How ADHD Affects Organizing—And What Actually Works

A calmer, more functional space is within reach—it’s just a step away. Traditional organizing advice often overlooks the executive function challenges that make sorting, categorizing, and maintaining systems difficult for those with ADHD. Most strategies expect people to organize in ways that don’t align with how their brains naturally operate. Instead of fitting into a rigid, one-size-fits-all model, ADHD brains need a customized approach that works with their unique needs, not against them.

The ADHD Approach to Organizing

The key to successful organizing with ADHD isn’t about rigid minimalism or endless decluttering sessions. It’s about creating systems that are:

✔ Easy to maintain—because if the system is too complicated, it won’t last
✔ Decision-friendly—minimizing the overwhelm of too many choices
✔ Supportive of dopamine needs—using novelty, visual cues, and quick wins

When a system aligns with how the ADHD brain works, it reduces the mental load, making organization feel more natural rather than forced.

Expert-Backed Strategies That Work

I help individuals and businesses implement strategies based on research-backed techniques, including:

• Purpose-Driven Spaces – Your spaces should support the purpose they serve. Whether it’s a workspace, a relaxing retreat, or a family hub, organizing with intention ensures every item and arrangement serves a clear function, enhancing both utility and aesthetics.
• Mindful Acquisition – Create a functional and visually appealing environment by pausing before purchasing. Implement a “cooling off” period to reduce impulse buys, focusing on items that enhance your space’s functionality and long-term value.
• The Out of Sight, Out of Mind Fix – Use clear bins, open shelving, and visible storage to ensure items are easy to see and access, preventing them from being forgotten while maintaining a clean, organized look.
• The End of Day Reset Rule – Dedicate a few minutes at the end of each day to return items to their designated spots, keeping clutter at bay and maintaining both functionality and visual order.
• The Done is Better Than Perfect Approach – After decluttering, group items into broad, easy-to-use categories. This reduces decision fatigue and creates systems that are both functional and visually appealing, without overcomplicating the process.
• The Power of Body Doubling – Use external accountability to stay on track. Whether working with a friend, coach, or virtual partner, body doubling helps improve follow-through while creating a sense of shared focus and momentum that brings function to your space.
• The Spark Method – Add a touch of novelty to tasks to keep your ADHD brain engaged. Use a timer for a race-against-the-clock challenge, play upbeat music, or make organizing a fun game to make the process both productive and visually exciting.
• Uncover New Treasures – If you’re nervous about letting items go, remember that decluttering often uncovers forgotten treasures and opens up new opportunities to make your space work better for you.

How I Approach ADHD and Organizing

I’m not here to tell you to become an extreme minimalist overnight and throw everything out. I’m not here to shame you for your overflowing craft supplies or that stash of “someday” projects. What I am here to do is help you find balance—a way to manage your stuff, your space, and your decisions in a way that works for you.

Because the truth is, organizing isn’t about perfection. It’s about function. It’s about creating systems that actually support your brain, your lifestyle, and your energy levels. That means:

✔ Systems that make staying organized easier than falling back into chaos
✔ Small, realistic changes that don’t rely on willpower alone
✔ No shame, no guilt—just solutions that make sense

A Little Humor Never Hurts

Let’s be real: If we can’t laugh at the fact that we’ve bought the same craft item three times because we forgot we already owned it, then what’s the point? ADHD is frustrating, yes, but it’s also full of quirks and surprises. I like to keep things light, because this journey is hard enough without feeling bad about it.

Why Hire Me?

If clutter, decision fatigue, or ADHD struggles are holding you back, I’m here to help. My goal is to empower you to take action, feel understood, and conquer challenges—without the shame or overwhelm. I understand the emotional weight of “stuff” and won’t preach unrealistic minimalism. I’m an expert, but I talk with you, not at you. Our conversations are warm, relatable, and filled with just the right amount of humor to make the process feel lighter.

Let’s work together to create a space and routine that helps you feel calm, focused, and in control. Reach out to book a session through my Contact Us page.