What are the “Rules for Organizing” for people with ADHD?

Why is organization an issue for those with ADHD?

First, let’s talk about what ADHD is. Individuals with ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) have difficulties when it comes to Executive Functioning, which encompasses cognitive processes crucial for planning, decision-making, self-regulation, and goal-directed behavior. ADHD can impair these executive functions, making it harder to initiate, organize, and execute complex tasks. It can also interfere with things like self-monitoring and self-regulation, resulting in challenges with adjusting behavior based on feedback or consequences.

That being said, individuals with ADHD often struggle with organization because of their difficulties with executive function. While it may seem like a simple task, for some ADHDers, keeping track of daily responsibilities, following multiple-step directions, and staying focused on a task despite distractions can be daunting.

This can lead to anxiety and feeling overwhelmed, adding to the cycle of disorder and disorganization. This means that having rules for organizing and organization systems in place is vital to keep someone with ADHD on task, effective, and productive.

So, How Can We Help?

1. Don’t Do Things For Them but With Them

It’s important not to do things for people with ADHD, but instead work collaboratively with them to create a tailored system that supports them in staying organized. Everyone has unique needs, so these tips are designed to provide a starting point to support someone with ADHD. By involving them in the process, you show them that they’re needs matter, and that you’re creating a solution that will work with and for them. By getting their attention and buy-in, it will ensure lasting organizational success and productivity.

2. The Golden Rule of Organizing

In most cases, the fundamental principle is that inventory must conform to storage. However, when organizing for individuals with ADHD, a different approach should be taken. In this approach, inventory should actually be less than storage to facilitate better efficiency. The ultimate goal is to enable items to be easily located and put away in a single-step process.

3. Efficiency Above Everything Else

Efficiency is the backbone of any successful organizational system. And, like a well-organized closet, there is beauty in being organized. But, this is just the beginning. A successful system needs more than just beautiful organization. It needs to work on a budget and provide support to those who rely on it.

Support isn’t just a luxury for individuals who struggle with executive functioning – it’s an essential element of their daily functional routine. Think of it like someone with poor eyesight that needs glasses to see clearly. Without support, the system simply won’t function.

With careful consideration of who will be using the system and its goals, you can create an organizational system that is functional, supportive, and efficient. An organizational system that can help individuals achieve greatness with ease.

4. The 1-Touch Rule

Always aim to limit yourself to a “one-touch” approach. So, when you pick something up, distribute it to its proper destination straight away instead of adding it to the ominous ‘to-sort-later’ pile, that will inevitably turn into a mountain of chaos. This is especially critical for those struggling with ADHD. Before you know it, you’re buried under endless piles of clutter.

If piles are already sprouting, that’s usually a sign that you need to implement a more efficient system. Maybe things don’t have designated homes, or the existing ones are not efficient. This means it’s high time to overhaul your organizing scheme. Remember, this is not unique to people with ADHD; everybody could use and maintain a nifty and sustainable system.

We take pride in working with clients to maintain organization systems over time. Our approach involves continuously assessing what isn’t working and quickly adjusting as necessary. Because let’s face it, the state of our personal living spaces significantly impacts not just how we work but also how we live.

5. Duplicate Where Necessary To Store Things Where You Use Them

An important goal of organizing is to store things where they are used the most. This strategy involves duplicating storage spaces for similar items. By understanding how things are utilized, your organizational system can achieve efficiency in both use and storage.

Every person and task requires different support, and that’s where duplicate storage comes in handy. Its role in providing viable options can mean the difference between your workflow moving ahead briskly or becoming sluggish. So, next time you need to store things, remember: duplicate storage offers efficiency and organization, stepping up your game to a whole new level.

6. Eliminate Items that Unnecessarily Duplicate Functions

Creating duplicate storage spaces could be an effective solution, although it can sometimes lead to even more complications. It is critical to analyze how resources are utilized and which systems work best for your space’s unique requirements. Eliminating redundant duplicate functions can significantly streamline your storage operations. By doing so, you’ll reduce the complexity of managing your storage spaces and be able to focus on creating an efficient, optimized environment.

7. Assign a Home for Things

An effective way to maintain an organized space is by assigning a dedicated “home” for your things. Get creative and give your cabinets, shelves, and drawers meaningful names so that everything can have its rightful place- you can choose to make this a fun and entertaining exercise! And, to keep yourself accountable, use labels as a helpful reminder.

8. Make Sure Long-term Storage is Easily Accessible

It’s important to ensure that items in long-term storage are both well-lit and within comfortable reach. This allows quick access when needed and helps to avoid clutter elsewhere in the home. By taking these simple steps you’re making things simpler and avoiding frustration in the future.

In Conclusion

By following (even just some) of these tips, you’ll make organization easier and more enjoyable for someone with ADHD. You’ll be setting them up for success in the long run by working along with them and finding long-term solutions.