understands ADHD and neurodiversity can make a huge difference.

We’ve helped children, adults, and families create robust, low-maintenance systems that actually work for their unique brains. Whether it’s a one-time setup or ongoing monthly support, our goal is always to design systems that feel natural, sustainable, and empowering.

Decisions are energy-draining. By limiting incoming items, working in small chunks, and setting up clear systems, you can reduce decision fatigue and free up your brain for the things that matter most. Organizing with ADHD isn’t about perfection—it’s about building a home that supports you. 

We specialize in creating systems that are simple, sustainable, and tailored for unique brains. With years of hands-on experience working with children and adults with ADHD and other forms of neurodiversity, we know that “one-size-fits-all” organizing strategies don’t work.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, you don’t have to do this alone. Contact us today to book a consultation-we'd love to help you reclaim your space and peace of mind.