How to Declutter and Organise a Family Home When ADHD Is in the Mix
Keeping a Family Home Organised (When ADHD Is Part of the Picture)
Let’s be honest, keeping a family home organised is never simple. Between school runs, meal prep, and the endless trail of toys, most of us are already spinning a lot of plates. Add ADHD into the mix - whether it’s yours, your partner’s, or your child’s - and even the best-laid systems can fall apart before the kettle’s boiled.
But here’s the truth: an organised home doesn’t have to be perfect. It just needs to work for your family — to make daily life smoother, calmer, and less overwhelming. If that sounds like what you’re aiming for, here are some ADHD-friendly strategies that actually make a difference.
1. Start Small (And Then Go Smaller)
Big tasks can be paralysing for ADHD brains. “Declutter the kitchen” sounds impossible, but “clear one drawer” feels manageable.
That’s why small, focused bursts - 15 to 30 minutes at most - are key.
If you’ve tried my Clear Out For Christmas Challenge last year, you’ll know how powerful it is to tackle one small area each day: a cupboard, a drawer, even a single shelf. Tiny wins build momentum and momentum is everything when it comes to ADHD and organisation. (There’s a new challenge coming soon!)
Quick tip: Set a timer and put on your favourite playlist. Turn it into a race against the clock. You’ll be amazed at how much you can achieve in 20 minutes.
2. Visibility Is Your Friend
“Out of sight, out of mind” hits hard in ADHD households. Once something’s tucked away, it might as well have vanished.
So instead of hiding things in closed boxes, try visible storage - clear tubs, open baskets, or labelled shelves.
The goal? Make it easier to put things away than to leave them out.
For younger kids, add picture labels to toy boxes. For adults, keep a visible “drop zone” near the door for essentials - keys, post, and the daily chaos that usually ends up on the kitchen counter.
3. Embrace the Drop Zone (Don’t Fight It)
Every home has one - that spot where everything lands. Instead of pretending it doesn’t exist, make it official.
Use a tray, basket, or small cubby for each family member near your main entry point. It keeps clutter contained and saves your sanity.
Then, once a week, do a quick reset - five minutes to sort, bin, or put things back where they belong.
4. Routines That Support You (Not Stress You)
ADHD thrives on structure, but too much rigidity can backfire. Try thinking in rhythms, not strict schedules.
A 10-minute tidy after dinner
Laundry folding while watching TV
A Sunday “reset” session for uniforms, lunches, and life admin
If you miss a day (or a week), don’t beat yourself up. Just pick up where you left off. Progress beats perfection every time.
5. Make It Visual
Visual reminders make a huge difference. Try:
Colour-coded bins for each person or type of item
A wall calendar or command centre in the kitchen
Sticky notes for short-term reminders
Visual checklists for morning and bedtime routines
These tools reduce the mental load and make it easier for everyone, especially kids, to take responsibility for their own stuff.
6. Declutter with Compassion
ADHD and clutter often come hand-in-hand with emotional attachment. That half-finished craft kit or “just in case” gadget might feel too hard to part with. Go gently.
Try the one-touch rule: when you pick something up, decide right then keep, donate, or bin. No maybe piles (they just turn into clutter zones).
And remember, decluttering isn’t about being minimalist, it’s about reducing overwhelm and creating a home that feels calmer to live in.
7. Celebrate Progress, Not Perfection
Living with ADHD means learning that organisation will never be “done” and that’s okay. Systems will need tweaking. Some days will feel chaotic.
But every drawer cleared, every routine simplified, every system that actually works - those are wins worth celebrating.
You’re not striving for a showroom home. You’re creating a space that supports your family’s unique rhythm and that’s something to be proud of.
Final Thought
A family home with ADHD needs flexibility, not flawless organisation. Focus on making your home work with your brains, not against them.
Small changes, visible systems, and forgiving routines make all the difference and the calmer your space feels, the calmer family life becomes.
So next time you’re feeling overwhelmed by clutter, remember: it’s not about getting it perfect. It’s about making it easier - one drawer, one system, one small step at a time.
