15 ADHD Organizing Tips for 2015

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adhd organizing

 

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.

 

Learn more about ADHD

 

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Your Most Organized Year Ever

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Your Most Organized Year Ever

 

Each year as we start the new year, we think of ways to make a change and improve our lives.  Did you know that organizing is one of the top three goals each year?  Throughout the month of January, I will be offering 31 tips to help you have Your Most Organized Year Ever.  Implement just one of these tips, tools, techniques or tweaks this year. 
It’s the basis of all things organized. Having a good decision making process makes organizing easier.  And what are good decisions based on?
  • Knowing core values like integrity, honesty, faith and family
  • Prioritizing and reviewing choices in a timely way
  • Eliminating and culling out distractions that take time and energy away
  • Creating logic while balancing emotion
  • Keeping focused while making the decision

 

What helps me most in the decision making process is usually having a good night’s sleep!

 

Check out all 31 tips for Your Most Organized Year Ever.

 

 

Your Most Organized Year Ever

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Your Most Organized Year Ever

Each year as we start the new year, we think of ways to make a change and improve our lives.  Did you know that organizing is one of the top three goals each year?  Throughout the month of January, I will be offering 31 tips to help you have Your Most Organized Year Ever.  Implement just one of these tips, tools, techniques or tweaks this year. 

 

There are limits that set natural boundaries for us.  Sometimes we see them and sometimes we don’t.  It’s like our closet that’s intended to hold our clothes. And we shop too much to have the clothes fit in there.  It’s like our calendar. At times we commit to too much to be able to fit it all in.  Without limits and boundaries, things get chaotic.  Once you move beyond your limits, it’s a natural time to let things go.

 

How do we set boundaries?  It’s about finding natural limits. It’s designing a system that takes these limits into account.  It’s also about setting our own limits.  Finding a number that helps us stay within boundaries of what feels comfortable.

Here are some natural limits:

  • Pantry where food fits
  • Closet where clothes fit
  • Calendar with 3 Most Important Tasks (MITs) listed
  • Office space where office supplies fit
  • Rules that help us maintain our space.

 

Setting and recognizing limits and boundaries can require processing and coaching.

Your Most Organized Year Ever

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Your Most Organized Year Ever

 

Each year as we start the new year, we think of ways to make a change and improve our lives.  Did you know that organizing is one of the top three goals each year?  Throughout the month of January, I will be offering 31 tips to help you have Your Most Organized Year Ever.  Implement just one of these tips, tools, techniques or tweaks this year. 

 

Your task list is a mile long! You know you won’t get it all done, but you have magical thinking that it will be all done.  What’s the best way to feel accomplished?  Prioritize your top three tasks for the day.

 

Find your 3 Most Important Tasks (MITs)

Your three tasks may be the most urgent due to the deadline. Your three tasks might be the ones that bring in revenue.  Your three tasks might be established by your boss.  Write your three tasks out the night before so you are ready to work the next day.

 

Start your 3 Most Important Tasks (MITs)

The only task you can be sure of each day is the first one you start that day.  Get started with your tasks before you review email so you can use crucial thinking time when you are at  your best.  Start with a timer if you need to jump in right away.  Work for an uninterrupted hour and see how much you accomplish.

 

Make this Your Most Organized Year Ever with prioritizing your 3 most important tasks (MITs).

 

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Your Most Organized Year Ever

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Your Most Organized Year Ever

Each year as we start the new year, we think of ways to make a change and improve our lives.  Did you know that organizing is one of the top three goals each year?  Throughout the month of January, I will be offering 31 tips to help you have Your Most Organized Year Ever.  Implement just one of these tips, tools, techniques or tweaks this year. 

 

Getting a good night’s sleep is critical to everyone, including parents, singletons, grandparents, and kids.  This is especially true in the ADHD home.

 

Why are we bedtime procrastinators? 

 

Setting yourself up for a good night’s rest

  • Get ready for bed way ahead.  When you are in your jammies with your teeth brushed, you are more likely to get in bed at  your designated bedtime.
  • Set the mood for sleep in your bedroom. No paper clutter, your clothes folded, your room cool and your room dark.  You can set up a great space for sleeping this way.
  • Calculate your bedtime for 8 hours of sleep. Get in bed 30 minutes before.  Have the same bedtime nightly.

 

Set your family up for a good night’s rest

  • Eliminate blue light from e-readers, phones or other tech equipment with a central family charging space.
  • Start early with baths and tuck in time to have a relaxing bedtime ritual.
  • According to a National Sleep Foundation (NSF) survey, only 20% of adolescents get the recommended nine hours of sleep per night on school nights. The NSF recommends that children ages 3 to 5 need 11 to 13 hours; ages 5 to 10 need 10 to 11 hours; ages 10 to 17 need 8.5. to 9.5 hours; ages 18 and above need 7 to 9 hours.

 

Sleep helps our productivity and efficiency.  A productive day starts the night before.  Make this Your Most Organized Year Ever with everyone having a good night’s rest.

 

Check out my pinterest page for Family Manager. 

