ADHD-Friendly Organizing

My Organizing Supports

  • Brain Dump Consultation: A 30-minute session to talk through what feels stuck and identify simple systems that will help.
  • Mindful Practices: Start your day with clear intentions and a few priorities to stay focused and reduce overwhelm.
  • Body Doubling & Sorting: Work alongside me while we sort and organize together to maintain focus and reduce decision fatigue.
  • Out of Sight, Out of Mind Audit: Switch to clear, labeled, or open storage so items stay visible and easy to find.
  • Frictionless Zone Setup: Create simple “launch pads” and drop zones that match your natural habits.
  • Now & Later System: An easy way to manage paperwork and mail before it becomes overwhelming.
  • Digital Organizing: Simplify your digital life by organizing your desktop, computer, and cell phone so information is easy to find and manage.
  • Maintenance Refresh: Periodic check-ins to reset spaces and adjust systems as life changes.

Also see Entrepreneur Assistance and visit my blog post ADHD-Friendly Organizing Services and Supports for a downloadable infographic and worksheet.

My Tip Sheet for DIY Projects, Between Sessions, and Maintenance

1. Plan Ahead

Gather your supplies before you start to avoid interruptions:

  • Donation bags
  • Recycling bins
  • Trash bags
  • Cleaning cloths & cleaner
  • Vacuum or sweeper
  • Painter’s tape & a marker for temporary labels as needed
  • A professional label maker of any kind is great as well if you have one.
  • Container options: Collect any storage containers you may already have on hand, reuse the bottoms of a sturdy box, measure the space and purchase with the space in mind. Visit my storage container guide to learn more.

2. Set a Timer

Work in 20-minute focused sessions, followed by a 5-minute break. An analog timer can be especially helpful to visualize time passing. This article from my website explains the benefits of using an analog timer in more detail.

3. Minimize Distractions

Turn off unnecessary notifications and let others know you’re unavailable for non-emergencies so you can hyper-focus on the task.

4. Use Background Noise

If silence feels distracting, try upbeat music or steady background noise to help maintain focus. Feel free to try my background playlist on YouTube.

5. Start Small

Begin with one manageable area—a drawer, shelf, or single zone. If you’re unsure where to start, begin at the entry and work your way around the room, one zone or category at a time.

6. Create a Sorting Area

Designate a clear space (bed, table, counter, or floor) to sort and group items easily.

7. Start Decluttering

Pull items out and sort the obvious first:

  • Trash
  • Recycling
  • Donations
  • Items to sell
  • Items to keep

Group items that belong elsewhere and set them aside to return later.

8. Tidy as You Go

Light cleaning while organizing boosts mood and helps the space feel rewarding right away. A non-toxic cleaning agent with essential oils can be a great sensory boost.

9. Delegate When Possible

Share tasks whenever possible. Involving household members—especially children and teens—by offering simple choices (two options is ideal to start) can feel empowering and build confidence.

Using positive, encouraging language out loud as you organize often inspires others and sets a strong example. Over time, a supportive environment helps shape a more compassionate inner voice, as the language we hear around us is internalized and reflected in how we speak to ourselves.

10. Remove Donations & Trash Immediately

Getting donations out right away prevents second-guessing and frees up space quickly.

11. Practise Mindful Accusation

Keeping items organized saves time, money, and energy. When everything has a clear place, it’s easier to find what you need, put items away, and notice when supplies are running low or an item can’t be easily repaired. Invest in what matters. Nature abhors a vacuum—when space is created, it’s important to be intentional about what fills it.

Celebrate small wins and share with others, it’s contagious!