ADHD Blog Series: Organizing Support That Actually Works - Part 1
Organizing with ADHD: What Works (and What Doesn’t)
Understanding the unique challenges and how we tailor our approach to meet real-life needs
This is the first post in our three-part series on organizing support for clients with ADHD. If you’ve ever felt like traditional organizing advice doesn’t work for you, there’s a good reason for that. Many common systems aren’t designed with ADHD brains in mind. In this post, we’re diving into what doesn’t work (and why), and sharing real-world strategies that actually help. Whether you’re starting fresh or starting over for the tenth time, you deserve a space that works for you.
If you’re living with ADHD, you probably already know that “just get organized” is easier said than done.
Traditional organizing advice, like “put everything back where it belongs” or “just declutter once and for all”, can feel frustrating, overwhelming, or downright unrealistic when your brain is wired for creativity, spontaneity, and fast-moving thoughts. At happy.healthy.home., we’ve worked with many clients who have ADHD, and here’s what we’ve learned:
Organizing isn’t about making your home look perfect.
It’s about making your space work for you.
What Doesn’t Work for ADHD Brains
Let’s start with what often doesn’t help, not because you’re doing anything wrong, but because these systems weren’t designed with ADHD in mind:
❌ OVERLY complicated storage solutions
Systems with too many steps (like stacking bins with lids inside closets) create friction. If it’s not quick and easy, it probably won’t happen consistently.
❌ Unclear categories
Vague labels like “miscellaneous” or “important papers” don’t offer enough structure. The brain wants clarity, what goes here, and why?
❌ “Out of sight, out of mind” storage
Tucking things away in bins or drawers can lead to forgetting they exist. For many people with ADHD, visual cues are key to remembering and maintaining routines.
❌ Rigid rules or expectations
Organizing systems that rely on doing things the “right” way every time usually fall apart fast. Life is dynamic, and your organizing systems need to flex with you.
What Does Work When Organizing with ADHD
Here’s what we focus on when working with ADHD clients, whether we’re organizing a kitchen, playroom, office, or entire home:
✅ Simplifying the process
We eliminate unnecessary steps and keep systems easy to use. Open bins, labeled baskets, and accessible shelving are all great options. The less effort it takes to maintain, the more likely it is to stick.
✅ Using clear, visual systems
Labels, color coding, and transparent containers give visual structure, which helps reduce decision fatigue and makes cleanup easier.
✅ Creating “drop zones”
Instead of trying to fight the habit of dropping things at the door or on the counter, we embrace it and give those items a home. A basket for keys, a tray for mail, a hook for bags...it all adds up.
✅ Tailoring everything to you
We never walk in with a one-size-fits-all plan. We ask questions, listen closely, and co-create systems that support your routines, your energy levels, and your lifestyle.
Organizing with ADHD Is Not About Being “More Disciplined”
It’s about designing your space and systems in a way that works with your brain, not against it.
Whether that means using visual reminders, simplifying your routines, or giving yourself grace when life gets messy, we are here to help you create a home that feels supportive, not stressful.
Need help getting started? Or want a second set of hands (and eyes) to help simplify your space?
We’d love to work with you!
Up next: What does real change look like? In part two, we’ll take you inside one client’s journey — and the strategies that made all the difference.
