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Do you ever feel like keeping your home tidy and organized is an impossible task? You’re not alone. When you live with ADHD, maintaining a clean living space can feel like a constant struggle. But don’t worry—we’ll provide tips on how to declutter and organize your home with ADHD so that you can make your living space a more functional, peaceful environment.
Understand the Challenges
First and foremost, you need to recognize that decluttering and organizing can be especially difficult for those with ADHD. Issues like distractibility, impulsivity, and difficulties with executive functioning can make these tasks more challenging. Remember to be patient with yourself and know that progress might be slower than you’d like, but it’s still possible!
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Break It Down Into Smaller Tasks
Trying to tackle an entire home at once can be overwhelming. Instead, break your decluttering and organizing project into smaller, more manageable tasks. Focus on one room or area at a time and set realistic, attainable goals for yourself. You might even find it helpful to create a checklist or use a timer to keep yourself on track.
Create a System
Having a system in place can make it much easier to maintain an organized living space. Decide on specific homes for items and designate areas for different types of belongings (e.g., a shelf for books, a bin for sports equipment, etc.). Having a consistent, structured organization method will keep your home in order, even on your most hectic days.
Reduce Clutter by Letting Go
Having too many items can exacerbate ADHD symptoms and make it more difficult to stay organized. Take the time to evaluate your stuff and be honest with yourself about what you truly need.
For example, do you really need that coffee maker from your parents? Get rid of your old appliances and any other item you haven’t used in over a year. Regularly letting go of items you don’t use can keep your clutter in check; plus, you likely won’t miss it anyway.
Use Visual Aids and Labels
Since ADHD tends to cause forgetfulness or difficulties with planning, visual aids and labels can make a world of difference. Label storage containers, shelves, and drawers to remind yourself where items belong. You may also want to use color coding to categorize belongings and create a visual schedule to remind yourself of regular cleaning tasks.
Create Routines
Establishing routines can improve your ability to maintain organization. Set aside time each day to tidy up and stick to it consistently. This could be as simple as a nightly 15-minute cleaning session or a more detailed plan to tackle specific tasks each day. Over time, these routines will become habits that make it easier to stay organized.
While it might be more challenging for women with ADHD to maintain a tidy and organized home, it’s entirely possible! By addressing the unique challenges you face and implementing the above strategies, you can learn how to declutter and organize your home when you have ADHD. Remember to be patient with yourself and celebrate your progress along the way.