Organizing for ADHD (& Anyone Who Feels Overwhelmed): 4 Practical Tips for a Calm Space

I'm not a therapist or ADHD clinician. I'm a professional organizer who's worked with many clients with ADHD, spent years teaching children with different learning styles, and has learned a tremendous amount from ADHD experts. Whether you have ADHD, suspect you might, or simply feel overwhelmed by clutter and constant distractions, many of these strategies can make everyday life easier.

Picture this: You walk into a room, only to forget why you went there in the first place. You know you needed to get something, but what was it? 

Suddenly, you remember what you needed – a pair of scissors. You look around. There are piles of objects on tables: books piled on a shelf haphazardly, papers stacked high that need sorting, and that chair in the corner that catches all the things. You created each pile to serve as a reminder of tasks to be dealt with later – each one a project started, but not finished. 

You can’t find the scissors, and now you’re resigned to just buying another pair. You’re frustrated – but it’s happened before, and you’ve just accepted that this is how it is.

If this sounds familiar, you’re in good company. This is the reality for many of my clients. And please know this: you have nothing to be ashamed of, and organization is possible for you. You just need personalized advice for how your brain works. 

How I’ve Seen ADHD Affect Organization

Executive Functioning

One term you'll hear often in ADHD discussions is executive function. Think of it as your brain's management system.

Executive function helps us plan, prioritize, remember, switch between tasks, estimate time, and finish what we've started. But when those skills are challenged, simple tasks can feel surprisingly difficult.

If you struggle with organizing for ADHD, it doesn't mean you're lazy or don’t care. It means you need systems that will reduce your decision fatigue and mental load.

In The Classroom

As a second grade teacher for 25 years, I learned something that has stayed with me long after I left the classroom: every child learns differently. Some needed to move while they learned. Some thrived with visual reminders. Others needed information presented in completely different ways. 

The best teachers don't expect every child to fit the same mold; they adapt their teaching to fit the learner. I’ve come to realize organization works the same way. 

With Clients

Over the years, I've worked with many clients who have ADHD, and I've spent a lot of time learning from respected ADHD experts and organizers. Most recently, I listened to The ADHD Field Guide for Adults, which reinforced many ideas I've seen firsthand in clients' homes.

While I've never been formally diagnosed with ADHD, I do recognize several ADHD tendencies in myself. I often have lots of ideas competing for attention, can jump between projects, and sometimes rely a little too much on visual reminders. Learning more about how ADHD brains work has helped me become a better organizer, not only for my clients, but for myself as well.

Before we dive in, I want to be clear that I'm not an ADHD clinician or therapist. I'm sharing what I've learned through years as an educator, a professional organizer, and someone who genuinely enjoys learning from experts in this field. If you'd like additional support, I've recently added an ADHD Support page to my website that shares more about how I help clients create organizing systems that fit the way they think.

Why Traditional Organizational Advice Doesn’t Work for ADHD

Most organization tips and tricks out there assume that once you create a system, it will just stick. They don’t account for how hard it might be to start a task, or how mentally exhausting everyday tasks feel. 

But if you have ADHD or ADHD tendencies, that’s exactly the type of advice you need – advice tailored to how your brain works. If you feel disorganized, it’s likely not because you’re lazy or lacking motivation. It might be how your brain processes information. 

If your brain struggles with prioritizing what to do next, estimating how long something will take, or finishing what you've started, traditional organizing advice can leave you feeling frustrated instead of successful. The key to good organizing is that it should reduce the amount of thinking your brain has to do.

4 Tips for Organizing with ADHD

1. Reduce The Steps to Organization

Every extra step makes a task a little harder to complete. If you can reduce the number of steps it takes to stay organized, you’ll set yourself up for success. 

Here are some ideas:

• Instead of hanging up jackets (which takes several steps), use a hook by the door for your coats.

• If putting away snacks takes opening up several doors and containers, try using a clear bin without a lid so you can just toss them in.

• Create a landing zone for items when you enter the house. For example, if you always drop your keys on the counter instead of the keyhook, get a bin for the counter to contain the keys and anything else you need to get out the door.

• Move items closer to where they’ll be used, like a bin of shoes and socks that stays by the front door.

