Kim Smith, a professional organizer with personal and professional experience with ADHD, discusses the challenges of organizing spaces for individuals with ADHD and provides helpful tips and strategies. The chapter also highlights the importance of reframing feelings of guilt and shame as an opportunity for change and creating clear action plans. Learn about Kim's services and upcoming online course focused on decluttering and space planning.
Identify categories that make sense for you and your brain to effectively declutter and plan your space.
Assign specific zones or homes for items and choose organizing products that work for you to maintain organization and minimize clutter build-up.
Deep dives
The Importance of Creating Organizing Systems
Creating organizing systems that work for you is crucial for maintaining an organized home. It's essential to identify the categories that make sense for you and your brain. By starting small and focusing on one area at a time, you can declutter and plan your space effectively. Avoid the mistake of buying organizing products before understanding your needs. Instead, prioritize creating a clear vision of how you want your space to feel. By following the established rules and maintaining routines, you can stick with your organizing systems.
The Power of Intentional Decluttering
Intentional decluttering involves removing items from the space, categorizing them, and then organizing them in a way that makes sense to you. It's important to set rules for discarding and donating items, tailored to your specific needs. Chunking the space into manageable areas and celebrating small wins can help prevent overwhelm and maintain motivation. Verbal processing and involving a friend or family member can offer a fresh perspective and keep you focused on your goals.
Creating Zones and Homes for Items
Assigning specific zones or homes for categories of items is key to maintaining organization. By identifying the purpose of each space and creating rules for where items belong, you can ensure that new items have a designated spot. Choosing organizing products that work for you and your brain, such as clear bins with simple labels, can help minimize visual overstimulation. Additionally, being mindful of bringing new items into your home and considering if they replace existing items can help prevent clutter build-up.
Maintaining and Sustaining Organizing Systems
Once you have established organizing systems, it is crucial to stick with them through regular maintenance. Building routines and dedicating time to declutter and straighten up can help prevent the return of chaos. Avoid feelings of guilt or shame if things get out of control temporarily and focus on taking action to get back on track. Remember that maintaining an organized space is an ongoing process and that small efforts consistently applied can lead to a well-maintained and balanced home.
In this episode of TheADHDCoach podcast, Gloria speaks with Kim Smith who is a professional organizer who has personal and professional experience with the ADHD diagnosis. Kim and Gloria dive into the best ways to get organized as a person with ADHD, where to start, and the types of support that are available for organizing your home.
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