Hey there, mama! If you’re anything like me, trying to stay organized as a mom with ADHD feels like juggling flaming swords while riding a unicycle. It’s tough, it’s messy, and honestly, some days it feels impossible. I’ve been there—sitting in the middle of my messy house, feeling completely overwhelmed and thinking, “Where do I even start?”
But here’s the thing: I’ve found some strategies that actually work, and I’m here to share them with you. Spoiler alert: It’s not about being perfect. It’s about finding what works for us ADHD moms so we can feel less stressed and more in control.
1. Start Small: One Tiny Win at a Time
One day, I decided to tackle just one thing: the kitchen counter. Instead of trying to clean the whole house, I set a timer for 15 minutes and focused on clearing that one space. You know what? I actually finished it. And it felt amazing.
So here’s the deal: Pick one small area, set a timer, and go for it. Trust me, it’ll boost your confidence and get the ball rolling.
Quick Tip: Celebrate that tiny win! Maybe it’s a happy dance, a cup of coffee, or just standing back and admiring your work. You earned it.
2. Build Routines That Fit Your Life
I used to think routines were boring and impossible for someone like me, but wow, was I wrong. Now, I swear by my simple morning and evening routines. Here’s what mine look like:
- Morning: Make the bed (even if it’s just pulling up the covers), check my calendar, and clear one small hotspot.
- Evening: Do a quick kitchen reset, get the kids’ stuff ready for the next day, and jot down tomorrow’s top 3 tasks.
Start small. If you miss a day, it’s okay. Just pick it back up when you can.
3. Use Visual Cues to Stay on Track
I’m a visual learner, and let me tell you, if I can’t see something, it might as well not exist. That’s why I use things like labeled baskets, sticky notes, and color-coded calendars. It’s like leaving little breadcrumbs for myself so I don’t get lost.
Pro Tip: Clear bins are my secret weapon. If I can see what’s inside, I’m way more likely to put things where they belong.
4. Don’t Fear the Doom Box
Oh, the Doom Box. You know, that one box (or five) where all the random stuff ends up. For the longest time, I thought it meant I was failing at organizing. Now? I embrace it. Each room gets one Doom Box, and once a week, I sort through it.
Why It Works: It keeps my house from looking like a tornado hit, and it gives me one designated place to stash the chaos until I’m ready to deal with it.
5. Maintenance Over Perfection
I used to think I had to get everything perfect, or it wasn’t worth doing. Spoiler: That’s ADHD brain sabotage. Now, I focus on maintenance. I spend 10 minutes every evening putting things back where they belong, and it makes a HUGE difference.
ADHD Hack: Turn on your favorite playlist or podcast while you tidy. It makes it so much more enjoyable.
6. Automate and Delegate
Let’s be real: I can’t do it all, and I shouldn’t have to. Automating things like bill payments and grocery orders has been a lifesaver. And as for the kids? They’ve got their own little jobs now. Even my youngest loves helping with sorting laundry (okay, maybe it’s just an excuse to play with socks, but I’ll take it).
Example: My older kids unload the dishwasher, and I don’t have to micromanage it. It’s not perfect, but it’s one less thing on my plate.
7. Reward Yourself (Because You Deserve It)
Let’s talk about rewards, mama. ADHD brains love them, and so do we. Every time I complete a task or stick to my routine, I give myself a little treat. It might be a cup of tea, 10 minutes to scroll TikTok, or a new episode of my favorite show.
Ideas: Think about what makes you happy and make it part of your system. It’s a win-win.
If you’ve made it this far, you’re already doing amazing, mama. Staying organized as an ADHD mom isn’t easy, but it’s doable. Start small, give yourself grace, and remember: Progress, not perfection, is the goal.
You’ve got this—and I’m cheering you on every step of the way.
Want to make staying organized even easier? Download my free “ADHD Mom’s Daily Routine Checklist” and take the guesswork out of your day. And hey, let me know in the comments which tip you’re excited to try. Let’s do this together!
