So, you’re living with ADHD, huh? Welcome to the club. The club where we can’t focus on anything for more than five minutes, and keeping an organized, decluttered, and clean home seems like the hardest task possible. Yeah… we feel you.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, or ADHD for short, can make life a little more…interesting, to say the least. With our minds constantly racing, our attention spans shorter than a goldfish’s, and our organizational skills on par with a tornado, it’s no wonder that keeping our homes tidy can feel like an insurmountable task. But fear not, my fellow ADHDer, for I am here to share some tips and tricks to help you conquer the clutter and create a more organized home. So, let’s strap on our hyperactivity boots and get to it!
1- Diving Deeper Into Routines!
As an ADHDer, the thought of a routine might make you want to run for the hills, but trust us, it can be a game-changer. Establishing a routine means creating structure in your day-to-day life, and that’s crucial for those of us with ADHD. It can help reduce anxiety, increase productivity, and give us a sense of control over our lives.
So, how do you go about creating a routine?
Start small!
Don’t try to change your entire schedule overnight, or you’ll end up feeling overwhelmed and giving up altogether. Instead, focus on one or two tasks that you want to accomplish each day and build from there.
Establish a morning routine – Start by setting your alarm for the same time every day, and try to wake up at that time, even on the weekends. This will help regulate your body clock and make it easier to wake up in the morning. Then, choose one or two tasks you want to accomplish before leaving the house, such as making your bed or having breakfast. Stick to this routine every day, and eventually, it’ll become second nature.
Establishing a cleaning schedule – For ADHDers, cleaning can be a daunting task, but breaking it down into smaller, manageable tasks can make it less overwhelming. For instance, you could create a cleaning schedule where you tackle one room per day, or you could set aside a specific time each day to clean for 15-30 minutes. This way, you won’t feel like you have to clean your entire house in one go, which can be exhausting.
Remember, the key to establishing a routine is to make it work for you. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach, so experiment with different schedules and see what works best for you. And don’t be afraid to switch things up if something isn’t working. Flexibility is key when it comes to ADHD, so be open to change and adjust your routine as needed.
2- Decluttering Your Home a Little Every Day
Oh boy, decluttering. The bane of every ADHDer’s existence. It’s a necessary evil, but let’s be real, it’s not exactly our idea of a fun time. But trust me, scheduling a regular decluttering session can make a world of difference in your home organization.
Think of it as a treasure hunt, but instead of finding gold doubloons, you’re on a mission to get rid of any and all useless junk taking up space in your home. Start small with your decluttering sessions, like going through your closet and donating clothes you haven’t worn in a year. Or, if you’re feeling extra adventurous, go through every room in your home and get rid of anything that doesn’t serve a purpose.
But don’t worry, We’re not going to leave you hanging without some tips to make the decluttering process less daunting.
Put on some music that makes you want to dance. No, seriously. Get your groove on while you sort through your belongings. It’ll make the process more fun, I promise.
Set a timer for a specific amount of time, like 30 minutes, and declutter for that time period. When the timer goes off, take a break and reward yourself with a snack or some social media scrolling. Then, get back to decluttering.
And if you’re struggling to part with certain items, enlist the help of a friend. Let them be the voice of reason and tell you if you really need that giant stuffed animal you won at the carnival five years ago.
Decluttering is necessary but not exactly thrilling. So, put on some tunes, set a timer, and recruit a friend if needed. Trust me, you’ll be surprised at how much junk you can get rid of, and your home will thank you for it.
3- Storage Solutions – The Saviors Of The ADHD community!
Baskets, bins, and shelves, oh my! These handy dandy organizing tools can transform your chaotic living space into a sanctuary of order and tranquility. Okay, maybe I’m exaggerating a bit, but you get the point.
By using storage solutions, you can keep everything in its designated home, which is a game-changer for the scatterbrained among us. No more losing your keys, phone, or favorite pen. They’ll all have a cozy little spot to call their own. And the best part? You can easily find them when you need them!
But let’s be real, labeling your storage containers takes them to a whole new level of organization. It’s like your stuff is speaking to you, telling you exactly what’s inside each container. “Hey, this is the container with all your winter hats and gloves, don’t forget it!” Genius, right?
And don’t even get me started on the satisfaction of seeing everything neatly stacked and arranged in their respective baskets, bins, and shelves. It’s like a work of art, and you’re the Picasso of home organization.
