Ten Things to Declutter Right Now for ADHD Brains
Do you feel like you are drowning in stuff?
I love a good quick decluttering session, sometimes taking 5-10 mins to sort through the things that are weighing me down in my space can be really helpful. I had 10 minutes of found time the other day, so I decided to tackle those mismatched storage containers. Pulled them out, matched up tops with bottoms to ensure I had matches, and then got rid of the mis-matches. Wasn’t a huge house declutter, but it has definitely made leftovers much easier to manage.
Living with ADHD can mean struggles with organization and maintaining a clutter-free environment.
The constant battle against clutter can be overwhelming for some individuals with ADHD, impacting their daily lives and overall well-being. However, implementing effective decluttering strategies and mindset shifts tailored to the ADHD brain can make a significant difference in creating a more organized and harmonious living space.
Here are my top ten things for ADHD brains to declutter:
Mail piles: sort that doom pile and take care of that junk mail
Pantry: check for expired foods, spices you bought for that one recipe and no longer use
Charging cords: if you are not using the cord, or if the technology is outdated, get rid of it. Donate or give to friend.
Uncomfortable clothes: if things don’t fit, or have seams that bother you, anything that feels so uncomfortable that you hate to put it on, get rid of it. You want to feel comfortable in your clothes and not have them distract you.
Boxes: it's tempting to think you will use them for either storage, you won’t, if you can’t find a place for it the minute it comes into your home, put it in the recycling bin.
Mismatched storage containers: bottoms and tops that don’t have matches, stained or broken containers, containers that are not easy to clean.
Things you “might” sell: if you are holding on to things that you may sell or have value, think about how much space and mental energy they are taking in your space. The only value they really have is what someone will pay, if you don’t have a seller, they are not worth anything.
Kids toys: broken ones, small party favor or freebie toys
Non sentimental decor: candles that you don’t love, that vase collecting dust, the outdated dried flower arrangement
Linens that don’t work: torn ripped towels, sheets that either don’t fit your current bed size, that are scratchy, or ripped.
If you want a quick declutter session this is where to start! Taking time to do things that are easy and don’t require a lot of emotional decisions, judgements on where to put things, or time to figure out where to donate, trash or give to; helps to create the habit of decluttering.
Decluttering is not just about creating a visually appealing space; it's about promoting mental clarity, reducing overwhelm, and enhancing overall well-being, especially for individuals with ADHD. By implementing practical decluttering strategies tailored to the ADHD brain, individuals can reclaim control over their environment and create a more peaceful and organized living space. Remember, decluttering is a journey, not a destination.