When you have less to manage, you have less to stress about. People with ADHD thrive in simplified spaces. That means it’s okay to let go of items that no longer serve you. Paring down is the first step to creating a home that feels calm and manageable. Focus on keeping only what you use, love, or need, and let the rest go.

A system doesn’t have to look neat to work well. Focus on function over appearance. If sticky notes all over your desk keep you on track, lean into it. Forget Instagram perfection and focus on what helps you stay organized in real life.

Perfect systems are overwhelming. Go for simple, not flawless. Instead of complicated filing systems or multi-step organizing processes, use quick and easy solutions. Think open bins instead of lidded boxes or hooks instead of hangers. The simpler the system, the more likely you are to use it.

Start small and build from there. Don’t tackle your whole house at once. Start with one drawer or one shelf. Success builds confidence, and confidence keeps you moving forward.

Store things where you use them to minimize friction. If you’re always losing scissors in the kitchen, keep an extra pair in a drawer there. Have a “snack bin” in your pantry for grab-and-go items, or keep a small laundry basket in each bedroom. Convenience is key for ADHD brains.

Staying organized is a habit, not a one-time event. Set aside time each week for “maintenance tasks,” like tidying up your desk or reviewing your to-do list. Regular attention keeps chaos from creeping back in.

Out of sight, out of mind is very real with ADHD. Use clear storage bins, open shelves, or hooks instead of drawers and cabinets whenever possible. Keeping items in plain sight helps you stay on top of your organization and prevents things from getting “lost.”

You don’t need to organize everything. Focus on what’s draining your energy the most. If your closet isn’t bothering you but the pile of mail is, tackle the mail first. Let go of organizing what doesn’t matter.

If it doesn’t have a home, it becomes clutter. Assign every item a place where it lives, and make it easy to put back. For example, keys go in a bowl by the door, your daily medications live in a basket on the counter, and your remote always returns to the coffee table tray.

Reduce decisions by sticking to routines.” Morning routines, evening resets, or even a standard grocery list can remove mental clutter and keep you on track.

Sorting takes time. Tossing is instant. For papers piling up, don’t sort them into 10 categories—just create three: “Keep,” “Shred,” and “Recycle.” The faster you can clear the clutter, the more motivated you’ll feel.

Partial progress is still progress. Organizing doesn’t have to be “finished” to be successful. Even clearing half your desk or sorting one bin is worth celebrating—it’s better than before.

Group like with like to keep your brain from spinning. Create zones for specific activities. For example, have a “Homework Zone” with all school supplies in one place, a “Mail Zone” by the door for incoming and outgoing mail, or a “Tech Zone” for chargers, cords, and gadgets.

Turn your brain’s quirks into tools. Use visual reminders to nudge yourself into action. For example, leave your gym bag by the door or place an important paper in your line of sight until you handle it.

If it takes less than two minutes to do, do it now. Small tasks like putting your shoes back in the closet or clearing off the kitchen counter can snowball into clutter if left undone. Build momentum by handling the small stuff immediately.

Big tasks are overwhelming; focus on the next small step. Instead of thinking, “I need to organize my closet,” ask, “What’s the first thing I can do?” and focus only on that. Breaking tasks into steps keeps you moving.

Containers are your secret weapon. Whether it’s a bin for loose toys, a basket for remotes, or a drawer organizer for makeup, containing items keeps clutter from spreading and makes cleanup faster.

Not every piece of paper needs immediate action. Set up a drop zone for incoming papers—a simple bin where mail, kids’ forms, and random receipts can land until you’re ready to deal with them.

Progress beats perfection every time. ADHD brains are creative and dynamic, and sometimes that means systems break down. That doesn’t mean you’ve failed. Reassess, tweak, and keep moving forward. Organizing is a journey, not a destination.

You don’t have to do it all alone. Whether it’s hiring a professional organizer, enlisting a friend, or asking your partner to tackle a task with you, teamwork makes the process less overwhelming and more fun.

Focus on decluttering ‘hotspots’—those areas that seem to attract clutter no matter what you do. Hotspots could be your kitchen counter, coffee table, or nightstand. Commit to clearing these areas daily with a quick 5-minute reset, so the mess doesn’t build up and become overwhelming.