Real-Life Organizing Strategies for ADHD
When my daughter, Kendall, was diagnosed with ADHD this summer, I started seeing our world through a slightly different lens.
The morning rushes, the misplaced shoes, the forgotten lunch box - things that used to frustrate both of us suddenly made a lot more sense. But what surprised me most wasn’t the diagnosis itself; it was realizing how differently her brain works.
As a mom (and a Professional Organizer), I wanted to understand how to support her in ways that actually work - not just for a week or two, but long-term.
So when I attended the Home Sort Conference and heard Melanie Summers speak on the “Fundamentals of Organizing for Clients with ADHD,” I was glued to every word. She shared some incredible insights on how ADHD impacts executive function (the brain’s ability to plan, prioritize, and manage time) and how organization can look completely different for ADHD brains.
Inspired by her talk, I’ve been rethinking not just how I support Kendall at home, but also how I approach organization for anyone who might be struggling with focus, overwhelm, or decision fatigue.
Here are some of the biggest takeaways and ADHD-friendly organizing strategies that have made a real difference not only in our home, but in the homes of our clients as well.
Simplify Systems Until They’re Practically Foolproof
If it’s not easy, it’s not sustainable - especially for ADHD brains.
Instead of creating complicated systems, try removing as many steps as possible. That might mean:
Take closet doors off for easier access
Design organizational systems that only require one touch. For example, a lidded bin behind a cupboard door requires extra steps that can quickly derail a very well-intended system.
Use no-fold clothing bins. Check out this Instagram Reel to see how we do this in Kendall’s closet!
Create site-specific zones (like moving shoes to the entryway where they’re actually used)
Implement systems that can be reset in under 5 minutes or less
Pro Tip: The less mental energy it takes to remember where something goes, the better. Think clear bins, open shelving, and bold labels.
Work With Their Energy
ADHD often comes with bursts of energy and hyperfocus - use that to your advantage!
Instead of fighting distraction, create short, focused organizing sprints.
Set a 15- or 30-minute timer and tackle one small task. Timers create urgency and novelty (both ADHD motivators) while preventing burnout.
Before starting the next task, take a movement break - 5 minutes to breathe, move around, and switch gears.
Use the Four-Box Method
When decluttering, decision fatigue can derail progress fast.
To make it manageable, try the Four-Box Method:
Keep
Donate
Trash
Undecided
That last box is key. While I typically don’t recommend clients utilize a “maybe” pile, this actually allows ADHD individuals to move forward without getting stuck on every “what if.” It can be revisited it later with renewed energy!
Pro Tip: Implement a reward system. Receiving a reward after a decluttering session will help give them the motivation they need to continue moving forward!
Keep Communication Simple (and Flexible)
For parents, partners, or professionals supporting someone with ADHD - this one’s huge.
Melanie shared how crucial it is to:
Give directions in short, clear steps
Put things in writing (checklists and logs)
Be prepared for plans to shift
Celebrate progress, not perfection
And maybe most importantly: don’t take it personally. ADHD can come with emotional highs and lows, misinterpreted communication, or backsliding. But the effort, the growth, the wins - they’re there too.
Stay Connected and Supportive
Sometimes what ADHD individuals need most isn’t more structure - it’s support.
A calm, focused presence beside them can make all the difference. Knowing they’re cared for, understood, and not doing it alone helps them build momentum. Whether it’s weekly check-ins, ongoing maintenance, or simply sitting nearby as they work through a task (a strategy known as body doubling), it’s the steady encouragement and consistency that helps them move forward.
Celebrate ADHD Superpowers
The more I learn, the more I see ADHD as a mix of challenge and brilliance.
The same brain that struggles with follow-through can also thrive in creativity, quick problem-solving, humor, and high energy.
When we focus on those strengths, their confidence grows. And suddenly, organization becomes less about control and more about creating an environment that allows them to excel - no matter what that may look like.
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again…
Organization isn’t about perfection; it’s about peace.
And for ADHD individuals (and families like mine), peace comes from systems that support the way our brains actually work. The goal isn’t to force order where it doesn’t belong - it’s to design spaces and routines that bring ease, confidence, and breathing room back into everyday life.
Because when your home supports how you live, there’s more energy left for the things that truly matter - creativity, connection, and joy. ❤️
