13 ADHD-Friendly Ways to Organize Clothes

Life can feel like a whirlwind, especially with ADHD in the mix. Balancing kids, chores, work, and just about everything else can make staying focused on organizing your wardrobe seem like an impossible task. But I promise it’s achievable if you’re willing to make some changes!

A simple shift in mindset and a few easy-to-follow systems can work wonders in transforming your closet chaos into a systematic routine. It’s not about perfection; it’s about creating storage solutions that work for you and your family. And that’s where these 13 practical clothes storage ideas specifically for people with ADHD come into play.

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1. Organize Clothes by Type

Carve out a little time, maybe during naptime or after the kids are in bed, to sort through your clothes.

In your closet, hang sleeveless tops together, short-sleeved, 3/4-length sleeves, and so on. I personally like to hang my clothes from longest to shortest starting with sleeveless shirts.

Pants when folded over a hanger become shorter so they can hang in the closet before the sleeveless tops. However if you prefer to fold pants, give them a specific spot on a shelf.

Make it a habit to put clothes back in their designated spots after wearing them. It might sound simple, but this small daily habit can save you precious time and prevent clothes from piling up.

Slightly worn but not dirty clothes can be put back exactly in their designated spot.

2. Organize Clothes by Color

Organizing your clothes by color isn’t just visually appealing, it’s also incredibly efficient. You’ll know exactly where to put clothes away the next time you do laundry.

Not only does this make your space look inviting, but it also makes picking out an outfit a breeze.

Within each clothing category that you created above, arrange your clothes from light to dark shades. It not only looks pleasing to the eye but also helps you locate exactly what you want depending on your mood that day.

This also makes putting clothes away a breeze because you know exactly where they belong.

3. Organize Clothes by Frequency

Organize your clothes based on how often you wear them. It might not sound like a big deal, but trust me, it can save you time and hassle in the long run.

Keep your most-worn items in the easiest-to-reach spots. Hang them up at eye level in your closet or stash them on the top shelf of your dresser. This way, you won’t have to dig through your whole wardrobe to find what you’re looking for.

Each evening, spend a couple of minutes picking out your outfit for the next day. It’s like setting yourself up for a smoother morning. By setting out your clothes ahead of time, you’re giving yourself a head start and avoiding that last-minute scramble.

This isn’t about perfection – it’s about finding practical ways to work with your busy schedule.

4. Organize Clothes with Space

Give your clothes some breathing room. You know that feeling when you’re staring at a jumble of clothes, and nothing seems to stand out? It’s probably because your clothes don’t have enough room and they’re all packed tight into your closet.

Avoid cramming your clothes together on hangers or in drawers. Leave a little space between them. This prevents clothes from getting wrinkled and makes it easier to see and reach what you’re after.

Picture this: you’ve just bought a cute new top. Instead of shoving it into a packed closet, take a moment to rearrange things. Create some space by shifting items around. This quick habit can prevent your wardrobe from turning into a chaotic mess again.

Remember, decluttering and organization isn’t a one-time task – it’s an ongoing process that can bring you peace of mind.

5. Organize Clothes by Season

Organize your clothes by season. Now, I know life can get pretty hectic, but this little trick can save you loads of time and stress when it comes to getting dressed.

When the season changes, take a little time to sort through your clothes. Pack away the items that are out of season in vacuum-sealed bags or under-bed storage. This not only frees up space but also helps you see what you have for the current season.

Imagine having a closet that’s not stuffed to the brim with clothes you can’t wear right now. By rotating your clothes by season, you’re simplifying your morning routine.

This isn’t about making your closet look like a magazine spread – it’s about practicality and keeping things manageable.

6. Organize Shoes by Frequency of Use

Now, let’s step into the world of shoes – sometimes the trickiest items to keep organized. I get it, life gets busy, and shoes have a way of multiplying like rabbits.

Organize your shoes by frequency. Have a designated shelf or basket to collect frequently worn shoes at the backdoor. 

Be aware this will take a LOT of constant reminding of your kids to put their shoes on the shelf. Stick with it though. I promise it will pay off.

For shoes that are worn on occasion, store them in your closet on a shelf or shoe rack. Over-the-door shoe holders are okay too for small shoes; however, they can be a little clunky. Make it a habit to return church shoes to closets on Sunday afternoons.

Remember, this isn’t about perfection – it’s about creating systems that work for you and your family’s daily routine.

