The ADHD Brain: Why Your Organizing Systems Are Not Working

October is ADHD Awareness Month, and with National Train Your Brain Day on October 13, it is a great time to talk about why traditional organizing systems often do not work for people with ADHD, and what actually helps!

If you have ADHD, you may have tried labeled bins, color coded folders, or weekly organizing sessions and still feel like clutter wins. The truth is, most systems are designed for brains that work differently than the ADHD brain.

Why Systems Can Fail

ADHD brains often face challenges with focus, working memory, and executive function. This can make even simple organizing systems feel impossible to maintain. Common struggles include:

• Forgetting to put things away

• Getting distracted mid task

• Feeling overwhelmed by too many steps

• Using rigid systems that do not adapt to changing needs
  

It is not you. It is the system. With the right strategies, you can create spaces that work with your brain.

Principles for ADHD-Friendly Organizing

1. Simplify: Fewer steps, smaller tasks. Focus on one area at a time.

2. Visual Cues: Labels, clear bins, and creating zones help you see where things belong.

3. Accessibility: Keep items you use daily within easy reach.

4. Routines & Consistency: Short, daily habits beat long weekly sessions. Even five minutes a day helps.

5. Celebrate & Adjust: Acknowledge every win and tweak your system as needed. Flexibility matters.

The ADHD Brain: Tips That Actually Work

• Start small — tackle a single drawer (like the one above), shelf, or corner

• Use my SAOL method: Sort, Amend, Organize, Label

• Create a command center for keys, mail, and daily essentials

• Time your sessions for 10 minutes and take breaks (the timer reminds you to get back to where you started!)

• Reward yourself for completing a session
  

Your Brain is Not the Problem

If your organizing systems are not working, it is not a personal failing. Your brain just needs a system that fits the way it works. With the right strategies, you can reduce stress, improve focus, and create spaces that actually support your daily life. I want to expand on every tip here, but I know that the ADHD brain is working hard to read through this entire post. So if you would like hands on help designing a system that works for your ADHD brain, the Decluttered™ team is here to support you every step of the way. We cover Dallas Ft Worth in Texas, and Rhode Island, parts of Connecticut and Massachusetts.