Hey, mama! Let me guess—you have a few spots in your house that seem to attract clutter like a magnet. Maybe it’s the kitchen counter, the entryway, or that one chair in your bedroom (you know the one). I’ve been there, overwhelmed by clutter hotspots that make my whole house feel chaotic.
But guess what? You can tackle those clutter hotspots without losing your mind. I’m sharing my go-to strategies that have helped me (finally!) keep these areas under control. These ADHD-friendly tips are simple, realistic, and—most importantly—doable.
1. Start with One Hotspot
Here’s the deal: You don’t have to tackle every cluttered area at once. Pick one hotspot that’s bugging you the most and focus on that. For me, it was the kitchen counter. Every time I walked by, it felt like the clutter was shouting at me.
What I Did: I set a timer for 15 minutes and tackled just that one space. Sorting, tossing, and putting things away—it’s amazing how much you can do in a short time.
Quick Tip: Make it a daily habit. Spend 5 minutes each day tidying that same spot to keep it under control.
2. Create a “Landing Zone”
ADHD brains love structure, even if we resist it sometimes. One game-changer for me was creating a dedicated “landing zone” for the things that usually pile up—mail, keys, backpacks, you name it.
How to Set It Up:
- Use a basket or tray for mail and paperwork.
- Install hooks or a small shelf for keys and bags.
- Make sure your landing zone is super easy to access (because let’s be honest, if it’s complicated, it won’t happen).
3. Use the “One-Touch Rule”
The One-Touch Rule has been a lifesaver for my ADHD brain. The idea is simple: When you pick something up, deal with it right then instead of setting it down again.
Example: When you bring in the mail, don’t toss it on the counter. Sort it immediately—recycle junk mail, file important papers, and put bills in a designated spot.
Why It Works: It cuts down on clutter before it starts and keeps those hotspots from piling up.
4. Declutter with “Zones”
When I tackle a cluttered hotspot, I like to think of it in zones. For example, if I’m working on the coffee table, I’ll divide it into sections: books, decor, random items.
What I Do:
- Focus on one zone at a time.
- Decide what stays, what goes, and what needs to be relocated.
ADHD Hack: Keep a “relocation basket” nearby for items that belong in another room. This saves you from running all over the house and losing focus.
5. Make It Fun (Yes, Really)
Cleaning and decluttering don’t have to be boring. I’ve found that adding a little fun to the process makes a huge difference. Blast your favorite playlist, listen to an audiobook, or even turn it into a game.
My Favorite Motivation Tricks:
- Race the timer to see how much I can declutter in 10 minutes.
- Reward myself with a cup of tea or a quick TikTok scroll when I’m done.
6. Enlist Help (It’s Okay to Ask!)
Sometimes, those clutter hotspots feel like too much to handle alone. That’s when I get my family involved. My kids actually love helping when I turn it into a challenge or game.
Examples:
- “Who can pick up the most toys in 5 minutes?”
- “Let’s see who’s the fastest at clearing the counter.”
Pro Tip: Give each family member a specific task—it’s less overwhelming for everyone.
7. Celebrate Your Progress
Mama, let’s not forget to celebrate the wins—even the small ones. Keeping clutter hotspots under control is no small feat, especially with ADHD. Every little step counts, and you deserve to feel proud of your progress.
Ideas to Celebrate:
- Take a photo of your clean space and admire your hard work.
- Treat yourself to something special, like a cozy moment with your favorite book or show.
Clutter hotspots don’t have to control your home (or your sanity). By starting small, creating landing zones, and making decluttering fun, you can keep these areas manageable—and even enjoy the process. Remember, it’s all about progress, not perfection.
You’ve got this, mama! I’m cheering you on every step of the way.
Need more tips to simplify your home? Download my free “ADHD Mom’s Decluttering Cheat Sheet” and get started today. And hey, share your biggest clutter hotspot in the comments below. Let’s tackle it together!
