10 Tips to Help Those with ADHD Get Organized

When I told my youngest son he had ADHD I told him it was a super power. He has abundant energy, can hyperfocus on what he loves and can think creatively to solve problems. It does, however, mean he will toss his clothes on the floor, swing a bat while we have a conversation and need some extra reminders about doing homework. At Imagine, we work with many clients who have diagnosed or undiagnosed ADHD, and we’ve learned that flexibility is key and there are some things that help. Here are ten practical tips to help you create and maintain organized spaces that work with your brain.

1. Keep Systems Where You’ll Use Them

Place items where you naturally use them. If you always drop your keys by the door, put a hook or bowl there. Fighting your natural habits creates unnecessary frustration.

2. Ensure Systems Are Easy and Friction-Free

Avoid bins with lids that need to be clipped on and off. The easier it is to put something away, the more likely you’ll actually do it. Open baskets, simple hooks, and slide-out drawers are your friends.

3. Use Visually Appealing Systems

When your organizing systems look great, you’re more likely to use them. Choose containers and solutions that you genuinely enjoy because aesthetics matter for motivation.

4. Limit Flat Surface Space

Flat surfaces are clutter magnets for ADHD brains. Ensure everything has a specific home and reduce the amount of open counter space you leave in common areas.

5. Use Timers to Track Task Duration

Because ADHD can distort time perception, use timers to note how long common tasks actually take. You might be surprised that unloading the dishwasher only takes 4 minutes, not the 20 you imagined.

6. Create Mini Focus Sessions with Timers

Set a timer for 15-20 minutes and focus on one organizing task. When the timer goes off, reward yourself with a break or something enjoyable. This technique, often called The Pomodoro Method makes overwhelming tasks feel manageable.

7. Label Everything Clearly and Creatively

Visual cues are essential. Label shelves, bins, and drawers so you (and your family) know exactly where things belong. This reduces decision-making and creates accountability. Don’t feel boxed in by the label names. Label things with fun creative names YOU will actually remember.

8. Implement the “One In, One Out” Rule

To prevent accumulation, commit to removing one item when you bring in something new. This simple rule helps maintain balance without requiring constant decluttering sessions. Keep a pretty donation bin where you can easily access it to make it easy to donate something. You only have to take a trip to the donation center when it is full.

9. Create Visual Reminders

Use clear containers so you can see what’s inside and place frequently needed items at eye. Out of sight truly means out of mind for most people with ADHD.

10. Build in Buffer Zones

Create designated “landing zones” for items in transition—mail to be sorted, clothes to be donated, or projects in progress. These temporary spaces prevent clutter from spreading while acknowledging that not everything gets put away immediately.

5 Ways We Support Our ADHD Clients During Organizing Sessions

At Imagine Home Organization, we’ve developed specific strategies to make organizing sessions productive and comfortable for clients with ADHD:

1. We Do the Heavy Lifting

We minimize the amount of time you need to spend with us by doing most of the physical work ourselves. You make the decisions; we handle the sorting, moving, and organizing.

2. We Simplify Decision-Making

We pre-sort items into clear categories, making decisions faster and easier. This reduces decision fatigue and keeps momentum going throughout the session.

3. We Incorporate Movement Breaks

We take frequent movement breaks during sessions. Stretching, walking, or grabbing a snack helps reset focus and prevents overwhelm.

4. We Use Timers to Create Urgency

We set timers during sessions to create a sense of urgency and maintain focus. Knowing there’s a defined endpoint makes it easier to push through challenging decisions.

5. We Add an “Undecided” Option

When editing items, we always include an “undecided” category. This encourages progress without forcing difficult decisions in the moment, which can derail the entire session.

6. We Provide a Calm, Non-Judgmental Space

Most importantly, we create a supportive environment free from judgment. We understand that clutter isn’t a character flaw—it’s often a symptom of how your brain works. Our team approaches every session with empathy and understanding.

Ready to Get Organized?

If you or someone you love struggles with organization due to ADHD, we’re here to help. At Imagine Home Organization, we specialize in creating systems that work for your unique brain and lifestyle. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and discover how we can transform your space into an organized, functional haven.

Call us at 727-304-4664 to get started.