2. Use Visual Reminders

You don’t have to rely on memory to complete daily tasks. Instead, use visual reminders to keep yourself on track and reduce your mental load. 

Here are some ideas to incorporate visual reminders in your home:

• Label your shelves

• Use clear containers (so you can see what’s inside without having to open them up)

• Store like items together 

• Keep a running to-do list somewhere you will see it, like your fridge or bathroom mirror

• Put important items where you’ll naturally see them 

3. Target One Organizational System That Isn’t Working

Many of us spend a lot of time and money searching for the perfect organizational product, container, or planner to help us “finally get organized.” When it doesn’t work, it can leave us feeling like we’re the problem. 

I promise: You are not the problem. Instead of trying a new system or product, try targeting one system that isn’t working. Change one thing about it (and one thing only). Give the new version seven days. Keep what is working for that system and let go of what doesn’t. 

Let’s say you pinpoint laundry, because you never finish folding and putting away your clothes and cannot find what you’re looking for in the morning. Maybe instead of folding the clothes no one sees – like your pajamas and socks – you throw those into your drawers, unfolded. That one small change can make a big difference in your decision fatigue (and therefore, your ability to complete the task of folding laundry).

4. Split Organizational Projects Into Small Tasks

It can be overwhelming to look at a cluttered room and decide where to start. Allow yourself to only focus on one thing to organize at a time – one drawer, one countertop, or one donation bag – and then celebrate that as progress.

Try this: 

• Set a timer for just 15 minutes.

• Choose one small area instead of an entire room.

• Stop when the timer ends, even if you're on a roll.

• Take a quick before-and-after photo.

• Pause to notice how the space feels now.

• Celebrate! Let this motivate you on your next project.

Remember, you don’t have to clean an entire room to make progress. Cheer yourself on with the small wins.

Give Yourself Permission to Let Go of Perfection

As a professional organizer, I love beautiful containers and neatly labeled drawers. But a gorgeous organizational system that doesn’t get used isn’t doing you any good. 

When you’re organizing for ADHD, it’s key to reduce the number of decisions you have to make. That might mean your space doesn’t look Pinterest-perfect… but if it makes your everyday life easier and keeps you on track, that’s worth its weight in gold. 

That could look like having an open basket of shoes by the front door instead of neatly stacked shoe shelves and cubbies. Or maybe throwing backpacks and purses on hooks instead of tucked away in the closet. 

When your home works with your brain instead of against it, everyday life becomes a little calmer, a little easier, and a whole lot less stressful. And that’s what good organization is all about. 

Resources on Organizing for ADHD

The following work has helped shape how I think about organizing, executive function, and creating homes that truly support the people who live in them. And be sure to check out my support page on organizing for ADHD!

• Dana K. White – Get reality-based cleaning, decluttering, & organizing

• Cassandra Aarssen – Learn your organizational style

• Lisa Woodruff – Learn the skill of organization 

• KC Davis – Get compassionate, judgment-free tips

• Russell Barkley – Learn more about ADHD and executive function 

• Edward Hallowell – Learn about strengths-based ADHD perspectives

Simplify Your Life with More Organizational Tips

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Why Summer Always Feels Chaotic (And How to Prevent It)

Every year, we look forward to summer.

Longer days. Vacation plans. Cookouts. Time at the beach, lake, or pool. A slower pace.

And then somehow... by mid-July, many of us are wondering what happened.

The house feels messier. The calendar feels fuller. Meals become more random. Papers pile up. Routines disappear. Suddenly you're asking yourself why life feels so hectic when summer was supposed to be relaxing.

If this sounds familiar, you're not doing anything wrong.

Summer naturally disrupts the established routiines that support daily life during the rest of the year.

The good news? A few simple systems can help keep things from unraveling.

Why Summer Feels So Different

For most of the year, our lives are built around routines.

School starts at a certain time. Activities happen on predictable days. Work schedules tend to be consistent. We know when we're grocery shopping, doing laundry, and handling household tasks.

Then summer arrives and everything shifts.

Children are home from school.

Vacations and weekend trips pop up.

Visitors come and go.

Sports schedules change.

People stay up later and sleep later.

Meals happen at odd times.

Even adults without children often find themselves spending more time outdoors, traveling, entertaining, or saying yes to spontaneous plans.

None of these things are bad. In fact, they're often the best parts of summer!

