Getting organized can be very challenging for those with ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder), but there are ways to overcome it. This post will introduce 10 ways to get organized if you have ADHD.
Tips to Get Organized if You Have ADHD
Living with ADHD doesn’t mean you can’t get organized; you just have to be creative when coming up with solutions. Trial and error helps you see what works best for your situation, so don’t give up!
Create a “Home” for your things
Everything in your home should be assigned a permanent place to live. Assigning everything a “home” can help you locate things when you need them because they will always be in the same place.
Make sure the items are located where you use them so it will be easier to put them away when you are done with them.
An example would be placing your keys on a tray in the foyer when you enter. Then, when you leave the house, the keys will be there waiting for you.
Declutter your house to get organized if you have ADHD
When you declutter your house, you eliminate unnecessary items and will have less to keep track of or organize.
A cluttered house can lead to a cluttered mind. By decluttering, you reduce the clutter, freeing your mind. After decluttering, you no longer have to worry about what to do with those unnecessary items.
This decluttering guide will teach you how to organize the messiest parts of your home. It includes checklists to help you stay on track, which is very helpful for those with ADHD. Click here or on the image below to download your guide and finally get your home organized!
Create visual reminders and make lists
Visual reminders and making lists can help you get organized if you have ADHD because they will help you stay on track.
Sometimes, the mind wanders with ADHD, and it can lose track of what it is doing. You can quickly get back on track when you create visual reminders and make lists.
An example of a visual reminder would be to take the empty tube of toothpaste downstairs and place it on the counter as a reminder to purchase more when you leave the house.
Use a checklist to get and stay organized if you have ADHD
A checklist helps you stay on task when multiple things need to be completed each day. Once you check off something on your checklist, you feel a sense of accomplishment and want to keep going.
If you’d like a checklist to help you clean your home, download this Weekly Cleaning Schedule checklist to help you get started! This checklist is editable, so you can add your own tasks.
Label, label, label
Labeling everything is the best way to get and stay organized if you have ADHD because you and everyone else in your household will know where things belong and where to find them when they need them.
These labels are a favorite of my clients. Check them out and see if they will work for you!
Store important papers together
Create one place for all important papers to live. This will eliminate multiple piles all over the house, and you can find them when you need them. You can use a drawer in a cabinet or a fireproof document safe. This is the only safe I recommend (and use myself) to keep insurance policies, passports, wills, and any other important documents safe.
Use a calendar to stay on track
A calendar is an excellent reminder of what needs to be done each day. If you use the calendar on your phone, be sure to set reminders for appointments ahead of time, so you’re not late or miss the appointment. This tip will definitely help you get organized if you have ADHD.
My family uses Cozi to keep everyone on the same page. Whenever anyone updates or adds something to the calendar, everyone sees it. It’s free to download and very easy to use.
Give yourself extra time
When scheduling appointments or attending events, give yourself extra time to arrive. Sometimes, we can lose track of time, which will cause us to be late. When setting reminders on your phone, be sure to add extra time to account for any dilly-dallying.
Create bite-sized goals
Setting goals that take a lot of time can cause stress and anxiety because it takes more time to complete them. If you break larger goals into smaller, bite-sized goals, you will feel more accomplished and motivated to continue.
Sticky notes can help you get organized if you have ADHD
If you’re working on a task and need to leave it unfinished, leaving a sticky note detailing where you left off and what still needs to be done can help save time when you return to finish.
Getting organized if you have ADHD can be challenging, but hopefully, these 10 tips have given you hope that it can be done.
Which tips are you willing to try? Which seems too difficult? Let me know in the comments!
Be sure to follow SimpLeigh Organized on Pinterest, Instagram, and Facebook for more organizing tips!
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My dear late mother-in-law taught me something that has helped me tremendously. It is so simple, logical and common sense. PUT LIKE THINGS TOGETHER.
It works!
Great tip! I totally agree. Keeping similar items together can definitely help keep things organized. Thanks for sharing!