Mastering Home Organization with ADHD: 16 Essential Hacks
Living with ADHD can make staying organized a significant challenge. However, with the right strategies, you can maintain a clutter-free and peaceful living space. To help you achieve this, we’ve compiled 16 ADHD-friendly home hacks to get you started.
Clear Storage Containers: A Game-Changer
One of the most effective ways to stay organized is by using clear storage containers. These allow you to see what’s inside without having to search through each container, saving you time and reducing frustration. Plus, they’re perfect for storing items like toys, linens, or cleaning supplies.
Label It Like You Mean It
If clear containers aren’t your thing, invest in a good-quality label maker. This way, you can quickly and easily label containers, so you know exactly what’s inside. This is particularly helpful if you have stacks of similar-looking boxes.
Maximize Your Wall Space
Short on storage space? Get creative and use your walls! Hang things up with command strips or install shelving to make the most of your vertical space. This is a great way to declutter your surfaces and keep items within easy reach.
Tame the Cord Chaos
Cords can be a major organizational headache. To keep them under control, use binder clips to keep them together and organized. Simply clip them to the cords and then to the back of your desk or TV stand. No more wasted time untangling cords or trying to figure out which one goes where!
Make the Most of Your Free Time
A simple yet effective hack for keeping your home tidy is to use those spare minutes throughout the day. Whenever you have 5 minutes free, use that time to do a quick clean-up. This could be putting away dishes, folding clothes, or tidying up any clutter that’s been left out.
Hooks: The Ultimate Organizer
Hooks are a game-changer when it comes to ADHD home organization. They’re perfect for hanging up keys, coats, bags, umbrellas, and other items that tend to get left lying around the house. Install hooks in strategic places like near the door, in the hallway, or in the bedroom.
Basket Case? Not Anymore!
Baskets are another great way to keep your home organized. They’re perfect for storing items that don’t have a specific home, like throws, cushions, blankets, and toys. Just make sure you get big enough baskets to fit everything in, but not so big that they become a dumping ground for all your junk.
The One-In, One-Out Rule
To prevent your home from becoming overrun with stuff, adopt the one-in, one-out rule. For every new item that comes into the house, get rid of an old one. Be ruthless – if you haven’t used something in 6 months, chances are you never will.
The 30-Day Rule
Similar to the one-in, one-out rule, the 30-day rule helps keep your home tidy and organized. If you haven’t used an item in 30 days, either find it a place to live or get rid of it. Regular decluttering helps prevent overwhelm and keeps your home running smoothly.
The 10-Minute Rule
If you struggle with procrastination, try the 10-minute rule. Set a timer for 10 minutes and start working on a task. Chances are, once you get started, you’ll find it’s not as bad as you thought, and you’ll keep going.
The Outbox: A Designated Spot for Items to Leave
Designate a spot in your home as an outbox – a place for items that need to leave the house. This could be returns, recyclables, or items to re-home. Then, when you have a free moment, deal with everything in one go.
Store Items by Frequency of Use
A great rule of thumb for storing items is to keep the things you use most often within easy reach and store the things you use less often out of the way. For example, if you only use your winter coat at set times of the year, store it in the back of your closet or in a storage box in the attic.
Designate Days for Specific Tasks
Designating days for specific tasks can help you stay on top of things. Have a laundry day, a grocery shopping day, and a declutter day. This way, you know when certain tasks need to be done, and you can plan your week accordingly.
Get Smart with Your Smartphone
Your smartphone can be a great tool for staying organized. Use apps to manage your to-do list, pay bills, and set reminders for important tasks or appointments.
The Whiteboard: A Visual Reminder
If you prefer a visual cue to a smartphone app, get a whiteboard and use it to keep track of your weekly schedule. By having a massive visual reminder of what needs to be done each day, you’ll be less likely to forget essential tasks.
Get a Good Night’s Sleep
Getting enough sleep is crucial for maintaining focus and concentration levels. Aim for 7 or more hours of sleep per night to help you stay on top of things and avoid burnout.
Planning for Daily Attention Issues
Planning is essential for anyone with attention issues. By breaking down big projects into manageable tasks to be done at specific times, you can avoid feelings of overwhelm and stay in control. Remember, planning takes practice, so be patient and don’t be too hard on yourself.
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