The challenge is that when routines disappear, many of our organizational systems disappear right along with them.

The Myth of "I'll Get Back to It Later"

One of the biggest mistakes I see is assuming temporary disruptions won't matter.

You skip sorting the mail for a week because you're busy.

The laundry sits because you'll catch up after vacation.

The pantry gets a little disorganized because everyone is grabbing snacks on the go.

You tell yourself you'll deal with it later.

Then later arrives, and suddenly there are six weeks of postponed decisions waiting for you.

So small problems become overwhelming projects.

That's why summer organization isn't about maintaining perfection.

It's about maintaining enough structure that things stay manageable. 

Here are some ideas to help you do just that…

Focus on Your Essential Routines

During summer, I encourage clients to identify their "Bare Minimum Routines."

In other words, what are the few routines that keep life running smoothly?

You don't need your entire school-year schedule.

You don't need a color-coded calendar and a perfectly meal-planned month.

You just need a handful of habits that prevent chaos.

For example:

• A daily 10-minute reset before bed

• One designated laundry day

• A weekly calendar check-in

• A simple meal planning session

• A place for incoming papers and mail

Think small.

The goal is consistency, not complexity.

Create Summer Landing Zones

Summer often means people are constantly coming and going.

Pool bags.

Beach towels.

Sports equipment.

Sunscreen.

Water bottles.

Flip-flops.

Without designated homes, these items seem to migrate throughout the house.

Consider creating a temporary summer zone near your entryway, mudroom, garage, or back door.

Keep frequently used summer items together where they're easy to grab and easy to put away.

When everything has a home, cleanup becomes much faster.

Plan for the Travel Ripple Effect

Most people plan for the trip itself.

Fewer people plan for what happens before and after.

Travel creates ripple effects throughout the household.

Laundry piles up.

Mail accumulates.

Groceries expire.

Suitcases sit half unpacked.

One simple solution is to schedule a "travel reset."

Before leaving, spend 30 minutes doing a quick house reset.

When you return, unpack within 24 hours and run a load of laundry immediately.

Future-you will be incredibly grateful.

Keep a Family Command Center

Summer schedules often change at the last minute.

Doctor appointments.

Camp schedules.

Visitors.

Vacation plans.

Neighborhood events.

A shared calendar system becomes even more valuable during summer.

Whether you use a wall calendar, a planner, Google Calendar, or a combination of tools, make sure everyone knows where to look for information.

The fewer places information lives, the fewer things get forgotten.

Lower the Bar

This may be the most important tip of all.

Summer is not the season for perfection.

It's a season for flexibility.

Your house may not look exactly the way it does in October.

Your routines may be simpler.

Your kitchen may be a little busier.

That's okay.

Organization isn't about creating a perfectly controlled environment.

It's about creating systems that support the life you're actually living.

And summer life is wonderfully different.

A few simple routines, a few intentional systems, and a little advance planning can help you enjoy the season without feeling like everything is falling apart.

Because the goal isn't to have a perfect summer.

It's to have a summer you can actually enjoy!

How a “ClutterBug” Can Gently Change the Way You Organize

There’s a quiet kind of frustration that can come with trying to stay organized.

Not the dramatic kind.
Just the steady noticing that no matter how many times you reset a space… it slowly returns to the same state.

You try a new system.
It works—for a little while.
And then, without much explanation, it stops.

Over time, it can begin to feel like a personal failure.
Like maybe you’re just not someone who can “keep things together.”

But what if that’s not true?

What if the problem isn’t effort…
but fit?

A Softer Way to Understand Organization

I often see people trying to maintain systems that look beautiful—but don’t match how they naturally move through their day.

And that mismatch creates friction.

This is where the idea of organizing styles can feel like a relief.

One of my favorite organizing experts, Cassandra Aarssen, describes four different tendencies (ClutterBugs)—ways people naturally prefer to see, sort, and access their things.

Not as labels.
Just as patterns.

And once you start to notice those patterns, things begin to make more sense.

If you’re curious, you can explore your own tendency here:
https://clutterbug.me/what-clutterbug-are-you-test

Why This Matters in Everyday Life

When a system doesn’t align with you, it asks for more energy than it gives back.

Small tasks feel heavier.
Putting things away feels like a decision instead of a habit.

