ADHD Toolkit
Systems and strategies that actually stick—designed for how your ADHD brain works
Find Your Organization Style
🎨 What System Fits Your Brain?
There's no one "right" way to organize with ADHD. The best system is the one you'll actually use. Which of these resonates most?
Visual Organizer
You need to see it to remember it. Use clear containers, open shelving, color-coding, and wall calendars. Out of sight = out of mind for you.
Pile Person
Everything in neat piles makes sense to you. Use vertical filing, inbox systems, and labeled trays. Each pile has a purpose and location.
Digital Native
You prefer apps and digital tools. Use cloud storage, digital planners, and scanning apps. Photos of important items help you track things.
Minimalist
Less stuff = less to organize. You do best with regular purges, "one in, one out" rules, and keeping only what you actively use.
Routine Reliant
You need consistent daily systems. Habit stacking, specific homes for items, and the same process every time works best.
Combination
You mix and match! Digital calendar + physical inbox + visual reminders. Use what works for each area of life.
The "Drop Zone" System
📍 Create Landing Pads for Your Stuff
ADHD brains need specific, visible homes for frequently used items. A "drop zone" is a designated spot where things always go—no thinking required.
Drop Zone Essentials
- Hook or bowl for keys (put it at eye level, not low)
- Charging station for phone/devices
- Basket or tray for wallet, badge, sunglasses
- Mail sorter with slots: "urgent," "to pay," "to file," "recycle"
- Shoe rack or basket near the door
- Hooks for bags, coats, dog leash
The 15-Minute Reset Routine
⏰ Daily Maintenance That Prevents Chaos
Spending 15 minutes resetting your spaces prevents the overwhelming "where do I even start?" feeling. Pick a consistent time that works for you.
Make Reset Routines Stick
- Pair it with something you already do (after coffee, before dinner)
- Set a phone alarm with a specific label: "15-min reset time"
- Play the same song or playlist every time (creates an automatic cue)
- Start with just ONE reset time, not all four at once
- Give yourself permission to skip it sometimes—consistency over perfection
One Space at a Time: Organization Tracker
🏠 Break It Down by Area
Trying to organize everything at once is overwhelming. Pick one small space this week. Click each area when you've organized it!
The 10-Day Declutter Challenge
🗑️ Get Rid of 10 Things in 10 Days
Decluttering doesn't have to be a massive project. Find just one thing each day to donate, trash, or return. Click each day when complete!
Day 1
Expired food
Day 2
Old magazines
Day 3
Worn-out clothes
Day 4
Duplicate items
Day 5
Broken things
Day 6
Old receipts
Day 7
Unused gifts
Day 8
Mystery cords
Day 9
Old medications
Day 10
Anything else!
ADHD-Friendly Decluttering Rules
- Keep a donation box in your closet—toss items in as you find them
- The "One Year Rule": if you haven't used it in a year, it can probably go
- Take photos of sentimental items before letting them go
- Don't try to organize clutter—declutter first, then organize what's left
- Be honest: "I might need this someday" usually means you won't
Digital Organization Quick Wins
💻 Tame Your Digital Chaos
Physical spaces aren't the only thing that get cluttered. Here are fast ways to organize your digital life.
- Unsubscribe from 5 newsletters this week
- Set up 3 folders: "Action Needed," "Waiting For," "Archive"
- Use the search function instead of endless folders
- Enable "Focused Inbox" or equivalent to filter noise
- Set aside specific times to check email, not constantly
Computer Files
- Create a "Desktop Cleanup" folder monthly—drag everything in
- Use dates in file names: "2025-10-ProjectName" for easy sorting
- Limit folders to 3 levels deep maximum
- Use cloud storage with search functions (Google Drive, Dropbox)
- Delete downloads folder regularly—it's not permanent storage
Phone
- Delete apps you haven't used in 3 months
- Clear out old photos weekly (favorites + delete the rest)
- Organize apps by function, not color
- Turn off non-essential notifications
- Keep home screen minimal—only daily-use apps
Your Organization Obstacles
🚧 What's Really Getting in the Way?
Understanding your specific barriers helps you problem-solve around them.