With ADHD, though, disorganization reaches a new level.

Its chronic and pervasive, often in spite of our best effort to stay organized.

Here are some of the different signs you’ve got the option to look for.

Woman storing pots in a cupboard

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The short answer: its probably due to abnormalities in the frontal cortex.

Organization is among the skills that would be affected by this.

This is why many people with ADHD will compensate by using visual cues.

They make lists or put the things they need somewhere where they can see them so they wont forget.

Hence, tending to keep things in piles on tables and chairs rather than inside drawers and closets.

Youve probably also tried to start using one more times than you might count.

With ADHD, writing out a step-by-step process or sequential outline can be difficult.

Once youve got a collection, look for connections and start lumping things together to create a clearer structure.

When you start writing, write about whichever one of those pieces strikes you first.

Get Rid of Excess Clutter

Keeping objects out to act as visual cues can be helpful.

If the thought of cleaning it all up is too overwhelming, just start with one task.

Toss out the junk mail or put the dirty dishes in the sink.

Do one thing to make the space slightly less cluttered.

Once you get your space free of the clutter, do your best to maintain it.

Set some time aside in your planner for decluttering.

I keep a fairly minimalist wardrobe.

Fashion isnt one of my interests and laundry is something that tends to grow into massive, intimidating piles.

I solved this by donating a lot of my clothes.

Now, even when the laundry does pile up, it cant reach intimidating heights.

you could apply this logic to everything in your home.

That doesnt mean you have to give up things you love, though.

Dont ditch your clothes if you love fashion, for example.

Just venture to get rid of things you dont actually use or things you dont need as much of.

Published online November 22, 2021.

2019;176(7):531-542.