But when something does align, the opposite happens.

You don’t have to think as much.
You don’t have to try as hard.

Things just… settle more easily.

And that shift, while subtle, can change how your whole home feels.

The Four Organizing Tendencies (With Real-Life Ease in Mind)

1. The Butterfly — You Need to See Things to Use Them

Principle: Visibility creates follow-through.

Many people find that when things are tucked away too well, they simply stop existing in their awareness.

What this might look like:

• Forgetting what’s inside drawers or bins

• Letting piles form because they’re visible reminders

• Feeling more productive when things are in sight

Try this instead:

• Open bins or baskets

• Clear containers

• Hooks or trays for everyday items

Example:
A small open basket on your counter may work better than a perfectly organized drawer you rarely open.

2. The Bee — You Prefer Systems That Feel Simple to Maintain

Principle: Ease matters more than precision.

Some people enjoy being organized—but not at the cost of complexity.

What this might look like:

• Avoiding systems with too many steps

• Letting things pile up when categories feel unclear

• Resetting spaces quickly when systems are simple

Try this instead:

• Broad, flexible categories

• Minimal labels

• Fewer containers, not more

Example:
One bin labeled “papers” may feel more usable than five separate folders.

3. The Ladybug — You Feel Calmer When Things Are Tucked Away

Principle: Visual calm supports mental calm.

For some, a space feels more restful when surfaces are clear—even if the system behind the scenes is simple.

What this might look like:

• Wanting counters and surfaces to stay clear

• Feeling overwhelmed by visible clutter

• Preferring quick cleanup over detailed sorting

Try this instead:

• Closed baskets or cabinets

• Easy drop zones

• Light structure inside containers

Example:
A basket by the door where everything lands can feel more supportive than trying to sort items immediately.

4. The Cricket — You Like Everything to Have a Clear Place

Principle: Structure creates ease.

Some people feel most at home when things are clearly categorized and consistently maintained.

What this might look like:

• Naturally sorting and grouping items

• Noticing when something is out of place

• Enjoying detailed systems

Try this instead:

• Drawer dividers

• Clearly labeled sections

• Defined zones within spaces

Example:
A drawer where each item has its own section can make daily routines feel smoother.

You Might Be More Than One—and That’s Helpful

Very few people fit into just one pattern.

You might need visibility in one space…
and calm, hidden storage in another.

Rather than choosing a category, it can help to ask:

“What would make this space easier to return to?”

That question tends to lead you in the right direction.

How to Begin Without Overhauling Everything

You don’t need to start from scratch.

Choose one small area—something that feels mildly frustrating, not overwhelming.

Then gently notice:

• What feels difficult right now

• What might be asking for more ease

• What small shift would support you better

That’s enough.

You’re not building a perfect system.
You’re adjusting your space to meet you where you are.

A Gentle Reminder

There’s nothing wrong with the way you’ve been trying.

Most people were simply never shown that there are different ways to organize—and that those differences matter.

You don’t need more discipline.
You need a system that understands you.

Final Thoughts

A home doesn’t become easier to manage because it looks better.

It becomes easier when it quietly supports the way you already live.

And sometimes, that shift begins with seeing yourself a little more clearly inside your space.

From Teacher to Organizer: Back-to-School & End-of-Summer Organizing Tips

As a former second-grade teacher turned professional organizer, I’ve seen firsthand how stressful the back-to-school transition can be—for kids and parents. Between the school supply lists, shifting schedules, and emotional rollercoaster of a new year, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But with a few systems in place, you can set your family up for a calmer, smoother start to the school year.

Here are my best back-to-school organization tips, blending the classroom strategies I used as a teacher with the real-life solutions I now bring to homes as a professional organizer.

1. Create a Back-to-School Command Center

One of the most effective tools I used in my classroom was a “home base” where students could find everything they needed. Your home should have one too! A back-to-school command center helps reduce morning chaos and keeps everyone on the same page.

Here’s what to include:

• Dry-erase calendar or family planner

• Clipboards or trays for homework, permission slips, and forms

• Hooks for backpacks and jackets

• A bin for lunchboxes and water bottles

This setup gives kids visual cues and responsibility while keeping clutter at bay. Even if space is limited, a few command-center elements by the front door or in the kitchen can make a huge difference.