So, my fellow ADHDers, embrace the power of storage solutions. Baskets, bins, and shelves are your new best friends. And if you’re feeling extra fancy, go ahead and label them too. You’ll thank us later.
4- Cleaning Your Home – The Chore We Love To Hate
My friends, hear me out. Incorporating cleaning into your daily routine can actually be a game-changer for home organization. I know, I know, it sounds like a nightmare. But trust me, it’s worth it.
First of all, let’s talk about dishes. They’re the bane of every lazy person’s existence. But if you wash them immediately after using them, you’ll avoid the dreaded pile-up in the sink that makes you want to run for the hills. Plus, you’ll have a sparkling clean kitchen that’ll make Martha Stewart proud. Okay, maybe not that clean, but you get the point.
And let’s not forget about putting things back in their designated homes. It’s a simple task, yet it’s something we often overlook. But think about it, if you put your keys back in their designated spot as soon as you walk in the door, you’ll never have to frantically search for them before running out the door again.
Incorporating cleaning into your daily routine is like a superpower. You’ll prevent clutter from building up, which means less stress and more time to focus on the important things in life. Like binge-watching your favorite TV show, or taking a nap. I mean, come on, who doesn’t love a good nap?
5- Goal-Setting: The Holy Grail Of Productivity
But attention: setting unrealistic goals is a recipe for disaster, especially when it comes to home organizing. You can’t organize your entire home in one day unless you’re Superman or Wonder Woman. And even they probably couldn’t do it.
So, let’s set some realistic goals. Start with one room or area at a time. You’ll avoid overwhelming yourself and actually make progress. Plus, you’ll feel a sense of accomplishment when you finish each task. It’s like winning a gold medal in the Olympics, except instead of running a race, you’re just organizing your sock drawer.
And let’s not forget about giving yourself plenty of time to complete each task. Don’t rush yourself or you’ll make mistakes. And trust me, nothing is more frustrating than realizing you’ve organized everything wrong and have to start over.
6- Mail – The Gift That Keeps On Giving
Bills, ads, and the occasional letter from your grandma. It’s like a box of chocolates, you never know what you’re gonna get. But fear not, my fellow ADHDers, we have a solution – the mail center.
Now, don’t get too excited, it’s not as thrilling as it sounds. But creating a mail center can help you avoid the dreaded pileup of mail on your kitchen table. Get yourself a mail sorter, label it, and sort through your mail as soon as you get it. It’s like a mini sorting hat, but for your mail.
But let’s be real, sorting through the mail is not exactly a walk in the park. It’s like a game of whack-a-mole, every time you think you’re done, more mail pops up. But creating a mail center is a step in the right direction. You’ll avoid losing important bills or accidentally throwing away that letter from your grandma.
So, my friends, embrace the mail center. It may not be the most exciting thing in the world, but it’ll help you stay organized and avoid any mail-related mishaps. And who knows, maybe you’ll even start to enjoy sorting through your mail. Okay, let’s not get ahead of ourselves, but it’s worth a shot.
7- Work With A Planner Or Calendar
If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably bought a dozen planners with the best intentions of using them, only to abandon them a week later. But fear not my ADHD friends, there’s hope!
First things first, find a planner or calendar that works for you. It could be a physical planner with cute stickers and motivational quotes, or a digital calendar that syncs with all your devices. Once you’ve found your planner soulmate, start filling it in with all the important stuff – appointments, tasks, deadlines, and anything else you need to remember.
One way to make sure you don’t abandon your planner is to make it a part of your daily routine. Set aside a specific time each day to fill in your planner or review what’s coming up. This could be first thing in the morning, during your lunch break, or before bed.
Another trick is to make your planner visually appealing and fun to use. Use colorful pens or highlighters to make important events stand out or add motivational quotes or stickers to keep you motivated.
And don’t forget to make your planner work for you. If you’re someone who gets overwhelmed by a long to-do list, break it down into smaller, more manageable tasks. Or, if you’re someone who needs to see the big picture, use a monthly or yearly overview page to keep track of important deadlines and events.
But here’s the thing: don’t be too hard on yourself if you miss a day or forget to fill in your planner. It happens to the best of us. The key is to keep trying and find a system that works for you. And if all else fails, just wing it and hope for the best. Kidding! Kind of.
So go forth, my organized ADHD friends, and conquer the world (or at least your to-do list) with your trusty planner by your side.
