If you’re living with ADHD, you know that keeping your workspace organized can feel like trying to herd cats. Papers pile up, pens disappear, and before you know it, your desk looks like a tornado hit it. But don’t worry—you’re not alone, and there are strategies that can help turn your chaotic workspace into a productivity haven. Let’s chat about how to get your workspace in order in a way that works for you.
Why Organization Is Challenging with ADHD
First off, let’s acknowledge why keeping things tidy can be tough:
- Out of Sight, Out of Mind: If you don’t see it, you might forget it exists. This can lead to keeping everything in sight, which clutters up your space.
- Difficulty Prioritizing: Deciding what to keep, what to file, and what to toss can be overwhelming.
- Easily Distracted: You might start organizing one area, then get sidetracked by something else entirely.
Understanding these challenges is the first step toward finding solutions that fit your needs.
Strategies to Organize Your Workspace
1. Start Small
How to Do It:
- Pick One Area: Choose a single drawer, shelf, or section of your desk to tackle first.
- Set a Timer: Work in short bursts, like 15 or 20 minutes, to keep from feeling overwhelmed.
Why It Helps:
Starting small makes the task less daunting and gives you quick wins that boost motivation.
2. Declutter Ruthlessly
How to Do It:
- Sort Items into Piles: Create piles for “Keep,” “Discard,” and “Relocate.”
- Ask Yourself: “Have I used this in the last month?” If not, consider letting it go.
Why It Helps:
Less clutter means fewer distractions and more space to focus on what’s important.
3. Use Clear Containers and Labels
How to Do It:
- Transparent Storage: Use clear bins or containers so you can see what’s inside.
- Label Everything: Even if it’s obvious, labels help reinforce where things belong.
Why It Helps:
Visual cues make it easier to find items and remind you to put them back in their designated spots.
4. Create Zones in Your Workspace
How to Do It:
- Define Areas: Have specific spots for different activities—like a computer zone, a writing area, and a reference section.
- Organize Accordingly: Keep items related to each activity in their respective zones.
Why It Helps:
Zoning reduces the time spent searching for things and helps maintain order.
5. Keep Essentials Within Reach
How to Do It:
- Daily Use Items: Store frequently used items like pens, notebooks, and your planner within arm’s length.
- Less Used Items: Place occasional items in drawers or shelves further away.
Why It Helps:
Minimizes disruptions by having what you need readily available.
6. Implement a “Two-Minute Rule”
How to Do It:
- Quick Tasks: If putting something away takes less than two minutes, do it immediately.
- Stay Proactive: Tidy as you go rather than letting messes accumulate.
Why It Helps:
Prevents small tasks from piling up into larger, more overwhelming chores.
7. Use Visual Reminders
How to Do It:
- Sticky Notes: Place reminders where you can see them easily.
- Color Coding: Use different colors for different types of tasks or items.
Why It Helps:
Keeps important information in sight and helps with memory cues.
8. Limit Distractions
How to Do It:
- Minimize Visual Clutter: Keep your desktop background simple and hide unnecessary icons.
- Noise Control: Use headphones or white noise to block out distracting sounds.
Why It Helps:
A less distracting environment makes it easier to focus on the task at hand.
9. Set Up a Filing System
How to Do It:
- Simple Categories: Create broad categories like “To Do,” “In Progress,” and “Completed.”
- Regular Maintenance: Schedule time weekly to file papers and clean up digital files.
Why It Helps:
Keeps important documents organized and easy to find when you need them.
10. Digital Organization
How to Do It:
- Email Management: Use folders and filters to sort incoming emails.
- Desktop Cleanup: Organize files into folders and regularly delete unnecessary items.
Why It Helps:
An organized digital space complements your physical workspace and reduces stress.
11. Make Cleanup Part of Your Routine
How to Do It:
- End-of-Day Ritual: Spend the last 10 minutes of your day tidying up.
- Weekly Overhaul: Choose one day a week for a more thorough cleanup.
Why It Helps:
Regular maintenance prevents clutter from building up and makes organization a habit.
12. Seek Tools That Work for You
How to Do It:
- Organizational Apps: Use apps like Trello or Evernote to keep track of tasks and ideas.
- Physical Tools: Consider a standing desk, ergonomic chair, or desk organizer.
Why It Helps:
The right tools can make organization more intuitive and less of a chore.
Tips Specifically for ADHD
Embrace Your Unique Style
- Personalize Your Space: Use colors, decorations, or themes that make you happy.
- Flexible Systems: Choose organizational methods that align with how you think.
Set Realistic Expectations
- Progress Over Perfection: Aim for a functional workspace, not a Pinterest-perfect one.
- Celebrate Small Wins: Acknowledge and reward yourself for the steps you take.
Accountability Partners
- Buddy System: Organize with a friend or family member who can keep you on track.
- Professional Help: Consider hiring a professional organizer familiar with ADHD.
Mind Your Energy Levels
- Work When You’re Most Alert: Tackle organizing tasks when you have the most energy.
- Take Breaks: Use the Pomodoro Technique to balance work and rest.
Real-Life Example: Organizing Your Desk
Let’s break down an example of organizing your desk area.
Step 1: Clear the Space (15 minutes)
- Remove Everything: Take all items off your desk and place them on the floor or another surface.
Step 2: Sort Items (20 minutes)
- Categorize: Group items into categories like office supplies, documents, personal items, etc.
- Decide What Stays: Determine which items you use daily and which can be stored elsewhere.
Step 3: Clean the Surface (5 minutes)
- Wipe Down: Use a cleaning wipe or cloth to clean your desk.
Step 4: Reorganize (20 minutes)
- Place Essentials: Put daily-use items back on the desk within easy reach.
- Use Organizers: Utilize desk organizers, trays, or cups to contain items.
Step 5: Store Non-Essentials (15 minutes)
- Drawers and Shelves: Place less frequently used items in drawers or on shelves.
- Label if Necessary: Especially for drawers or opaque containers.
Total Time: Approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes
By breaking it down, you make the task manageable and less intimidating.
Final Thoughts
Organizing your workspace when you have ADHD doesn’t have to be a monumental task. By breaking it down into smaller steps, using strategies that play to your strengths, and being kind to yourself throughout the process, you can create a workspace that not only looks good but also boosts your productivity.
Remember, it’s about finding what works for you. There’s no right or wrong way—only your way. You’ve got this!
Additional Resources
- Books:
- “Order from Chaos: The Everyday Grind of Staying Organized with Adult ADHD” by Jaclyn Paul
- “Organizing Solutions for People with ADHD” by Susan C. Pinsky
- Websites:
- ADDitude Magazine: Offers tips and strategies for organizing with ADHD.
- ADHD Foundation: Provides resources and support.
- Apps:
- Trello: Visual task management tool.
- Evernote: For note-taking and organizing ideas.