2. Set Up a School-Ready Morning Routine

As a teacher, I could easily spot a rushed morning. Kids who felt scattered at home often carried that stress into the classroom.

Start by:

• Posting a simple morning checklist (with pictures for younger kids): get dressed, eat breakfast, brush teeth, grab backpack.

• Laying out clothes and prepping lunches the night before.

• Using timers or a playlist to keep everyone on track—music is a great motivator!

Routines aren’t just for kids—when adults follow a rhythm too, mornings feel more peaceful for everyone.

3. Streamline School Supplies

I used to watch students fumble through overflowing pencil boxes for a sharp one. At home, it’s just as easy to lose control of school supplies—especially if you have more than one child.

Try this:

• Create a homework caddy stocked with pencils, erasers, crayons, scissors, glue sticks, and a sharpener. Keep it portable so kids can do homework wherever they’re most focused.

• Use clear bins or drawers to organize backup supplies like extra paper, folders, or highlighters.

• Label everything! Even if you think you’ll remember where things go, labeling makes clean-up easier and encourages independence.

4. Declutter Kids’ Spaces Before School Starts

As an organizer, I always recommend doing a closet and desk refresh before the school year begins. It’s the perfect time to clear out what doesn’t fit, doesn’t work, or isn’t needed anymore.

• Go through clothes and donate anything too small.

• Declutter bookshelves and toy bins to make room for new school-year materials.

• Set up a designated homework station—it could be a desk, part of the dining table, or even a quiet corner with a clipboard.

Giving kids a clean, functional space sends a powerful message: this is a fresh start, and we’re setting you up for success.

5. Build in Time Buffers

In the classroom, I always scheduled time buffers between transitions—kids need time to adjust, even when the next activity is a good one. At home, it’s the same.

Instead of packing every minute of the day, build in:

• 10 minutes of calm before leaving for school

• Quiet time after school (no screens!) to decompress

• A simple evening routine that winds down the day predictably

These built-in pauses help regulate emotions and reduce resistance—especially for kids who struggle with transitions.

6. Create a Drop Zone (That’s Not Your Kitchen Table!)

If your home is anything like my former classroom, things pile up fast. Lunchboxes, papers, sports gear—they all need a landing spot.

Set up a drop zone near the entryway, even if it’s just:

• A labeled bin or basket for each child

• A file sorter for school papers

• A drawer for keys and devices

Teaching kids to use the drop zone helps them take ownership—and keeps your counters clear!

7. Start Small, Stay Flexible

No system is perfect, and no family is the same. Start small, try one or two of these ideas, and adapt as you go. The goal isn’t perfection—it’s creating calm and consistency.

As a teacher, I knew that flexibility and structure could live side by side. That’s true for home life too. A few intentional organizing strategies can transform the back-to-school season from stressful to streamlined.

Bonus: End-of-Summer Organization Tips (Even If You Don’t Have Kids)

Not everyone is buying crayons and packing lunchboxes right now—but the change of season is still the perfect time to reset your home and routines. Here are a few late-summer organizing ideas for anyone:

1. Refresh Your Entryway
   Sandals, beach towels, and pool bags can quietly multiply near the door. Swap out summer gear for light jackets, umbrellas, and a small basket for fall accessories.

2. Do a “Season Shift” in the Kitchen
   Clear out expired condiments and snacks from summer barbecues. Restock pantry staples for cooler-weather meals—think soups, teas, and baking supplies.

3. Tidy Up Outdoor Spaces
   Before the weather changes, clean and store summer furniture cushions, organize gardening tools, and decide what outdoor gear can be donated or tossed.

4. Plan Your Next 90 Days
   Fall can get busy fast. Take an hour to block personal projects, social events, and downtime on your calendar so you’re not swept away in the end-of-year rush.

Final Thoughts

Back-to-school and end-of-summer doesn’t have to mean back to chaos. With just a bit of planning, you can create routines, spaces, and systems that support your family all year long. Whether it’s a tidy homework nook, a well-stocked supply caddy, or a calm morning rhythm, every small shift helps.

If you're feeling overwhelmed, you don’t have to go it alone. As a professional organizer, I work with families to set up customized, sustainable systems that actually work with their lives. Let’s make this school year the smoothest one yet.