15 ADHD Organizing Tips for 2015
It’s the new year and time to put our goals into action! Get your home, work space, kids and more in order this year with these 15 ADHD organizing tips for 2015.
Home
- Apply the ONE in, TWO out rule. By taking TWO items out, you are gaining on clutter build up.
- Labeling helps everyone put away stuff. Label kids drawers, pantry, or anywhere for items to be put back.
- Set dates to organize. Write in your calendar a one – two hour time, every other week or once a month, you are going to organize. It keeps you committed to your goal.
Work
- Create a well suited work environment. A less distracting environment is one with less clutter, optimal auditory stimulation and attractive for you. Decide what is not working in your space and spend time crafting an improved place to work.
- Create and set up reminders that work for you. If you are highly visual, use a dry erase board and sticky notes on a window. If you are highly auditory, set alarms on your phone.
- Use one hour power periods to accomplish your work. Set a power period at your high energy time to get the most out of your time.
School
- Partner with your kids to use their planners. The planner should be the one spot all assignments are written so that nothing slips through the cracks. Go online to websites, have your kids write in assignments from the class room and consolidate all assignments here.
- Set up a homework routine with your kids. Start early, like 4 -5 pm, for homework time. Establish a “get started procedure” like setting up the planner and books on the table. Homework time ends when all items are back in the back pack and by the door.
- Use apps that make learning fun. Quizlet, StudyBlue, Free Audio Books and MindMeister make it easier to digest and incorporate new concepts and vocabulary.
Kids
- Declutter with your kids twice a year, before birthday and holidays. Its a reset in their rooms so that they keep decluttered. Work for at least 15 minutes with them, and then continue without them.
- Cherish your kids artwork with an art gallery or art book. Collect the art together for 2 weeks in a bin. Have your child choose what to display. Establish a gallery with frames or string and clothespins. Take photos of the artwork and create a photo book with it.
- Help your kids distinguish treasures. Set up a box or bin for them to keep their treasures in their closet. When the box is full, it’s time to prioritize what is a treasure and what can be let go.
Wellness and Self care
- Everyone needs a good bed time. Start earlier than you think by getting ready ahead of time. No blue light for 60 minutes before bed. Be in bed 30 minutes ahead. Set the temperature cooler in your bedroom.
- Get out in green space. Take a short walk, do a little meditation, and spend a little time outdoors exercising. It’s what is best for focus and clarity. Daily exercise helps you be more productive.
- Do something fun. More times than not my clients share that they have no time for what they love. Spend time being crafty, reading a magazine and doing something for YOU each week.
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I am learning so much about this topic. I really appreciate this tangible, actionable post!
These tips are really good to keep in mind for every child. I’m printing to work on some of these over the Christmas break!
When we took custody of our granddaughter we implemented every one of these tips. Life gets too crazy-and we wanted things to be more relaxed for our “Faith” than it was for our older children. Children thrive in a routine – it is important that the routine be productive and not be focused on meeting deadlines to get from one activity to another activity.
She is a super responsible little girl who is also very organized with the items in her bedroom. #happymomma
Thanks for sharing a great post!
I love to declutter my kids after the end of the school year. It works great. These tips can be used for anyone, not just people with ADHD. =) Thanks for sharing.
Thanks Linda! As hard as it is to implement, we all do better with routines. Glad to know everyone benefits from being more organized at home.
Thanks Seana!
Thanks @Sabrina! I agree that is a great time to let go of stuff. That and birthday time!
I love that you’ve focused on the Wellness and self-care part! I have a client with ADHD and we’ve been working on this all year… she swears it is why she is so stress-free leading up to this Christmas!
I love the way you’ve broken this down into simple steps – many of these are good advice for just about anyone!
It’s one of the most important parts of staying organized is taking care of yourself first. So glad you have an amazing impact on your client and she recognizes the value of this!
Great blog! so glad I found it!!
Thanks for stopping by!
Thanks!