ADHD-Friendly Tips to Stay Organized

Staying organized with ADHD can definitely feel challenging, but a few small changes can make a big difference in how you manage day-to-day life. Once you have the right tools and strategies in place, getting organized becomes a lot easier. It’s all about experimenting with what works best for you. Here are some organization tips to help you build a routine that’s easy to stick with.

1. Simplify Whenever You Can

Let’s talk about clutter: we accumulate so much extra stuff over time, sometimes even without realizing it. Our clutter can become overwhelming when it comes time to clean up and organize it. In this case, it’s best to start by simplifying your space. Think about it this way: fewer items mean fewer distractions, which makes it easier for you to focus on what you actually want to do. Plus, creating a calmer, clutter-free environment can help reduce stress. This doesn’t mean you have to toss out everything you have but consider removing the items that no longer serve their purpose or removing items that you haven’t interacted with in a long time. A little decluttering can go a long way in helping your mind feel clearer.

Focus on organizing one area of one room at first. Once you’re done organizing that space, move on to other areas within the same room. Then, begin organizing other rooms in the same way.

2. Find a Home for Everything

It can be very helpful to have a specific place for your items. Consider using bins or totes to keep everything organized. For example, you might separate clean and dirty clothes with different bins, categorize your belongings into totes, or even use clear containers to easily see what’s inside. This way, you won’t end up buying duplicates or losing things—it’s a win-win!

⭐ PRO TIP
Label Your Way to Less Stress

Labeling bins is a great thing to do too. Adding labels to bins helps define—and in some ways, restrict—what goes inside them, making it simpler to put things back where they belong. If you find yourself frequently misplacing items, we recommend using trackers like AirTags or Tile Tracker which can quickly help you find any misplaced items. And if you need it, you could also try an app like Itemlist to maintain an inventory of items that are hard to keep track of.

It’s also a good idea to find a ‘home’ for new items before buying them. This way, you can avoid overbuying and keep clutter to a minimum.

3. Use Multipurpose Furniture

Multipurpose furniture can be a game-changer if you have ADHD. Furniture such as beds with drawers, couches with hidden storage, and benches with in-built storage can help keep your space tidy while serving more than one purpose. It’s both functional and stylish—an easy way to stay organized without adding clutter!

4. Make To-Do Lists

To-do lists can be incredibly motivating. You can get so much satisfaction from checking something off your list. If you’re not a fan of the old-fashioned pen and paper, try using apps like Sunsama, Todoist, or NotePlan to stay organized and motivated. And remember, always break down your big tasks into smaller, more manageable ones. They’ll become much less overwhelming.

5. Reduce Procrastination

Procrastinating on tasks you’d rather avoid doing is understandable. Sometimes we procrastinate because we don’t know where to start, which could be the hardest part. Just focus on taking that first step, even if it’s just for a few minutes. Once you start, you might find it easier to keep the momentum going. The key is to be patient with yourself. Every small step counts. Celebrate those little victories, and before you know it, you’ll be making progress on tasks you once dreaded.

6. Set Goals

Setting goals is key to staying on track, especially when you have ADHD. Set realistic, specific goals, and celebrate each milestone you complete. This way, you’ll stay focused on completing more goals, which will help you build momentum as you move forward. Just remember, progress is progress—no matter how small! If you need a refresher on how to set goals, check out this blog post.

7. Colorize Your World

Enhancing the visual appearance of your tasks can make a big difference. Use colored pens, highlighters, sticky tabs, or add stickers to make your notes and plans more attractive. You can also use colors as codes to mean something. For example, a task of high importance can be written in red pen to draw your attention to it. When your tasks look fun and inviting, you’ll likely feel more motivated to complete them.

8. Keep Track of Your Time

Using a calendar, planner, or agenda can be a great set of tools that can help you stay on top of your tasks. Time-blocking is also a great option—it lets you set aside specific times for each task and helps you set realistic goals for getting things done. By planning out your day, week, or month in advance, you’ll avoid stressing out at the last minute to get things done, and maybe even fit in some ‘me time’ to relax!

Embracing these organizational tips can make a difference in your daily life. Remember, it’s all about progress, not perfection. You're capable of more than you think. With a little organization, planning, and a positive mindset, you can keep yourself motivated and handle organization with ease.

⬇️ Download these tips as a quick guide, perfect for keeping handy whenever you need a little reminder!