Decluttering and Organizing with ADHD: A Journey Towards Calm and Clarity
If you have ADHD, the idea of decluttering and organizing can seem overwhelming. Yet, creating a space where you can find things easily, enjoy your surroundings, and feel more at peace is possible. With the right approach and a little guidance, you can transform your living environment into a more organized and harmonious place. Here's how to start your journey towards calm and clarity.
A Personal Story of Transformation
I have a friend, let's call him Jake, who has ADHD. For years, Jake struggled with keeping his apartment in order. There were piles of clothes on the floor, a kitchen counter covered with takeout containers, and a desk buried under paperwork. Jake often felt stressed and overwhelmed by the chaos in his home.
One day, he decided he'd had enough. He wanted a change, but he didn't know where to start. He felt like he was constantly swimming against the tide, never able to make significant progress. That's when he reached out to me, asking for help to declutter and organize his space.
Breaking It Down
For Jake, the biggest challenge was knowing where to begin. We started small, focusing on one area at a time. We tackled his closet first, sorting through clothes he hadn't worn in years. The sense of accomplishment he felt after that first step was incredible—it gave him the momentum to keep going.
With ADHD, it's easy to get overwhelmed by big projects, so breaking them down into smaller, manageable tasks was key for Jake. It was about making progress, not achieving perfection.
Visual Cues and Simplified Storage
Jake quickly realized that he needed visual cues to stay organized. We used clear storage bins for his closet and labeled each one, so he could see exactly what was inside. Open shelving and transparent containers became his new best friends. This way, he didn't have to dig through stacks of boxes or drawers to find what he needed.
We also made sure to keep the system simple. Complicated storage solutions just don't work for someone with ADHD. Jake found that when everything had a designated place, it was easier to maintain order.
Establishing a Routine
Jake knew that maintaining his newly organized space would be challenging without a routine. We set up a schedule that worked for him—10 minutes each morning to tidy up and a deeper cleaning session once a week. This routine helped him stay on track without feeling too rigid.
At the same time, flexibility was important. Jake learned to forgive himself if he missed a day or if things got messy again. ADHD is unpredictable, and part of staying organized is allowing room for those fluctuations.
Celebrating the Wins
Every small victory counted for Jake. We celebrated each step forward, whether it was a clean closet, a cleared-off desk, or a tidy kitchen. These successes motivated him to keep going, even when it got tough.
Getting Support
Jake's journey was easier with support. Having someone to help him through the process made a big difference. If you have ADHD and need help decluttering and organizing, don't hesitate to ask a friend or seek professional assistance. You don't have to do it alone.
We're Here to Help
If you're feeling overwhelmed by clutter or just need a little guidance, we're here to help. Our professional organizing services are designed with ADHD in mind. We understand the challenges and can work with you to create a personalized plan that fits your needs and lifestyle.
Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you achieve a calmer, more organized space. You can reach us through clicking here or send us a message on Instagram. Let's start your journey towards a more organized and stress-free life together.
I wish you the clarity of a well-organized space, the calm of a clutter-free mind, and the joy of never having to search for your keys again.