How can a professional organizer help someone with ADHD?
First, what is ADHD?
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) affects various aspects of productivity, focus, and overall well-being. One of the core symptoms of ADHD is difficulty sustaining focus and attention. When surrounded by a cluttered environment, it becomes even harder for someone with ADHD to concentrate on the task at hand. One of my family members has ADHD so I have seen these challenges firsthand in my own home.
How can a professional organizer help someone with ADHD?
Less stuff = Less to keep track of. If the goal is to have a less cluttered environment to make it easier to concentrate, a professional organizer is a great partner to help get you towards that goal of less stuff. The first step in any organizer’s process will always be to declutter or edit possessions down to what’s used, needed, and loved. Another key role for the organizer is to haul away items for donation at the end of each session so the client is not left with this task on their To Do list.
Body Doubling. “..is a practice in which a person with ADHD works on and completes potentially frustrating tasks alongside another person...to help anchor the person with ADHD to the present moment and task, reducing the risk of distraction. “ (Medical News Today) A professional organizer is not only there to help someone with ADHD declutter their possessions, but is there to help keep them focused on the task at hand, to help them work through the tough decisions, and to keep them moving toward their organization goals.
Creating a system that sticks. Most people with ADHD know that organization will help them and most likely they’ve tried to implement strategies in the past that haven’t “stuck”. Social media woos us with beautiful organizational solutions, but organizing is not one size fits all. A good professional organizer will help set up a system that works for the client’s specific needs and is easy to maintain. Here are some key things I keep in mind when designing a system for someone with ADHD.
Keep it simple. The ADHD brain works quickly so we want a system that is quick and efficient to use. An example of this would be open containers (hampers without lids) and using macro categories for organization rather than micro categories. It also may make sense to have duplicate items when an item is used in two places.
Make it visual. Clear bins with labels are a great choice for someone with ADHD. Use vertical storage when possible (vertical storage is visible, horizontal storage is hidden).
Work with natural tendencies. If you have been putting your keys and wallet in the same spot for two years, then put a tray in that spot to contain your keys and wallet rather than deciding to move it somewhere more aesthetically pleasing.
Professional organizers can help individuals with ADHD harness the power of organization to enhance their focus, reduce overwhelm, and increase productivity. Reach out today if you are interested in learning more about how I could help you!
Here are two of my favorite books on this topic:
Organizing Solutions for People with ADHD by Susan C. Pinsky
How ADHD Affects Home Organization by Lisa Woodruff
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