Organizing and Decluttering for ADHD
We get a lot of calls from people with ADHD who need help decluttering and organizing their space. Those who call us for help typically tell us two things. One, they don’t know where to start to clear clutter and get organized, and two, the clutter and disorganization make their ADHD symptoms worse. They are in a Catch-22 situation: they need to reduce and remove their clutter chaos, but don’t know how to start. When things pile up into an unmanageable state, they reach out to us. We empathize with how it feels to live like this.
What is ADHD and what are common symptoms that make it difficult to clear clutter and get organized?
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder found in children, teens, and adults. The hallmarks of this disorder are inattention, and impulsivity/hyperactivity. Common symptoms of inattention include having trouble paying attention to tasks and having trouble organizing tasks and activities. Often, those with ADHD repeatedly lose things such as keys, wallets and glasses and are forgetful in daily things they need to do. This includes forgetting to run errands, pay bills, return phone calls, and keep appointments. Approximately 11 million adults in the United States suffer from ADHD. The disorder can range from mild to severe.
Organizing for ADHD
I’ve had experience working with people with ADHD. By no means am I an expert in the field, but I have family members and close friends who struggle with it. I’ve seen it up close and the frustration it can cause. After working with someone with ADHD to minimize clutter and help develop a maintenance program, they feel better about themselves and have a brighter outlook on life. According to ADHD minimalism blogger, Lauren Erbach Barnfield of theadhdminimalist.com those who have ADHD may be drawn to minimalism. It helps to have clear surfaces, open spaces, fewer choices, all of which can be calming to an easily distracted mind. She says, “To strive for minimalism with ADHD is one thing. To live it requires patience, self-love, and self-compassion.” I agree with that.
As an example, my friend’s brother has struggled with severe ADHD for years. While he regularly talked about getting control of his environment, he just couldn’t. His life was unmanageable, and he had lived that way for years. Eventually, after visiting his home, I offered my services to see if, in some small way, I could help. Working with him was also helpful to me. I learned more about ADHD strategies and organization techniques to help those who struggle with a severe form of this disorder. The transformation in my friend’s brother has been incredible.
ADHD Organization Challenges
One of the biggest challenges to clearing this client’s clothing clutter, for example, was that it was piled on the floor in his closet in a huge mound: dirty, clean, there was no way to differentiate. Even though there were sufficient hangers to hang the clean, hampers to place the dirty, and a third for dry cleaning, his clothing sat in an ever-growing pile. Things that belonged in drawers topped the pile, as did wet towels and shoes. His bed looked like it had never been made.
In addition, his den was clutter chaos, as was his kitchen. Food, right from the grocery store, was stacked on the counter and never put away; I was unable to tell what was fresh and what had expired. He had repeatedly lost sets and sets of keys and could never find his wallet or insurance card. His phone would go missing for days.
My friend’s brother had a severe form of ADHD, but nevertheless, it demonstrates that even someone with severe ADHD benefits from decluttering and organizing. The project wasn’t easy, I must admit. At times it was a real challenge. But the benefits of helping him have so outweighed the struggle; it has been a joy to my heart to see the transformation.
ADHD and Reducing Visual Clutter
There are a few things I’ve learned from working with someone with severe ADHD. One is that the decluttering feels completely overwhelming to them, and they need to have help staying on track. It is good for the professional organizer working with the ADHD client to put things into small piles; it helps those with ADHD see the volume of things they own. It also demonstrates that they frequently purchase the same thing. Duplicates are just excessive clutter, and most duplicates have to go. A second thing I learned is that clearing countertops reduces visual clutter and helps calm the brain. It’s good to have little to nothing (except what is completely necessary) stay in view. This includes things like medicines that must be taken daily. A third thing I noticed is that it’s good to have a designated place to put essentials: keys, eyeglasses, a wallet. Important things like papers, mail, insurance documents and things of this nature can go into a very simple filing system. Nothing complicated, and nothing overwhelming.
Organization Maintenance for the ADHD Client
The last thing I did before leaving this client was arrange for weekly help keeping things clean and on track. While this is a luxury, I know, it has made a huge difference in his situation. His life is now manageable. At The Uncluttered Life, Inc. we offer a virtual visit system, and that may be a good idea for someone who undoes a system that others may be able to keep in place. Again, no judgement.
Living with ADHD can be overwhelming, and we understand that there is a tremendous need to initially help declutter and organize a space. From there, it is a question of maintenance. From watching someone who suffers greatly, I see that this client now lives a less chaotic life and sees a brighter future.
We can help you if you or a loved-one struggles with ADHD. Call us. We provide virtual decluttering and organizing services for those with ADHD in the DFW area. Our proven strategies will help get life under control and make it easier to manage. We also offer Declutter Deck® which is similar to a decluttering game. The deck, a pack of 52 cards, provides suggestions and ideas for organizing. Taking each section of the home in small chunks, the organizing prompt cards are great inspiration. Try our Hack Decks™ today or give them as a gift to someone who struggles with ADHD.