ADHD & Professional Organizers: How They Can Help

Many adults with ADHD struggle with organization. For most, knowing what needs to be done isn’t the problem – it’s consistently doing it. This is why working with a professional organizer who has specialized training in working with adults with ADHD can offer new solutions to old organization problems. A professional organizer can help you establish systems tailored to your unique ADHD brain wiring.

As a professional organizer and ADDCA-trained, ICF-accredited ADHD coach, I’ve seen the difference that even a few organization and ADHD coaching sessions can bring. Most of my work with my clients involves gently encouraging them and supporting them to part with their clutter, an overwhelming prospect for many.

Originally published on February 23rd, 2016, this article was updated and republished on September 25th, 2022.

Before

During the initial intake session my clients usually complain that they feel unfocused and distracted by the clutter; they feel stressed and weighed down but can’t seem to break the cycle. Clutter reminds them of the many projects they started and haven’t finished.  Clutter clogs their brains with unnecessary visual stimuli. Clutter makes them worry about hidden bills and missing documents. Clutter constantly reminds them that their work is never done.

During

During an ADHD-informed professional organization session, I help my clients set manageable goals based on their values, needs, strengths, and ADHD-related challenges. We consider solutions to organization problems that can be naturally integrated into their daily lives. Often, this process starts with deciding what belongings are worth keeping and what can be parted with. Though it sounds simple, sorting through things can be overwhelming and even emotionally taxing for adults with ADHD, so having a professional organizer there to help can make all the difference. One of my clients’ favorite assignments is: “How many garbage bags can you fill in the two hour session?” A few of my clients filled over 20 bags of trash and donations!  

Parting with your belongings can be difficult. A good professional organizer understands that and will help you celebrate every achievement, large or small.

After

The process of organizing with a professional who understands ADHD challenges can be reaffirming, invigorating, and restorative. My clients say that they love seeing their space transformed into a peaceful haven. Many say that new vistas have opened up for them once they have parted with their clutter, reporting that they feel empowered, liberated, and energized. This freedom and lightness has helped many of my clients actualize goals in other areas of their lives as well.

Clutter Challenge

Working with a professional organizer trained in helping adults with ADHD can provide support, guidance, and accountability to help you tackle the overwhelm of clutter and disorganization. With or without a professional organizer, though, I challenge you to spend two hours this week making space for yourself amidst your belongings.

What have you got to lose…except clutter?

Faigy Liebermann is a professional organizer and ADDCA-trained, ICF-accredited ADHD coach. She founded The Academy of Orthodox Jewish Professional Organizers, the first of its kind in the UK, and helps adults with ADHD lead more balanced lives. www.focuswithfaigy.com