Managing Clutter When Your Child Has ADHD: A Story and Practical Tips

Last Saturday morning, I stepped into the living room and paused. It looked like a creative hurricane had swept through. Blocks were scattered across the floor, socks and shoes had somehow found their way onto chairs, and books had formed a precarious mountain on the coffee table. In the middle of it all sat Arihaan, my son, grinning proudly at the block tower he had just built. “Look, Mama, it’s a castle!” he exclaimed.

I smiled and admired his work. Living with an ADHD child often feels like living in organized chaos — except that the “organized” part can sometimes disappear entirely. But here’s the thing: I’ve learned that managing clutter in a household with ADHD isn’t about having a spotless home. It’s about creating systems that work for us, fostering a sense of accomplishment, and making it fun.

The “Why” Behind the Mess

Individuals with ADHD frequently face challenges with executive functions, which include the brain’s ability to plan, organize, and complete tasks. For Arihaan, finishing one activity before jumping into the next is as challenging as staying still during a long car ride. And I get it because I sometimes start cleaning the kitchen, only to find myself organizing the bookshelf instead. Sound familiar?

But I’ve also realized that clutter isn’t just a visual mess; it can add to the mental overwhelm. The aim is to establish an environment where everyone feels at ease without turning cleanup time into a battleground.

The Turning Point

After another meltdown over cleaning up, I changed my approach one day. Instead of expecting Arihaan to magically figure out what to do, I divided the tasks into smaller, manageable steps. We made it a game, racing each other to see who could clean their “zone” the fastest. Suddenly, what had felt overwhelming became achievable — and even fun.

Strategies That Work

Here are some strategies that have transformed our home from chaotic to (mostly) manageable. These tips are rooted in practical, evidence-based approaches, but more importantly, they’re easy to implement:

1.    Break It Down

Cleaning the entire room can feel impossible, but tidying up one small area? That’s doable. Start with a single task, like putting all the blocks in their box or gathering socks. Clear, specific instructions like “Let’s find all the shoes and put them on the rack” make focusing easier.

2.    Use Visuals

Labels and picture guides are lifesavers. Use images on bins and shelves for younger kids to show where items belong. Arihaan now knows that his books go on the bookshelf and his toys belong in the bin assigned for toys.

3.    Make It a Game

Turning cleanup into a game has been a game-changer for us. Sometimes, we set a timer and race to see how much we can clean in five minutes. We also play “cleanup basketball,” tossing toys into their bins. The element of play keeps him engaged and motivated.

4.    Create “Homes” for Items

Designated spaces are key. Every item in our house has a “home.” Shoes go on the rack, blocks in their box, and art supplies in a specific drawer. When everything has a place, it’s easier to clean up — and more challenging to make excuses.

5.    Celebrate Success

Positive reinforcement works wonders. After tidying up, we high-five, dance, or enjoy a small reward like a cookie or extra playtime. Celebrating these small wins reinforces the behaviour and makes cleanup feel rewarding.

6.    Model the Behavior

Kids learn by watching us. If I want Arihaan to clean up after himself, I ensure he sees me doing the same. Whether folding laundry or putting away my books, modelling the desired behaviour helps set expectations.

7.    Keep It Realistic

Remember, it’s okay if your home doesn’t look like a magazine spread. Progress, not perfection, is the goal. Some days will be messier than others, and that’s perfectly fine.

Final Thoughts

Managing clutter in an ADHD household is a journey, not a destination. It’s about finding what works for your family and adapting as you go. Breaking tasks into small steps, making them fun, and celebrating our efforts have made a difference for us.

The next time you stare at a messy room, take a deep breath and remind yourself it’s not about the mess. It’s about the moments you create while tackling it together. You might even stumble upon a new game you love while you’re at it.

What are your go-to strategies for managing clutter? Share them in the comments below! If you need personalized tips, book a 1:1 consultation with me here. Let’s tackle the chaos together!

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Recommended Products for Organizing an ADHD-Friendly Home

Creating a clutter-free environment is easier with the right tools. Here are some highly-rated products to consider:

Joyful Studio XL Modular Drawer System – Perfect for organizing toys, books, or clothes, these multicolour drawers keep items neatly sorted and accessible. Kuber Industries 4-Layer Rolling Cart – A versatile and cheerful option for storing art supplies, toys, or books. The rolling feature allows kids to move around with ease. FLIPZON Foldable Baby Wardrobe – Compact and unbreakable, this wardrobe is ideal for clothes or toy storage in limited spaces. SNKR ESSENTIALS Foldable Kids Almirah – A collapsible, sturdy option for efficiently organizing clothes, toys, and books.

These tools can make tidying up a fun and manageable task for the whole family.

For more personalized guidance, book a 1:1 consultation here.