When you have ADHD, organizing can feel like a cruel joke. It’s not just about tidying up—it’s about creating a system that works for your brain, not against it. Over the years, I’ve developed some tricks that make life a little less chaotic. They’re not Pinterest-perfect, but they’re practical, efficient, and (sometimes) a little weird. Let’s dive in!
1. The Orange Sticky Note Trick
Here’s a fun fact about me: I cannot stand the color orange. It physically hurts my soul. So, naturally, I use orange sticky notes for anything important. Why? Because I’ll always notice them, if only to glare at them in disgust. My brain can’t ignore something it dislikes so intensely—it’s like weaponizing my own quirks for productivity.
2. Alarms: My Personal Assistant
I rely on phone alarms for… basically everything. Need to tidy up? There’s an alarm for that. Time to stretch, drink water, or check the kitchen for dinner supplies? Alarm, alarm, alarm. I even have one to remind me to check the degus’ food and water levels, so they don’t scream at me at 3am.
Pro tip: Label your alarms with specific actions like “Take meds” or “Clean desk.” This eliminates the guesswork when the alarm goes off, and you’re standing there thinking, “Wait… why is my phone yelling at me?”
3. Drop Zones: The ADHD Command Centers
Drop zones are lifesavers. I have a few in key areas:
• By the front door: A hook for my keys and purse, plus a checklist for all the essentials I need before leaving (like my phone, water bottle, or the will to socialize).
• My desk: A basket with sticky notes, my planner, a pencil case, and my work headset. Everything I use frequently is in one spot, so I’m not wasting time searching.
Having designated zones keeps things predictable and reduces the number of times I’ve screamed, “WHERE ARE MY KEYS?!”
4. Label Everything
I’m not exaggerating—if it’s in storage, it’s getting a label. This includes storage bins, drawers, wardrobes. Anything that has a an opague door or lid that closes (except the fridge, I live in there). ADHD brains don’t naturally think, “Hmm, let me carefully sort through this drawer to find what I need.” Nope. We rip everything apart and leave a trail of destruction.
Labels (preferably bright ones) save me from myself. I also take photos of the contents of each labeled area once a month and store them in a folder on my phone. When I can’t find something, I just swipe through the photos instead of destroying my house like a tornado.
5. Medication Systems
ADHD and medication routines can be a messy combo, so I’ve created a foolproof system. I keep my meds and vitamins in a basket by my bed with colorful labels to avoid mistakes. In the evening, I place my ADHD medication on top of my phone. This way, when I turn off my alarm in the morning (because who doesn’t?), I literally cannot miss taking my meds.
6. Brightly Colored Reminders
ADHD brains are visual, so I lean into that hard. I use sticky notes, labels, and reminders in bright, obnoxious colors. If it blends in, I’ll never see it. If it’s neon pink or lime green? You bet my brain will zero in on it.
7. Monthly Decluttering Ritual
Once a month, I dedicate an hour to decluttering. I check my drop zones, go through my bins and baskets, and make sure everything is still in its place. I also use this time to update my storage photos and throw away things I no longer need. I break this hour down by room. 15 minutes in the bedroom etc. It isn’t a deep clean – just designed to make sure everything has made it’s way home.
8. Morning and Evening Prep Hacks
Preparation is everything. In the evening, I put my ADHD medication on top of my phone so I can’t forget it in the morning. I also prep my coffee, breakfast plans, and water bottle before bed. These small actions save me from a whirlwind of stress when I’m groggy and distracted the next day.
9. Create Systems You’ll Actually Use
The most important thing I’ve learned is that organization needs to work for me. Fancy storage bins and elaborate systems don’t mean anything if they aren’t ADHD-friendly. For me, this means:
• Visual reminders everywhere
• Minimal steps for accessing or putting things away
• Regularly revisiting and adjusting my systems as needed
Organizing with ADHD isn’t about perfection—it’s about creating systems that fit your unique brain. My methods might sound a little quirky (orange sticky notes, anyone?), but they’ve been game-changers for me.
What are your go-to ADHD organization hacks? Share them in the comments—I’m always looking for new ideas to try!
Looking for more?
Check out more of our posts on being productive with ADHD here, or take a wander through the whole blog.
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