If you’re here from Pinterest, welcome! I’m guessing you clicked because you’re overwhelmed. You’re staring at piles of stuff that just won’t move, no matter how many times you try to clean.
Don’t forget to save this pin for later! Trust me, you’ll want to come back to these tips.
And if you’re like me, you’ve tried all the typical advice. Each attempt left you more exhausted than when you started.
This isn’t one of those posts.
These decluttering rules were built for ADHD brains. They’re for the moments when your energy is low and decision fatigue is high. When your home feels like it’s pushing you over the edge.
Yes, they still work even if your kid has ADHD too. Or your spouse. Or all of you.
I know how fast a whole-house tornado can spin out. Especially when neurodivergent brains are trying to function in cluttered chaos.
Let’s make this easier. Not perfect, not Pinterest-pretty. Just better in ways that actually stick.
1. Start with a vision, not a to-do list
Before touching anything, take a beat.
What do you want this space to feel like?
Not Pinterest-worthy. Just peaceful. Useful. Less chaotic.
Close your eyes and picture it done. Not perfect, just working.
That mental image will anchor you. It kicks in when the “I don’t know where to start” panic creeps in.
It’s the little emotional hack that makes a big difference for ADHD brains.
2. Set the stage with a few simple supplies
Don’t overthink it. Just grab:
- A trash bag
- A “Donate” box
- A “Return to another room” box
- Sticky notes and a marker (trust me on this one)
The magic of that “Return” box? It stops you from wandering the house mid-task.
No more forgetting what you were even doing. (Been there too many times.)
3. The only goal today? Start
ADHD makes starting feel like climbing a mountain in flip-flops.
But once you start, the momentum builds fast.
Here’s what helps:
Tell yourself, “I’m just doing five minutes.” Or, “I’m just doing this one drawer.”
Or even, “I’m just walking into the room.”
Starting imperfectly is 1000x better than waiting. That perfect moment? It never shows up.
4. Break it way, way down
You don’t need to empty the whole closet. Just do one shelf.
You don’t need to sort the entire kitchen. Just do the utensil drawer.
Chunking your decluttering into tiny pieces is how you avoid overwhelm. And actually feel like you’re winning.
5. Follow the P.E.A.C.E. method
I live by this. It keeps my brain from spinning out.
Pull out and sort (one small section at a time)
Evaluate and eliminate (what don’t you use or love?)
Assign a home (right where you use it)
Containerize (don’t overdo it… basic bins or boxes work)
Establish the habit (just return things after use… 80% of the time is still progress)
It’s not about doing it perfectly. It’s about creating a rhythm that feels doable.
6. Let go of “someday”
Ugh, this one’s hard.
“I might need this.” “I paid money for it.” “What if it comes in handy?”
But here’s what finally hit me: Every “maybe” item is one more decision I have to manage. Every single day.
Less stuff equals less brain noise.
Less brain noise equals more peace.
Simple math. Still tough, but worth it.
7. Excuses are sneaky (notice them and move on)
The guilt voice? The perfectionism voice? The “I should sell this” voice?
Yeah, they’re all distractions dressed as logic.
You don’t need to fight them. Just notice them and keep moving.
Like: “Oh hey, guilt. Cute try. Not today.”
8. Actually finish what you start
I used to float from pile to pile. Half-done messes in every room. Then I’d crash and feel worse.
Now? I pick one space and don’t leave it until I’m done.
Even if it takes two days. Even if it’s just one drawer.
That feeling of completion? It’s addictive. Use it.
9. Make it a little urgent
Weird tip, but it works. Create a deadline.
Tell a friend, “I’m showing you my decluttered hallway by Sunday.”
Boom. You’re more focused.
Deadlines help ADHD brains kick into gear. Accountability makes it real.
10. Block the front door (figuratively)
All your hard decluttering work won’t matter if stuff keeps flooding in.
If you impulse shop (hi, me too), try this:
Delete saved credit cards from online shops. Use a 24-hour waitlist before buying.
Ask, “Where will I store this?” before purchasing.
A little friction helps a lot.
11. Aim for “good enough,” not perfection
I used to think systems had to be pretty and color-coded. Label-maker perfect to work.
Nope.
You just need less stuff and a place for the things you actually use. That’s it.
“Good enough” gets you out of chaos. “Perfect” just gets you stuck.
Final Thoughts (Read This Before You Go)
Whether your house feels like a disaster zone or you’re just low-key drowning in invisible piles, I want you to know something.
You’re not lazy. You’re not broken.
You just need a different rhythm.
These rules weren’t made to impress anyone. They’re here to make your daily life less stressful.
That’s it. That’s the win.
And if your kid has ADHD too? Or your partner? These rules still help.
Because fewer decisions, less chaos, and more peace benefit everyone under your roof.
So try one today. Just one.
Start small. Stay kind to yourself. And keep coming back to the vision.
Not of perfection, but of a home that finally feels like it’s working for your brain.
You’ve got this. Truly.
🧺💛