10 Tips for Getting Organised with ADHD

Practical, compassionate support for navigating the chaos

Organisation can feel like an uphill struggle when you’re living with ADHD. With a brain that’s wired for creativity, spontaneity, and out-of-the-box thinking, the idea of structure and order might feel overwhelming—or even impossible. But the good news is that with the right strategies (and plenty of compassion), getting organised your way is absolutely achievable.

Let’s start at the beginning...

What is Organisation?

Being organised simply means creating systems or routines that help you manage your time, tasks, and belongings more efficiently. It’s about reducing stress, making daily life smoother, and freeing up mental space for what truly matters. For people with ADHD, the goal isn’t rigid perfection—it’s functionality and flow.

Why is Organisation Hard for ADHDers?

ADHD affects executive functioning—those mental skills that help us plan, prioritise, remember, and follow through on tasks. This can make it difficult to manage clutter, stick to routines, or remember where you put your keys five minutes ago.

Distractions, time blindness, and feeling overwhelmed by too many steps can all get in the way. But by understanding these challenges, you can begin to work with your brain instead of against it.

So How Can You Get Organised?

Here are 10 practical, ADHD-friendly tips to help you feel more in control and less overwhelmed:

1. Remove Clutter

Too much stuff can be overstimulating and make it harder to focus. Start small—one drawer, one shelf, one corner at a time. Ask yourself: Do I use this? Does it have a purpose? Decluttering doesn’t have to be perfect, just manageable.

2. Make a Daily To-Do List

Write down 3–5 key tasks for the day. Keep it simple and visible—use a whiteboard, a sticky note on the fridge, or a digital note on your phone. Don’t overload the list; success builds motivation.

3. Colour-Code Things

Using colour is a great visual cue for ADHD brains. Try colour-coded folders, pens, or calendar categories (e.g., blue for appointments, green for work tasks, red for urgent things). It helps your brain quickly recognise what needs attention.

4. Give Things a Home

“Where do I put this?” becomes “It goes here.” Assign a home for everyday items like keys, chargers, or important papers. Use baskets, boxes, or trays near the front door or your desk. The easier it is to put things away, the more likely you’ll stick to it.

5. Label Things

Labels are lifesavers for ADHD brains—on drawers, boxes, shelves, and folders. This takes the guesswork out of tidying and reduces decision fatigue. Bonus: if you live with others, it helps everyone stay on the same page.

6. Streamline Your Routines

Keep morning or evening routines short and simple. Lay out clothes the night before. Keep skincare, medications, or breakfast items grouped together. The less you have to think in the moment, the easier it is to stay consistent.

7. Focus on One Thing at a Time

Multitasking feels productive but often leads to unfinished tasks and overwhelm. Try the “one thing” rule: choose one task, set a timer, and give it your full attention. Even 10 minutes of focus can make a big difference.

8. Set Reminders and Alarms

Don’t rely on memory alone. Use phone alarms, calendar alerts, or sticky notes in high-traffic areas to remind you of appointments, tasks, or transitions. Repetition builds reliability—your future self will thank you!

9. Use Organisational Apps

Apps like Trello, Notion, Todoist, or Google Calendar can help structure your day, break tasks into steps, and keep track of deadlines. Try a few and choose what feels easy—if it’s too complicated, you won’t stick with it.

10. Make Things More Convenient

Place what you need where you need it. Keep medication near your toothbrush. Store cleaning supplies on each floor. Convenience reduces resistance—and the easier something is to do, the more likely it’ll get done.

Final Thoughts

Organisation with ADHD isn’t about being tidy for the sake of it. It’s about creating ease, reducing stress, and making your environment work for you. Start small, be kind to yourself, and know that every little step you take is a powerful act of self-support