Hey love,
Have you ever sat down to work—maybe open your laptop, ready to get something done—and instead you spot a pack of Sharpies that suddenly inspire you to make a vision board?
Or maybe you see that leftover cheese sauce on the counter and think, “Well, maybe a quick snack first.”
Sound familiar?
For stay-at-home moms with ADHD, clutter isn’t just stuff lying around—it’s a series of distractions, decisions, and derailments. It’s visual noise.
And while some days it blends into the background like wallpaper, other days it feels like it’s closing in on you. Your brain gets scattered, your motivation dips, and that clarity you were chasing suddenly feels miles away.
So let’s talk about a better way. A method that honors your energy, your brain, and your life.
Let’s declutter—the ADHD-friendly way.
Why Clutter Hits Different with ADHD
Before we dive into the how, let’s pause and acknowledge something: clutter hits differently when you have ADHD.
It’s not just mess. It’s a mental minefield:
- That half-finished craft project on the dining room table? You don’t want to put it away because you swear you’ll get back to it in a few days. (You probably won’t—but the guilt is real.)
- That pile of papers? Just thinking about sorting them feels like trying to run through molasses.
- That toy, that charger, that sock on the stairs—it all starts to blur until your environment just feels… heavy.
And yet, we often think we’re the problem. We’re not. The systems we’ve been taught? They just don’t work for neurodivergent minds. That’s why this method is different.
The ADHD-Friendly Decluttering Method
This isn’t about becoming a minimalist overnight or alphabetizing your spice rack. This is about creating visual peace, mental clarity, and a little more room to breathe.
Step 1: Pick ONE Tiny Area
ADHD brains light up at the idea of big change, but burn out quickly in the process.
Instead of saying “I’ll do the kitchen today,” say:
🟡 “I’ll clear the utensil drawer.”
🟡 “I’ll tackle the top of my dresser.”
Small wins snowball into big shifts.
💡 Set a 15-minute timer. When it goes off, you stop. You’ll feel accomplished, not drained.
Step 2: Try the “Keep, Toss, Maybe” System
We don’t need 12 bins and a color-coded label maker. Just three simple choices:
- KEEP – You use it, love it, or truly need it.
- TOSS – It’s expired, broken, or brings you no joy.
- MAYBE – You’re not ready to decide. (That’s okay, honey bun.)
Put the “Maybe” items in a box labeled with today’s date and set a 30-day reminder. If you don’t need anything from that box in a month, it can go—guilt-free.
Step 3: Declutter the Stuff You See
ADHD minds are visual. The clutter in your line of sight drains your focus fast. So instead of digging through a junk drawer, start with surfaces:
- Kitchen counters
- Nightstands
- Bathroom sinks
- Coffee tables
Every cleared surface gives your brain a little aaahhh moment of relief. And those add up.
Step 4: Tidy the Project You “Swear” You’ll Finish
This one’s tender, I know. You’ve got that DIY wreath you started two weeks ago sitting out because you’re definitely going to finish it this weekend. Except now it’s gathering dust, and every time you walk past it, your brain whispers, “You’re falling behind.”
Here’s the truth: unfinished projects left in plain sight create constant pressure.
If you’re not actively working on it today, give it a home. A box. A basket. A corner of a closet with a sticky note. Out of sight without shame.
Step 5: Rehome Clutter Right Away
Don’t let those donation bags sit in the hallway for a week (or three—we’ve all been there). Before you even start decluttering, decide:
- Where will this stuff go?
- Can you put it straight in the trunk?
- Can trash go out today?
The faster you get it out, the faster your space starts to feel lighter.
Step 6: End with a Reset Ritual
Let’s make decluttering feel good. Not like punishment. So after each session, do something to celebrate:
- Light a candle
- Play your favorite playlist
- Journal one win from the session
These tiny rituals train your brain to associate tidying with peace—not pressure.
Clarity Is on the Other Side of Less
Love, your home doesn’t need to be Pinterest-perfect. You need a home that helps you think, feel, and move clearly.
Less stuff means fewer distractions.
Less clutter means fewer detours.
Less chaos means more clarity.
You don’t have to overhaul your entire house. Just choose one drawer. One counter. One pile.
And let that be enough for today.
Want a gentle guide to walk you through this?
📥 Grab my free ADHD Decluttering Kickstart printable
It’s short, sweet, and will help you get out of your head and into action.
Tell me in the comments—what’s one area you’re ready to clear this week?
Cordially & with you always,
Lynne 💛
