6 Simple Ways ADHD Moms Can Have Self-Control Over Clutter
I’m diving into the world of executive functions, starting with self-control. I know, I know – self-control and a clutter-free home might sound like a distant dream.
But stick with me! With a mix of faith, mindset, and practical strategies, you’ll be amazed at what you can accomplish.
We’re all in this together, and in The Accountability Club, we’re making big strides one small step at a time.
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Embracing Self-Control for an ADHD Clutter-Free Life
Self-control is like a muscle. It might feel weak at first, especially when you’re staring down a room full of stuff that just seems to multiply overnight. But just like any skill, with a bit of practice and these six simple tips, you’ll be on your way to a more organized, clutter-free life.
1. TRUST in God’s Provision
Hoarding clutter and collecting stuff often stems from lack of trust. To have self-control from impulse purchases and collecting unnecessary items, it’s better to trust that God will bring to you exactly what you need when you need it.
This mindset can be a game-changer. It’s about believing that you’re taken care of and that you don’t need to hold onto everything ‘just in case.’
When we believe God will give us what we need at the right time, we worry less about holding onto stuff. Letting go becomes easier because we trust that we’re taken care of.
Our faith in God can be a huge help when decluttering. It’s not just about cleaning out our homes; it’s about trusting God in the process.
2. AFFIRM Your Identity
As woo-woo as it sounds, affirmations and personal self-talk make a big impact on the way we think about ourselves.
Practice saying, “I have everything I need. I am satisfied. I am secure. I am whole.”
These words are powerful, and will remind you that happiness isn’t found in things, but is a state of mind and being.
By affirming yourself that you already have everything you need to live, thrive and be happy, you will less likely desire to collect more stuff.
But these thoughts will not happen overnight or if you just do them one time. It takes daily practice.
I like to anchor these affirmations to other tasks. Before you get out of the car at a store, repeat this affirmation: “I have everything I need. I am satisfied. I am secure. I am whole.”
I coached one of my client’s to do this during the Christmas holiday season and it kept her from spending too much money and making unnecessary impulse purchases.
3. PLAN Ahead Before Shopping
Planning before shopping is a game-changer for gaining self-control and maintaining a clutter-free home. This step is all about intentionality – going into a store with a clear purpose and not just on a whim.
When you go shopping, have a list. This isn’t just any list, but a thought-out plan of what you truly need. This approach helps you avoid buying things just because they’re on sale or because they caught your eye. It’s about staying true to what you and your family really need.
Impulse purchases can be a big culprit for collecting clutter. By planning your purchases, you’re taking a stand against spontaneous buying that often leads to items we don’t use or need.
Before you buy something you didn’t plan for, ask yourself: “Do I REALLY need this item? Does it serve a purpose and do I have a smart spot for it at home.” This kind of questioning helps keep your shopping aligned with your goals for a clutter-free, peaceful home.
4. SIMPLIFY Your Space Through Decluttering
The act of letting go is liberating. Each item you release something else it reaffirms your identity as a complete person, not defined by possessions you keep in your home. The more you practice, the more secure you’ll feel in your clutter-free space.
I’m a big fan of slow decluttering instead of extreme home makeovers. Slow and steady decluttering in your home will help your home organization to stick better.
That’s why we focus on just one area to declutter at a time each month inside The Accountability Club – my group program for Christian moms who want to declutter and create systems in their homes.
If you need help decluttering your home and your struggle with ADHD and executive functions, join The Accountability Club. You’ll get tutorial videos, community encouragement, and TWO group coaching calls with me – a home organizer and habits coach!
5. SYSTEMIZE Your Routines at Home
Creating simple systems for home and self-management is your secret weapon for maintaining a clutter-free life. It’s about finding routines and processes that work for you, making your daily life smoother and more organized.
The key here is simplicity. Whether it’s a morning routine, a cleaning schedule, or a system for sorting mail, the simpler it is, the more likely you’ll stick to it. Think about the areas in your home life that feel chaotic and start there.
Remember, the best system is the one that works for YOU. It doesn’t have to be complicated or fancy – it just needs to fit into your life naturally. It might take some trial and error, but once you find what works, it’s a game-changer.
Routines might sound boring, but they’re incredibly powerful for ADHD moms. They reduce the number of decisions you have to make each day, freeing up mental space and reducing stress. Plus, when you’re on autopilot, tasks get done with less effort.
While routines are great, flexibility is key. Some days won’t go as planned, and that’s okay. The goal is to have a system that’s structured enough to keep you on track but flexible enough to accommodate life’s unpredictability.
I dive deep into how to create and maintain these systems inside The Accountability Club. I share tips, tricks, and real-life examples of systems that work for busy, ADHD moms.
6. SUSTAIN Organization with Daily Habits
Maintaining an organized home is all about the daily habits and simple resets we incorporate into our lives. It’s about creating a sustainable system that keeps our homes and minds clear and clutter-free.
The secret to sustained organization is in the little things we do every day. It’s not about big overhauls; it’s about small, consistent actions. Whether it’s making the bed each morning, doing a quick 10-minute tidy-up before bed, or dealing with mail as soon as it comes in – these habits add up to big results.
The simpler your tasks and systems, the more likely you are to stick with them. Overcomplicating things can lead to overwhelm, which is exactly what we’re trying to avoid. Focus on straightforward, achievable tasks that you can do without much thought.
A ‘reset’ is a quick way to bring order back to a space that’s been used. It can be as simple as straightening the cushions on the couch after use, wiping down the kitchen counter after cooking, or putting things back where they belong after using them. These resets help maintain the order you’ve worked hard to achieve.
Remember, a clutter-free and organized home leads to a more serene and focused mind. When our home is ordered, we often find that our thoughts follow suit. You’ll likely find yourself feeling more satisfied, secure, and whole.In The Accountability Club, we explore these habits and resets in depth, providing support and ideas to keep your home organized. We understand that sustaining organization is a journey, not a one-time event, and we’re here to help each other every step of the way.
Join The Accountability Club
To keep the momentum going, consider joining The Accountability Club. It’s a space where you can find support, share your journey, and stay accountable to your organization goals.
If group settings aren’t your thing and you need more hand-holding, you can do one-on-one online coaching with me instead. You’ll get my eyes are your home and a more tailored coaching experience.
I’d love to hear from you!
So, how do you feel about self-control in your journey to a clutter-free life? What’s one step you’re excited to take after reading this? Drop your thoughts in the comments below – I can’t wait to hear from you!