 

Your Most Organized Year Ever

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Your Most Organized Year Ever

 

Each year as we start the new year, we think of ways to make a change and improve our lives.  Did you know that organizing is one of the top three goals each year?  Throughout the month of January, I will be offering 31 tips to help you have Your Most Organized Year Ever.  Implement just one of these tips, tools, techniques or tweaks this year. 

 

Rejuvenation time is time for you to relax and gain back energy.

 

Do you give yourself time to rejuvenate?

 

Research shows rejuvenation is important in order to regain focus, invigorate creativity and be more organized.  It’s a way of taking care of ourself to do our best.

 

Create rejuvenation time in your week. Set aside time each week to have unstructured time.  Set aside time to play and be creative. Set aside time for meditation. Set aside time to be in green space.  Set aside commitments that keep you from having rejuvenation time.

 

Rejuvenation time won’t happen without your mindfulness. Your energy will soar as well as your positivity.  Make this Your Most Organized Year Ever by inserting time for rejuvenation in your week.

 

Boost your organizing and productivity skills with 31 tips to Your Most Organized Year Ever.

 

Join my monthly newsletter!

 

Your Most Organized Year Ever

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Your Most Organized Year Ever

Each year as we start the new year, we think of ways to make a change and improve our lives.  Did you know that organizing is one of the top three goals each year?  Throughout the month of January, I will be offering 31 tips to help you have Your Most Organized Year Ever.  Implement just one of these tips, tools, techniques or tweaks this year. 

 

Your productivity depends on setting up a well suited work space.

 

For most of us, an uncluttered desk in a well lit office creates an efficient and effective work space.

  • Keep only on your desk what you use each day.
  • Create a command center for action papers.
  • Set up easy to access files for references.
  • Clear your desk daily to keep it efficient.

 

If you work at home, your work space might be mobile.

  • Set up a portable command center for papers.
  • Include electronic cables and other essentials for mobility.
  • Take time out during the day to eat, take a walk and be sociable.

 

Make this Your Most Organized Year Ever with a well suited work space includes elements that make you happy and productive.

 

Need a boost of organizing energy? Join my newsletter!

 

 

 

Winner Best of Houzz Customer Satisfaction 2015

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Best of Houzz 2015

 

Houzz (www.houzz.com), the leading platform for home remodeling and design, today announced the community’s picks for Best Of Houzz 2015, a homeowner-to-homeowner guide to the top home builders, architects, interior designers, landscape pros and other residential and organizing remodeling professionals on Houzz of all types.

 

Professional-Organizer.com won in the Customer Service category!

 

“Houzz connects people with the best home professional for their project by providing the only 360-degree view of a professional, from their portfolio, client reviews, awards and accreditations to their work style and expertise based on their participation in the Houzz community,” said Liza Hausman, vice president of Industry Marketing for Houzz. “We’re delighted to join our community in recognizing the talented professionals on Houzz who are delivering incredible designs and delightful customer experiences.”

The Best Of Houzz award is given in two categories: Customer Service and Design. Customer Service honors are determined by a variety of factors, including the number and quality of client reviews a professional received in 2014.  Top reviews were given to Professional-Organizer.com in 2014.

 

It’s an honor to serve my clients.  The lasting change we create together makes each day better. Together we put your goals into action and create a personalized space with low maintenance. Check out my work on Houzz.

 

Your Most Organized Year Ever

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Your Most Organized Year Ever

Each year as we start the new year, we think of ways to make a change and improve our lives.  Did you know that organizing is one of the top three goals each year?  Throughout the month of January, I will be offering 31 tips to help you have Your Most Organized Year Ever.  Implement just one of these tips, tools, techniques or tweaks this year. 

 

 

It can be surprising how much alarms, timers and other reminders can help us during our day. We have so much to think about, these tools help us execute our intentions.

 

Alarms can help us

  • remember to leave for an appointment on time
  • switch tasks and remember to complete a task on time
  • remind us to turn off the sprinkler, move the wash to the dryer or take the brownies out of the oven

 

Timers can help us

  • get started and work for just 15 minutes on a project
  • help us know how much time it takes to complete a project
  • break a project into smaller chunks

 

Other reminders we all love and use

  • extra large post-it notes with a task written on it, posted at an exit or on your planner
  • with one task per note attached to a wall, reminding us of all the work to be done
  • used as a week at a glance calendar with dates and actions

 

Make this Your Most Organized Year Ever with alarms, timers and other reminders.

Your Most Organized Year Ever

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Your Most Organized Year Ever

 

Each year as we start the new year, we think of ways to make a change and improve our lives.  Did you know that organizing is one of the top three goals each year?  Throughout the month of January, I will be offering 31 tips to help you have Your Most Organized Year Ever.  Implement just one of these tips, tools, techniques or tweaks this year. 

 

Notice where there are clocks in your home and office?

 

Are these digital or analog clocks?

Adding more clocks in your home and office will help manage  your time more effectively.

 

An analog clock helps you judge that time is passing. It’s a visual tool that helps us assess.  It can also help remind us of what step in a process we want to be at in order to get to the finish line.  Having a clock in a bathroom helps us get out the door on time. Having a wall clock hanging in your office helps you finish your work to be home on time.  Make this Your Most Organized Year Ever by adding more analog clocks in your home and office.

 

More ideas on time management on my Time is On My Side pinterest board.