5 Tips for ADHD Friendly Organization
The world of organization is designed for people that don’t have ADHD. It’s so easy to get caught up in the idea that when we buy the exact right planner, calendar, device, bin system, labeler then-and only then -will we too get to join the club of people who have their shit together. What if we flipped the script and made systems that worked with our brains instead?
I know it’s not always possible, but I’m talking about when it is. When it is just you, for your use, for your own space. We tend to hold onto so much shame around neatness and organization. It’s hard not to after a lifetime of being told If only we listened, we wouldn’t lose our stuff. If only we cared, our work would not be sloppy. If only we prioritized better, we wouldn’t have lost that oh so important document.
I always tried to get my space to look like magazine and Pinterest boards. Minimalist, knowing right where things are. A place for everything and everything in its place. Let’s take those images and burn them. Your space is never going to look like that and function and that’s okay. Mourn if you need to. Now the ADHD brain DOES need routine. It just needs routine that is going to work and for us ADHDers that usually means thinking outside of the box and making a routine that looks like anything but to traditional brain havers that like organization. Here are some ADHD friendly considerations to incorporate into your ADHD affirming routine!
1- You might need multiples of common items and that’s okay! I found myself continually frustrated that the scissors were never in the scissor spot in the drawer. That meant I was a loser or that as a mom I played a part in creating losers who could not manage a simple task like putting scissors back where they go. I would also be frustrated at then having to spend time and energy looking for the scissors and might even forget why I needed the scissors by the time I found them. Scissors are in the $1-$5 range. I bought a few pairs and have them stashed in a few spots I might need scissors. Bathroom scissors for opening packages, scissors with wrapping paper, scissors in the kitchen, scissors in every room that has a drawer, in the trunk of my car. When you lose the scissors, go buy another pair.
This works for ChapStick, a hair brush or comb, keys, charger cords, hand sanitizers and wipes. I also get travel size versions of toothbrush, paste, mouthwash, lotion, stain remover, lint rollers, deodorant, dry shampoo, and a hair tie and make up a few little kits. You can use Ziplock bags or extra cosmetic bags if you have them. I stash them in my commonly used purses, bags, my car, office and then when I inevitably end up rushing or have an extra forgetful day I can freshen and touch up when I realize it later.
2-Drawers are where things go to die. They are good for things I can’t throw away but don’t need access to. I’d just as soon cut off my toe as bother with labeling folders, putting paper in the folder, remembering what heading I thought was best for what piece of paper and then putting it back after I find the paper. Too many steps!!! I kept trying though man. I kept trying to make this tried-and-true system work for me. For papers I have found using accordion folders or decorative boxes to be helpful simply because it’s a way for the paper to not get bent up without be having to wrangle files and labels I knew the butterfly box has photos and the purple box has stuff from school and the brown accordion file has everything from when I applied for my counseling license. No one else would be able to come in and make sense of any of it, but who else needs to?
3- Sticky Notes! My office space is mine. I live surrounded by post its. I can see important phone numbers and due dates right in front of my face without having to open an app, drawer or folder Throughout 2020 I worked full time as a therapist and a full-time doc student while supervising masters interns. I had numerous deadlines and due dates and zoom codes and often had less than 5 minutes to transition between roles. With a post it on the wall behind and beside me I had due dates for insurance authorizations, treatment plans, homework assignments, and supervision tasks. I also had one with the zooms for each job, passwords I hated resetting but didn’t use every day and the employee ID I needed for whatever paperwork I needed to complete. Post it notes plastered all over a wall haven’t made any decorating magazine I’ve ever seen, but it works for me so who cares.
4- I’ve found quite a few of the advice geared towards people living in a small space or dorm can be helpful for ADHD living. Small space organization tends to rely heavily on visual methods of organization which can be great for ADHD brains. For example, small space organization might suggest jewelry holders that sit on top of a table because it assumes you don’t have space for a traditional jewelry box. Traditional jewelry boxes have those dreaded drawers! I often find myself getting ready to go to sleep only for my earrings to suddenly bother me and be something I can’t quit thinking about. I I’m not getting up to go put them in their “proper” place. I have a small tray beside my bed for such moments, so I am less likely to lose my stuff.
5- Alarms- not everyone knows this but being able to edit the labels for alarms in a smartphone is a game changer. The trick is not turning the alarm off and just doing what you want to do anyway. They can be helpful for setting a timer so that when you are really into an activity you know to stop, add a reminder to take gym clothes to school, to make a stop on the way home from work etc.
These are some things I have found work for me. They may or may not work for you. Anyone else feel ripped off when you try really REALLY hard, like really put forth what feels like increased mental energy, and you forget or lose it anyway? It hurts so much more than when I don’t even try and that happens. I think it is some small proof we really can’t help it and it really isn’t a discipline issue. It’s an ADHD getting in the way issue. If you find yourself desiring organization and asking, “what’s wrong with me?” try asking “what’s getting in my way? What’s the obstacle?” This shift can help you identify an approach that will better align your space with how your brain works.
