Messy Room Makeover & ADHD Hacks that Work!!

In this massive clutter transformation I help Jessica McCabe from How to ADHD tackle her messiest, cluttered room and turn it into a cozy retreat space — all virtually over Zoom! 

This “doom room” was a space that became the dumping ground for everything she didn’t know what to do with.

This room wasn’t just cluttered. It was emotional. It held grief, guilt, overwhelm, and unfinished business. But with a little help, Jessica and her partner Raphael tackled this challenge head-on, turning their most stressful space into a soothing sanctuary.

Here’s how we did it—and how you can transform your own “doom room” into something beautiful.

If you struggle with ADHD, clutter, or messy rooms, this is your sign to start your own transformation today!

The Real-Life Behind the Scenes

Jessica and Raphael had already transformed most of their home during a previous in-person makeover with me (you can catch that video here), but one space remained untouched: the multi-purpose spare room. It was supposed to be a workout room, guest space, gaming den, and self-care retreat. Instead, it became the place where clutter went to die.

On top of that, life had hit them hard. Grief, loss, surgery, and parenting all at once. So why declutter now?

Because when life gets heavy, creating a calming space isn’t a luxury—it’s survival.

Gamification

To make decluttering feel less like a chore and more like a challenge, Jessica and Raphael turned their cleanup into a full-blown Dungeons & Dragons-style quest. The clutter? Monsters. The trash bag? A sword. The donation box? A shield.

This fun and ADHD-friendly approach shut off the overthinking and helped them take action. They weren’t just tidying—they were battling dragons. (And winning!)

Setting Boundaries

One of the biggest lessons? Every room needs a purpose—and boundaries.

Jessica wanted to use the space for self-care and workouts, while Raphael wanted a place for his collectibles and gaming. We divided the room into clearly defined zones:

Jessica’s Zone: The walk-in closet became a self-care haven with workout gear and soothing touches.

Raphael’s Zone: A small cubby transformed into a personalized spot for memorabilia and Magic cards.

We followed the container concept—only keeping what fits in the space and made sure nothing else snuck in. No “just-in-case” storage. No clothes. No overflow.

The bottom line: if it didn’t fit into the room’s overall purpose, it had to go!

Facing the Emotional Clutter

Decluttering isn’t just about stuff—it’s about feelings. Jessica confronted sentimental items tied to her late dog and family members, realizing that some things didn’t bring comfort—they brought pain.

One of the biggest breakthroughs came when she decided to let go of a leash that only reminded her of loss. That moment was powerful. Emotional clutter is still clutter, and releasing it creates space for healing.

The same went for Raphael. He had been holding onto large paintings gifted by his mother, feeling obligated to hang them—even though they didn’t match the room or bring joy. After some heartfelt conversations, he let them go. And the relief was instant.

Adding Beauty to Purpose

One unexpected design idea changed everything. We added a forest-themed peel-and-stick mural inside the closet to create a hidden oasis that felt magical and inviting.

This tiny visual cue made the space feel special. Suddenly, it wasn’t just a closet. It was a retreat.

One quick hack : make it pretty and you’ll be amazed at how that helps you to keep a space tidy!

Good Enough is Great

Throughout the process, we celebrated “good enough.” Whether it was using temporary shelving or setting up zones without fancy bins, Jessica and Raphael learned to silence perfectionism and embrace progress.

We focused on:

Closing the loop: Taking out the trash, delivering donations, and finishing each task.

Asking for help: Letting go of the pressure to do it all alone.

Letting go of guilt: Saying goodbye to items that no longer serve you, even if they were gifts.

The Reveal

After weeks of effort, I finally got to see the finished space and I was blown away!

The room now radiates calm. Jessica created a beautiful, organized haven with her massage table, cozy blankets, live plants, and even a towel warmer. Raphael found his groove too, carving out a meaningful corner just for himself.

Together, they reclaimed their room and a huge part of their peace of mind.

What This Teaches Us About Clutter

We often think clutter is just a mess. But for many of us—especially those with ADHD—clutter represents chaos, guilt, and self-doubt.

This transformation wasn’t just about making a room pretty. It was about reclaiming control, finding peace, and believing in their ability to change.

If you’ve got a “doom room” of your own, know this: you are capable of transformation. One bag, one box, one decision at a time.

Ready to Slay Your Own Clutter?

Don’t wait for the perfect time. Don’t wait until you feel ready. Start today!

And remember: you are more important than anything you own!

If you need a little boost to help you get started, check out my 🥊 30 day Bootcamp  ✨ Just 15 mins a day for 30 days will completely transform your home!

👉 Want to see Jessica’s original WHOLE HOME makeover that started it all?  Click here. 

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