How to Make a Decluttering Plan – Basic Steps for ADHD Moms

You’ve seen those perfectly organized spaces on Pinterest and thought, “That looks great, but where do I even start?”

The truth is, ADHD can make it tough to focus on organizing and following through with a decluttering plan. 

The thought of starting can be overwhelming, leading to analysis paralysis where we end up doing… well, nothing.

But here’s the thing: you’re not alone, and you’re definitely not without hope or options. 

This blog post is all about turning that overwhelming feeling into actionable steps. 

We’re going to tackle this together, focusing on strategies that make sense for your unique brain. 

I’ll guide you through making a decluttering plan that’s not only doable but tailored to work with your ADHD, not against it.

Listen to the Podcast

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1. Make a list of all the rooms in your house

Start your decluttering journey with a bird’s eye view of your space. 

Listing all the rooms in your house gives you a clear overview of what you’re working with. 

It’s like laying out the pieces of a puzzle before you start putting them together. 

This one simple step will provide you with better clarity and help you break down your home into manageable sections. 

2. Choose a simple room or area to declutter first

Diving into decluttering can be daunting, so pick a room or area that feels the least overwhelming to start. 

This could be a bathroom, a small closet, or even a single drawer. 

The idea is to work your decluttering muscles and build momentum with a quick win. 

Starting simple helps boost your confidence and reinforces the belief that decluttering is not only possible but also manageable. 

This step is crucial for getting into the decluttering groove without burning out or feeling discouraged early on.

3. Make a list of each part of that room

Once you’ve chosen your room, break it down further into smaller parts or categories. 

I like to declutter a room from right to left or left to right depending on where the closet is located.

For instance, if you’re starting with the bathroom, your list might include the medicine cabinet, under the sink, and the linen closet. 

I like to declutter a room from right to left or left to right depending on where the closet is located.

This approach helps in creating a focused decluttering plan, allowing you to tackle the room piece by piece without feeling overwhelmed. 

It’s about making the task feel more approachable and less like a gigantic, undefined mess.

4. Estimate how much time each part will take to declutter

This step involves a bit of guesswork, but it’s essential. 

Try to estimate how long decluttering each part of the room will take. 

Be realistic and give yourself a buffer—things often take longer than we anticipate, especially when distractions arise. 

Setting time estimates helps you plan your decluttering sessions more effectively and ensures that you’re setting achievable goals for each decluttering session.

This will also allow you to finish one area and reset the space for when your kids come home from school and normal life ensues.

5. Set an appointment with yourself to declutter one area at a time

Treat your decluttering time as you would any important appointment. 

Schedule it in your calendar, set reminders, and stick to it. 

This commitment to yourself is crucial for making progress. 

By focusing on one area at a time, you maintain your energy and focus, making each session more productive. 

Keep in mind that each time you stick to your scheduled decluttering session you are casting a vote towards building a habit of productivity instead of procrastination.

Stick to your commitments.

And the best way to do that is to….

6. Get some accountability

Decluttering can be more effective and less daunting when you have someone to share the journey with. 

Find a friend, family member, a decluttering coach, or an online community who can serve as your accountability partner. 

This person can help you stay on track, celebrate your victories, and offer support when you’re feeling stuck. 

Knowing someone is cheering you on can make a big difference in maintaining motivation.

7. Plant your feet in that room until you are done with one area

Commit to not leaving the room until you’ve completed the decluttering task at hand. 

This level of commitment helps prevent distractions and keeps you focused on the goal. 

It’s a physical manifestation of your determination to see the task through, and it can be incredibly satisfying to know you fully completed a section before moving on.

As a mom, you’ve probably created a habit of always responding to every whim your children have.

It’s time to plant your feet, really evaluate their needs, and teach your children some patience as they wait for you to finish.

We would do this for anyone else – you should expect this for yourself.

8. Use a timer

Timers are a fantastic tool for ADHD minds. Especially visual timers!

They help you stay on task, create a sense of urgency, and can make decluttering feel like a game. 

Set a timer for a realistic amount of time and challenge yourself to see how much you can get done. 

This can also help prevent fatigue and burnout by ensuring you take necessary breaks.

9. Check off each area as it’s complete

There’s something incredibly satisfying about ticking off a completed task.

It provides a visual representation of your progress and serves as a motivator to keep going. 

Use a checklist for each room and each area within that room, and enjoy the sense of accomplishment as you check off each completed section. 

This not only helps you stay organized but also boosts your morale, showing you just how much you’ve accomplished.

Join The Accountability Club for Help Decluttering

If you need a positive community while you’re decluttering and downsizing your home and responsibilities, consider joining The Accountability Club.

It’s a space where you get affordable group coaching, share your journey, and stay accountable with your decluttering projects.

If group settings aren’t your thing and you need more hand-holding and personalized feedback, you can do one-on-one online coaching with me instead.

You’ll get my eyes on your home and a more tailored coaching experience.

I’d love to hear from you!

What is your biggest struggle – creating a decluttering plan or following the plan once you’ve made it?

Leave a comment below.