Practical ADHD Organization Ideas For a Tidy Home

Photo byKateryna Onyshchuk and Shutterstock

So, your home looks like a tornado hit it—again. And let’s be real, the traditional "tidy up" advice doesn’t really cut it for your ADHD brain.

Organizing a home when you have ADHD can present unique challenges, requiring strategies that cater to your specific needs for maintaining focus and reducing clutter. You need strategies that stick, ones that sync with how your mind whirls and darts.

This isn't about becoming a minimalist guru overnight. It’s about finding real, gritty ways to keep your space from spiraling into chaos. Here are 15 ADHD-friendly home organization hacks that just might help.

1. Make Immediate Decisions

Sometimes it can be hard for people with ADHD to make decisions. Train yourself to make immediate decisions about just new items. When you bring something new into your home, decide right then where it should go and put it away. If you can't make a decision, don't bring it home. This prevents items from becoming part of the clutter problem.

2. Start Daily Declutter Sessions

Establishing a consistent schedule can help people with ADHD. Set a timer for 5-10 minutes each day for a quick tidy-up. Keeping this as a regular habit can prevent clutter from building up because we all know how overwhelming it can be over time.

3. Do a Digital Declutter

Since physical clutter can be a lot, start by organizing digital spaces. Clean up your desktop, sort digital files, and clear your email inbox. This can reduce cognitive overload and create a sense of order that might inspire you to tackle physical spaces next. It will take time, but you’ll get through it by starting once a day for five minutes or once a week for thirty minutes.

4. Create a Visual Progress Tracker

Research has shown that visual activity schedules can help people with ADHD stay on task. Use a whiteboard or visual chart to track your decluttering progress. Seeing visible marks of what you’ve accomplished can provide a motivational boost and a clear sense of progress. Just be sure to hang the board or chart somewhere you can actually see it.

5. Use a Maybe Box or Basket

When unsure whether to keep certain items, place them in a “Maybe Box.” Set a reminder to review the box once a month. If you haven’t needed or missed anything in the box by the review date, it might be easier to let go of those items.

6. Implement a Weekly Purge Day

Schedule regular decluttering purge days each month—mark them on your calendar. On these days, go through different areas of your home to remove items you no longer need or use. Making this a predictable routine can help manage the clutter before it becomes overwhelming.

7. Use Clear or See-through Containers

Opt for transparent storage bins and organizers so you can easily see what’s inside without having to open them. This reduces the out-of-sight, out-of-mind issue many people face.

8. Label Everything

Labels are a lifesaver. They help remind you where things should go and reduce the chaos of trying to remember where everything is stored. Use a label maker or write in bold over a large sticker with a marker.

9. Store Seasonal Items

Store items based on the frequency of use and only keep out what is necessary for immediate tasks. For example, keep winter stuff, holiday items, etc stored together. This minimizes distraction and keeps your space less cluttered. Just don’t forget to put things away immediately after using to keep things tidy and organized.

10. Try Color Coding

Use colors to organize files, clothing, or even kitchen items. Assigning a color to different categories can make it easier to find what you need quickly and reduce visual noise. For example, try blue for medical documents and red for bills—it simplifies the process of identifying what you need at a glance, reducing the time spent searching.

11. Use Hooks for Key Items

Place hooks by the front door for keys, bags, and coats. This makes it easy to drop off and pick up essential items in a designated spot, reducing the chance of misplacing them. Pick a design that makes you want to use them.

12. Use Open Shelving

Instead of closed cabinets, use open shelving for everyday items. This keeps everything in view, so you know what you have. It also makes it easier to see and grab what you need without the barrier of opening doors or drawers.

13. Set Digital Reminders

According to an article by Medical News Today, reminders may help people with ADHD stay on top of what needs to be done. External reminders such as calendars, phone alerts, apps, planners, and sticky notes can be helpful. You could also try using a smartphone apps for reminders about where things are stored or when it's time to declutter. Just keep up with the reminders. Regular notifications will keep you on track without worry.

14. Declutter Before Buying

Before purchasing new items, make it a rule to declutter a corresponding area at home. This prevents accumulation and keeps your space manageable. You can also try the one-in-one-out rule, where you donate something every time you bring something new home.

15. Use a Routine Cleaning Schedule

Clean everywhere and clean often. Create a visual cleaning schedule and stick it on the fridge or somewhere visible. Breaking down tasks into daily, weekly, and monthly segments can make them more manageable and ensure that nothing gets missed.

16. Assign Dedicated Workspaces

Working memory allows you to draw on past experiences in current situations. Repeition, reminders, and routines are helpful. Try to designate specific areas for different activities, like bills, hobbies, or work. This may help mentally compartmentalize tasks and maintain order. Plus, you can keep what you need to complete the task handy and stay focused easier.

This article was produced and syndicated by Simple Is More.