8- Planned Home Workplace – Where Distractions Go To Die
It’s like a magical land where productivity thrives. Or at least, that’s the dream. In reality, creating a designated workspace can be a bit of a challenge, especially for those of us with ADHD.
But fear not, my fellow ADHDers! There are some simple steps you can take to create a workspace that works for you. First, find a space that you can dedicate to work. It could be a spare room, a corner of your bedroom, or even just a small desk in your living room. The key is to find a space where you can focus and get into “work mode.”
Next, make sure your workspace is comfortable and organized. Get a comfortable chair, a desk that’s the right height, and all the necessary supplies you need to get your work done. And, of course, make sure to keep your workspace clean and clutter-free. Because let’s be honest, a cluttered workspace is just one more distraction waiting to happen.
Finally, remember that your workspace is just that – yours. So, make it your own! Add some personal touches, like photos or artwork, to make your workspace feel like the place you want to be. And, if you’re feeling extra fancy, you can even get a plant or two to add some greenery and fresh air to your workspace. Who says work can’t be fun?
9- Color-Coding: A Rainbow Of Organization in Your Home
Color coding is like a rainbow of organization that can make even the most scatterbrained among us feel like we have our lives together. But let’s be real, sometimes color-coding can feel like a daunting task.
Color coding doesn’t have to be a chore. In fact, it can be kind of fun! Think of it as a way to express your creativity while also getting organized.
Start by choosing a color scheme that works for you. Maybe you’re a fan of bold and bright colors, or maybe you prefer something a little more subdued. Whatever your preference, pick a color scheme that makes you happy and excited to get organized.
Next, assign different colors to different types of items or tasks. For example, you could use a yellow bin for work-related items, a green bin for personal items, and a pink bin for miscellaneous items. Or, if you’re using a calendar or planner, use different colors to distinguish between work tasks, personal tasks, and fun activities.
And, of course, don’t forget to have some fun with it! Maybe you want to use stickers or washi tape to add some extra flair to your color-coding system. Or perhaps you want to create a fun color-coding key to help you remember what each color represents.
The possibilities are endless, my friends. So grab some pens, and some colorful bins, and get to color-coding!
Assisting our followers in dealing with their struggles related to ADHD.
You see, we recently took to Instagram to ask the followers for their opinion on this matter, and boy did they deliver! We were blown away by the amount of responses we received, and even more so by the hilarity and insight that came with them.
After receiving an overwhelming response from our followers on Instagram, we decided to select some of the best answers and share our insights on how to overcome these difficulties. By doing so, we hope to not only help the individual who reached out to us, but also others who may be facing similar challenges.
We want to encourage everyone who reached out to us with their ADHD struggles to keep sharing their questions and concerns with us. Although we may not be able to address every single inquiry right away, we value each and every one of them and will do our best to address them in future opportunities. So, keep sending us your questions and stay tuned for more helpful tips and strategies from our team on managing ADHD!
So, without further ado, let’s dive in and explore some of the tips and strategies that have helped our fellows manage their ADHD symptoms and improve their daily lives.
1 – How to Deal With ADHD Procrastination
Ah, procrastination – the mortal enemy of productivity. And for those of us with ADHD, it’s like procrastination is our long-lost twin. We know we should be doing something, but oh look, a squirrel!
There are ways to overcome procrastination and get stuff done. And what better way to tackle this topic than with a little humor? So here are some funny (but effective) tips to deal with ADHD procrastination:
- Embrace your inner child: Remember when you were a kid and had to clean your room, but ended up playing with toys instead? Well, why not bring that same mentality to your work? Set a timer for 10-15 minutes and tell yourself that you can goof off afterward. It’s like recess for adults!
- Bribe yourself: Let’s face it, sometimes we need a little motivation to get things done. So why not bribe yourself? Promise yourself a treat after you finish a task, like a piece of chocolate or a new pair of socks.
- Use the buddy system: Find a friend or family member who can hold you accountable. Tell them what you need to get done and ask them to check in on you. And if you don’t complete the task, they get to steal your favorite pen. Okay, maybe not that extreme, but you get the idea.
- Turn off the distractions: We all have those things that distract us – social media, Netflix, cute cat videos on YouTube, etc. So turn them off! Put your phone on silent, block distracting websites, and focus on the task. And if you need a break, take a walk outside instead of scrolling through Instagram.