7. Group Accessories Together and Store by Type and Frequency

Imagine having your accessories neatly organized. Hooks on the wall or small bins in your dresser can make a world of difference—no more searching for that bracelet or untangling necklaces.

After using them, simply put them back where they belong. This quick habit keeps things neat.

By assigning a specific place for your accessories and arranging them by type and how often you wear them, you save time and ensure your style stands out.

8. Use Drawer Dividers and Bins for Folded Clothes in Dressers

I know how quickly dresser drawers can turn into a jumbled mess of folded clothes, making it a challenge to find anything. 

Imagine opening your dresser drawers and seeing each clothing item neatly separated. No more digging through stacks of clothes to find that one shirt. This is where drawer dividers and bins can be helpful.

Place drawer dividers within your dresser drawers. Shirts have their own section, pants have theirs, and so on. This not only keeps things organized but also prevents clothes from getting mixed up and wrinkled.

Once you finish a small basket of laundry (because you’re keeping up with it daily, right?), take a few extra moments to make sure each item returns to its designated spot. It’s a small habit that prevents drawers from becoming a chaotic mess again.

9. File Fold Clothes or Lay Flat in Single Layers in Dressers

Alright, let’s chat about a clothing organization technique that not only saves space but also keeps your dresser neat and organized – file folding or laying clothes flat.

Picture this: you fold your clothes vertically, like a file. This allows you to see each item without having to dig through layers. Stack them side by side in the drawer, creating a mini clothing library that’s organized and easy to navigate.

However, file folding means you have to keep a lot of clothes to fill the space in the drawer tight and a lot of clothes isn’t always ideal for people with ADHD. If you’re opting for a more minimal wardrobe, I recommend laying clothes in a single layer. Double-stacked at the most. This is especially helpful for those with ADHD who struggle with object permanence. This keeps all your clothes easily visible.

Just because Marie Kondo does it doesn’t mean it’s right for you!

10. Have a Bin to Catch Random Socks

Let’s address the age-old mystery of disappearing socks – a universal puzzle that can turn your laundry room into a sock graveyard.

Keep a bin in your laundry area or closet for unmatched socks. As you fold laundry, if you find any that have lost their mates, you simply toss them into the designated sock bin. It’s a small action that saves you from sock clutter and the frustration of searching for matches later.

11. Have Bins for Clothes that Need Mending or Ironing

Clothing repairs and ironing can often end up on the back burner, especially when you’re juggling a million things.

Label bins in your laundry area or closet – one for mending and one for ironing. When you come across an item that needs a stitch or some ironing, pop it into the appropriate bin. This ensures you don’t forget about those little repairs.

12. Hang a Bag on the Inside of Your Closet Door for Donations or Returns

Let’s talk about that familiar feeling of having clothes you no longer need or items that need to be returned, floating around your closet or room. It’s a common scenario, but this simple hack can streamline the process of donating or returning items.

Designate a spot to collect items you’re ready to donate or return. You can simply hang a bag or a small organizer on the inside of your closet door. It’s your go-to spot for items that are on their way out of your life, either as a donation to someone in need or for a return to the store.

As you come across items you no longer want or need, immediately place them in the donation or return bag. It’s a simple habit that prevents clutter from accumulating and keeps you on top of your decluttering game.

13. Just Because You Have the Room, You Don’t Have to Fill It Up!

Alright, let’s chat about a philosophy that can truly revolutionize your approach to your wardrobe – intentional minimalism. We often fall into the trap of thinking that if we have the space, we should fill it up. But trust me, less can truly be more, especially when it comes to your clothing.

Imagine looking at your closet or dresser and feeling a sense of calm rather than overwhelm. That’s the magic of intentional minimalism – the art of only keeping what truly adds value to your life and letting go of the rest.

Instead of a closet bursting at the seams, you have a carefully curated collection of items that you genuinely love and wear. Regularly assess your wardrobe and ask yourself if each piece brings joy and utility. If it doesn’t, it’s time to let it go.

Before you add a new item to your wardrobe, pause and ask yourself if it aligns with your style and if it genuinely brings value. It’s a small habit that prevents impulse purchases and keeps your wardrobe aligned with your lifestyle.

Remember, this isn’t about depriving yourself – it’s about choosing quality over quantity and curating a collection that reflects your style and needs.

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I’d love to hear from you!

What is your biggest struggle with keeping your clothes organized?