Neurodiversity is a beautiful thing—it brings different ways of thinking, problem-solving, and experiencing the world. However, for many neurodivergent individuals, home organization can be particularly challenging. Whether you have ADHD, autism, or OCD, traditional organization methods might not work for you. The good news? There are plenty of strategies that do work, and they can be customized to fit your unique strengths and needs.
Let’s explore some practical, judgment-free neurodivergent home organization tips that feel comfortable, functional, and easy to maintain.
ADHD & Organization: Small Steps, Big Wins
For individuals with ADHD, executive functioning challenges can make organizing and keeping up with household tasks feel overwhelming. The key? Break it down into smaller tasks or shorter sessions to make organization feel effortless.
Bonus! These tips also work great for those with chronic depression or bi-polar disorder.
Start small. Rank areas of your home by difficulty to clean, and tackle the easiest ones first to build momentum.
Time-based tidying. Work in 15-30 minute increments instead of marathon cleaning sessions.
Daily 10-minute resets. Pick the area that needs it most and spend less than 10 minutes putting things away.
Embrace the “tiny tidy.” When you’re already up, do 1-2 micro-tasks—wipe the counters, pick up laundry, or file a piece of mail.
Theme your cleaning days. Assigning chores to specific days (like Bathroom Sundays or Laundry Tuesdays) can make them easier to remember and integrate into your routine.
Use reminders. Set alarms, use sticky notes, or schedule recurring notifications on your phone to prompt tasks.
Keep cleaning supplies within reach. Place small baskets of essentials (like all-purpose cleaner, a cloth, and a magic eraser) in multiple locations so you can quickly handle a “tiny tidy” without hunting down supplies.
Use a DOOM basket. (Didn’t Organize, Only Moved). This is an aesthetically pleasing catch-all bin for random items that accumulate. Just don’t forget to sort and put things away regularly!
Autism & Organization: Creating a Low-Stress Home
For many autistic individuals, a clean and clutter-free home is essential for reducing sensory overload and creating a peaceful environment. Here’s how to make organization work for you:
Use visual planners. A task board, digital app, or even a simple whiteboard with a daily list can make staying on track easier.
Make lists work for you. If long lists feel overwhelming, break them down into mini-lists with only the most essential tasks.
Try color coding. Assign different colors to types of tasks or categories to help with quick visual recognition.
Stick to a routine. Establishing a predictable schedule for cleaning makes it feel like second nature rather than a daunting to-do.
Use clear containers. Being able to see what’s inside makes organization easier.
Label everything. Whether it’s handwritten labels, printed text, or even a photo of the contents, labeling helps ensure everything has a home.
Reduce visual clutter. Consider a minimalist approach—fewer objects mean fewer distractions and less tidying.
Break big tasks down. Instead of “clean the kitchen,” try loading the dishwasher after breakfast and sweeping the floor after dinner. Small, consistent steps lead to big results!
Use the “5 Things” Method. Author KC Davis talks you through keeping a tidy home with a gentle approach designed to relieve guilt or shame. I have found her methods very helpful for many of my neurodivergent clients. Get more tips in her book How To Keep House While Drowning.
Davis recommends tackling tasks in this order:
- Trash
- Laundry
- Dishes
- Tidy items with a designated home
- Find homes for stray items
OCD & Organization: Finding Peace in Order
Contrary to popular belief, people with OCD don’t always have perfectly tidy homes. In fact, compulsions and anxieties around germs, symmetry, or counting can make household tasks more stressful and difficult to complete. Here are some ways to create structure and organization while maintaining peace of mind:
Create well-defined areas for items. Everything should have a designated home to reduce uncertainty and clutter.
Use consistent storage solutions. Visually uniform bins, containers, and neatly labeled spaces can provide a sense of order and calm.
Set a cleaning schedule. Having structured cleaning times can help prevent compulsive-cleaning while ensuring things stay hygienic and tidy.
Declutter with intention. The fewer unnecessary items, the less overwhelming your space will feel. Focus on keeping only what serves you.
Don’t Give Up!
No matter your neurotype, home organization is a journey, not a destination. Be kind to yourself, celebrate small wins, and remember:
Progress is better than perfection. Even small changes make a big difference over time.
If you didn’t finish, that’s okay. Take a break and come back to it when you’re ready.
Ask for help. Whether it’s a friend, family member, or a professional organizer (like me!), support can make all the difference.
Home organization should be about creating a space that feels good to you, not about meeting impossible standards. Embrace what works for your unique brain, and build a system that makes life easier—on your own terms.
Need help tailoring an organization system to fit your needs? I’d love to help! Reach out and let’s create a home that works for you.