Hey there, mama! Let’s talk about paper clutter—the bills, school forms, receipts, and random papers that seem to multiply overnight. For the longest time, I let it pile up on my counters and desk, which only made me feel more overwhelmed. Sound familiar?
The good news? You don’t have to live buried under paper. I’ve found some ADHD-friendly strategies that make managing paper clutter way less stressful. Let’s dive in!
1. Create a “Command Center”
Having a designated spot for all your important papers is a game-changer. I call mine the “Command Center,” and it’s where I keep bills, forms, and other must-deal-with items. I use a small wall-mounted organizer with labeled slots for different categories.
Quick Tip: Keep your Command Center in a high-traffic area so it’s easy to access and maintain.
2. Use the One-Touch Rule
When a new paper comes into the house, deal with it immediately. Trash junk mail, file receipts, and add important dates from school forms to your calendar. The goal is to touch each paper only once to keep piles from forming.
Why It Works: It stops clutter before it starts.
3. Go Digital Whenever Possible
Embrace technology to cut down on physical clutter. I’ve switched to digital billing and use a scanner app to store important documents on my phone or computer. It’s been a lifesaver for my ADHD brain.
Pro Tip: Use cloud storage like Google Drive or Dropbox to organize your scanned documents.
4. Schedule a Weekly “Paper Declutter” Session
Once a week, I spend 10-15 minutes going through my Command Center and clearing out old or unnecessary papers. I set a timer, put on a podcast, and knock it out.
ADHD Hack: Pick a specific day and time to make this a consistent habit.
5. Keep Only What You Need
Not every piece of paper needs to stay. I’ve learned to ask myself, “Do I really need to keep this?” If it’s not essential, it goes in the recycling bin.
Example: Old catalogs, expired coupons, and outdated school notices are easy wins for decluttering.
6. Use a Filing System That Works for You
I’ll be honest: Filing cabinets didn’t work for me. Now, I use a simple accordion folder with labeled sections for things like “Medical,” “School,” and “Home Maintenance.” It’s quick to use and keeps my papers organized.
Why It Works: It’s low-effort and easy to maintain, which is key for ADHD brains.
7. Celebrate Small Wins
Paper clutter can feel overwhelming, but every small step makes a difference. If you clear one stack of papers or get your Command Center set up, take a moment to celebrate your progress.
Encouragement: Remember, progress is better than perfection. You’re doing amazing!
Paper clutter doesn’t have to take over your home. With a Command Center, a simple filing system, and a commitment to dealing with papers as they come in, you can stay on top of it. Start small, keep it simple, and give yourself grace along the way.
You’ve got this, mama! And if all else fails, just shred it all and start fresh (kidding… kind of).
Ready to tackle your paper clutter? Download my free guide to get started today. Share your biggest paper clutter struggle in the comments below—I’d love to help!