- Laugh it off: Sometimes, the best way to deal with procrastination is to just laugh at yourself. We’re all human and we all procrastinate sometimes. So don’t beat yourself up about it, just laugh it off and get back to work.
2- Lost and Found: Dealing with Someone Who Can’t Put Things Back
Ah, the joys of living with someone who doesn’t put things back where they belong. It can be frustrating, maddening, and downright infuriating. But before you lose your cool and start throwing things, take a deep breath and read on for some tips on how to deal with this all-too-common problem.
- Label everything
If your roommate or partner seems to have a hard time remembering where things go, label everything. And we mean everything. Label the drawers, the shelves, the cabinets, and even the individual items themselves. Making it impossible for them to forget where things belong.
- Make it easy to put things back
Sometimes, the reason someone doesn’t put things back is that it’s just too much of a hassle. Make it easy for them by organizing your home in a way that makes sense. Keep frequently used items within easy reach, and use storage solutions that are easy to use.
- Use positive reinforcement
Positive reinforcement is a fancy way of saying “reward them for doing the right thing.” When your roommate or partner does put something back where it belongs, praise them for it. Maybe even offer them a small treat, like a piece of candy or a compliment. Positive reinforcement can go a long way in changing behavior.
- Make a game of it
Sometimes, a little friendly competition is all it takes to get someone to change their ways. Make a game of putting things back where they belong. Set a timer and see who can put the most items back in their proper place in a certain amount of time. Make it fun, and your roommate or partner might just start putting things back without even realizing it.
- Have a heart-to-heart
If all else fails, it might be time to have a serious talk with your roommate or partner. Be honest about how their behavior is affecting you and your living situation. Let them know that you’re not trying to be controlling, but that you just want to live in a clean, organized space. Chances are, they’ll understand and make an effort to change their ways.
Dealing with someone who doesn’t put things back can be a challenge, but it doesn’t have to drive you crazy. With a little patience, creativity, and communication, you can create a home that works for everyone.
3- From Boxes to Bliss: How to Tackle Unpacking Like a Pro
So, you’ve just moved into a new place and you’re surrounded by boxes. Or maybe you’ve been putting off unpacking for weeks, or even months and the thought of tackling those boxes feels overwhelming. Whatever the situation, unpacking can be a daunting task, especially for those with ADHD. But fear not! With a bit of strategy and some helpful tips, you can turn those doom boxes into a blissful and organized home.
- Blast some music: Put on your favorite tunes and turn up the volume! Music can help boost your mood and make the unpacking process more enjoyable.
- Make a game out of it: Challenge yourself to unpack a certain number of boxes in a set amount of time, and reward yourself with a treat when you reach your goal.
- Prioritize your boxes: Unpack the most essential items first, such as kitchen supplies and bedding. This will help you feel more settled and comfortable in your new space.
- Get creative with your storage: Use unconventional storage solutions, such as using a shoe organizer to store cleaning supplies or a hanging jewelry organizer for small bathroom items.
- Enlist some help: Unpacking can be overwhelming, so don’t be afraid to ask for help from friends or family. Plus, it’s a great excuse to catch up while getting things done!
Closing Thoughts: Our Last Words of Encouragement for Those Facing ADHD Challenges
Well, fellow ADHDers, we’ve covered a lot of ground today!
But let’s be real, organizing isn’t always easy, especially when you’re dealing with ADHD. It can feel overwhelming and frustrating at times. So, it’s important to remember to be kind to ourselves throughout the process.
Maybe you accidentally forget to put away your laundry or you can’t find that one important document you swore you put in its designated spot. It happens. And it’s okay.
The key is to keep trying, keep experimenting, and find what works for you. Maybe color coding is your thing, or maybe you prefer a more minimalistic approach. Whatever it is, embrace it and make it your own.
And remember, organizing isn’t a one-time event. It’s a continuous process. So, take it one step at a time and be proud of yourself for the progress you make.
Now go forth, fellow ADHDers, and organize your hearts out!
If you enjoyed reading this post and found these tips helpful, don’t hesitate to share your thoughts in the comments below! We’d love to hear your personal experiences and additional tips for organizing your home with ADHD. Also, if you want to stay up-to-date on our latest posts and tips, be sure to follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok!
Let’s connect and support each other in our journey toward a more organized and fulfilling life! See you guys next post!
