Buddy Up AKA Co-work or Body Doubling

When it comes time to DO the organizing – whether it’s for the first time or a weekly routine, consider getting a buddy.  Even if your buddy just sits there while you are organizing, you are much more likely to do the thing when someone else is there. 

Maybe you can even both work on something at the same time.  I’ve even done this buddying up (or body doubling) on the phone, and now there are even groups that have virtual co-working or body doubling groups.  

Pomodoros, Timers, and Visual Reminders

Again this tip is for when it’s time to do the organizing.  Keep visual reminders – this might look like a sticky note that says “Monday take the garbage out”.  It may look like photos of what “clean” looks like to help motivate you or family members to replicate it. 

Pomodoros is an ADHD working technique where you set a timer, work on something until the timer goes off, take a break (with a timer), and then set a work timer again.  (Often this looks like 25 minutes of work, 5-10 minute break, 25 minutes work – but can be done in any number of ways!)  Telling your brain that you only have to do this particular task for 25 minutes feels less overwhelming and makes it more likely that you’ll do the thing!

Designated Zones, Including a “launch pad.”

As best as possible, divide your spaces into specific zones for different activities.  Having clearly defined areas for things like work, paying bills, relaxing, and creating make it easier to know where items belong and helps to minimize the mental clutter of figuring out where everything needs to go. 

Create A “Launch Pad.” – This should be an area in sight, preferably near the door you walk out of in the morning. It should be wear you put your keys, wallet, purse, backpacks, shoes – whatever you need to have before walking out the door in the morning.  

Keep Things Visible, Label, Color Code

With ADHD folks, out of site is really truly out of mind. This is why a styrofoam leftover container never gets eaten (you can’t see what’s in the box at a glance) or veggies in the drawer rot away. 

Keep things as visible as possible. Use open shelving and clear containers as much as possible. When you must ‘hide” things, use labels and color codes on the outside of the containers for easy identifying.  Color code things like files, kids’ school folders, sticky notes and calendar notes.

Designate Doom Piles/Boxes/Baskets

If you are like me, every room you walk into has things that don’t belong in it. Instead of trying to remember to move things every time you see them – designate a doom box. 

For example, I have one on each floor of the house. If I”m on the first floor, and something needs to go to the second, I put it in the doom basket if I’m not going upstairs right now. 

The trick is – keep the doom box visible, and when it gets full – take it where it belongs. 

This is a great trick for keeping rooms tidier while not having the capacity to be putting everything away at the moment.

Reach Out For Help

If this continues to be a struggle for you, reach out for help. Ask a friend or family member for help. Join a group and find an accountability buddy. Get a coach like me who can help you prioritize and set goals you can reach. Don’t struggle alone! 

Don’t Delay Joy

Kat Sweeney, MCLC