Organizing with ADHD: What I’ve Learned from Real Clients

ADHD brains don’t work like everyone else’s—and that’s okay. Traditional organizing methods often fail because they weren’t designed for people who struggle with focus, decision-making, or executive function. While I’m not a psychologist, I’ve worked with many ADHD clients, and as a parent of two kids with ADHD, I’ve seen firsthand how traditional systems don’t always work. Here’s what I’ve learned about what actually helps when it comes to getting organized.

Why Typical Organizing Systems Fail for ADHD Brains

If you have ADHD, you might have heard things like, "Just put it away when you're done with it," or "If you tidy up once a week, you'll be fine." But that advice often doesn’t take into account how ADHD brains work. Many of my clients struggle with out-of-sight, out-of-mind thinking (if they can’t see it, they forget it exists), decision fatigue (getting stuck on what to keep and what to toss), and overwhelm (the idea of tackling an entire room feels impossible). The good news? Organizing can work for ADHD - it just has to be done differently.

ADHD-Friendly Organizing Strategies That Actually Work

1. Visual Organization is Key

Many ADHD clients struggle with closed storage. If things are hidden away, they’re forgotten. Instead, I recommend clear bins, open shelving, and labels to create a visual cue for where things belong. Color-coding also helps - assigning a color to different categories makes it easier to find what you need.

2. Micro-Tasks Over Marathons

A full-day organizing session can feel overwhelming, so breaking tasks into small, manageable steps works much better. Instead of "cleaning the kitchen," focus on "clearing one counter" or "organizing the cutlery drawer." Progress builds momentum.

3. Body Doubling: Some Need It, Some Don’t

Body doubling is a technique where having another person present (even virtually) helps someone stay on task. Some ADHD clients find it helpful to have me in the room working alongside them, while others prefer I handle the organizing while they do their own thing. The key is flexibility - finding what works for each person.

4. Low-Maintenance Systems Over Perfection

ADHD-friendly organizing is about function, not aesthetics. Picture-perfect systems that require folding everything a certain way or maintaining rigid rules aren’t sustainable. Instead, we focus on simple solutions that are easy to maintain, like drop zones for everyday items, labeled bins and organization that keeps things manageable.

Final Thoughts

ADHD brains thrive with structure, but it has to be the right kind of structure. If traditional organizing methods haven’t worked for you, it’s not your fault - t just means you need a system designed for the way you think. The most important thing? Start small, be kind to yourself, and find what works for you.

If organizing feels overwhelming, you're not alone and there are ways to make it easier. Whether you need help setting up systems or just don’t know where to start, support is available. Organizing isn’t about being perfect, it’s about creating a space that works for you.