21 Essential Hacks for Imperfect ADHD Closet Organization
Feeling like your ADHD and closet organization are sworn enemies? Ditch the (unmitigated) chaos for good with these 21 hacks! It'll never be perfect, but you can find what works for you. Discover practical tips to wrangle your wardrobe mess—no ninja skills required.
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21 Essential Hacks for Imperfect ADHD Closet Organization
When you think of ADHD, does the image of a perfectly-organized (whatever that means), well-appointed, modernly-lit socials-ready clothing closet come to mind? No? That's because it doesn't exist… at least not long-term.
That's why today I'm discussing 21 hacks to help keep your chronic mess a bit more manageable. Teachers working in-person positions, have no fear: there are some realistic ideas for getting clothes on and out the door in time for that first duty.
This blog offers educational content; not medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional for personal mental health concerns.
Before and after photos for ADHD organization projects often look fairly identical. The key is finding what works for YOU.
1. Embracing the ADHD Brain's Need for Simplicity
Although it may sound cliché, the first step in any kind of meaningful change is, ironically, acceptance.
Those of us living with ADHD, autism, SPD, and other neurodivergent (ND) conditions often experience executive function challenges.
Our brains work overtime trying to compensate for difficulties in planning, executing tasks, making decisions, and managing time.
The easier we can make the process of getting dressed, the less we need to struggle and waste that precious capacity. In this case, less is more.
2. Purge Like a Pro: Letting Go of Excess Clutter
Experiment until you find ways that work for you to weed through the mass of clothes on your closet floor, in piles on your bed and night stand, and scattered throughout your house.
Do not try to copy influencers or otherwise neurotypical people.
So while donating and selling items that no longer fit, for example, may work for your friend; it doesn't mean it is going to work for you.
I've learned a lot by reading Susan Pinsky's book Organizing Solutions for People with ADHD, as well as devouring all of KC Davis' Struggle Care material. I'm including quite a few of their ideas in this post.
If getting rid of a shirt that you haven't been able to squeeze into for 5 years is harder for you because you wanted to donate it, do yourself a favor and toss it in the trash. No one will know and you will feel so much better!
3. Capsule Wardrobe: Less is More
For teachers, especially after your first few years in the game, you pretty much know what to expect.
You can accurately determine, for example, if you will be more comfortable in pants with pockets, or if you really are allowed to wear jeans on Friday's without getting the stink eye from your boss.
Your goal here is to make your life easier by having a few comfortable, quality, nice-looking pieces of clothing that you can mix and match for an extended period of time. (See #12 Uniform Dressing for more ideas.)
4. Quality Over Quantity: Investing in Durable Pieces
This can be tough if your teacher salary is in the typical range, as we usually don't have extra dollars lying around to invest.
However, if you can save up and buy some items that are really made well, you will save yourself money (and stress) in the long-run.
Pro tip: Check the care label before purchasing and make sure regular cycle wash and dry is an acceptable option.
5. Clear Bins: Your Organizational Superheroes
Clear bins are the way to go for those of us whose working memory is not our strong suit.
For many of us, having something out of sight is truly out of mind, which is why we like to keep things visible. (Hello, executive functions!)
Clear bins allow you to keep a handle on where that favorite sweater is hiding.
6. Shelving Units: A Clutter-Free Haven
Nowadays there are affordable shelving choices for those of us on a budget. You can even buy a simple bookcase from any box department store, and use it to display your bins.
Consider keeping your most frequently-used items in the most accessible location, and less utilized pieces a bit lower or farther away.
7. Laundry Baskets: Divide and Conquer
One suggestion from KC Davis that I like is to have a bin or basket to gather dirty clothes in each room.
That way when someone is undressing all they have to do is chuck it into the receptacle.
You can even turn the tossing clothes into a game and see who can make the most points!
8. Laundry Day: A Weekly Ritual
Depending on your household, you might want to plan for smaller loads of laundry throughout the week.
For example, on my kitchen whiteboard, I have a note to do the kids' laundry on Tuesday and Thursday. My husband and I can usually manage with one load on Saturdays.
9. Family Involvement: Shared Responsibility
For people who have older children, you can most definitely share this job with them.
In fact, having each household member responsible for washing, drying, and putting away, their own clothes can really free you up to (gasp!) do other things.
Our kids are still pretty little, but I'm already training them by having them help transfer wet clothes to the dryer. They think it's fun. I know. Hey, it's whatever works.
If you're single or just living without small people running around, you can consider off-loading some responsibility by paying someone to do your laundry.
There are services now that specialize in that. I personally haven't tried any, but I mean, I totally would if I could.
10. Neurodivergent-Friendly Detergent: Sensory-Friendly Laundry
Lots of folks with ADHD, autism, or SPD (to name a few) are extra sensitive to fragrances.
We are currently using the All Free Clear brand for the kids and it seems to agree with them.
There are loads of options on the market, all at different price points and eco-friendliness.
Try them until you find one that works for you, but watch out for allergic reactions or other skin sensitivities. (Talk to your doctor when in doubt.)
11. Accountability Partners: Staying on Track Together
Accountability partners, or buddies, are by far one of the most powerfully effective ways to move yourself into action.
I used to be in a group that would just have the Zoom cameras on, without sound, and everyone just worked on their household chores together.
It was really great because I got way more done but more importantly, I felt much better doing so.
12. Uniform Dressing: Eliminating Decision Fatigue
Unless you work in a super fashion-forward organization that is legitimately expecting you to come up with original creations every day, consider adopting a uniform of sorts.
Show yourself some kindness and plan on rotating between just two to three pairs of quality pants, and three to five shirts. Choose neutral colors as well as classics like black, grey, white, and tan.
An important exception to the rule about quality over quantity is in socks! Make sure you have plenty of extra pairs of socks that are all identical.
That way, you won't have to go hunting when you're already late for that elusive missing sock that your dog scampered off with last week.
13. Professional Footwear: Comfort Meets Style
If you are a teacher, nurse, or waiter/waitress, you likely already know the importance of quality footwear. Long shifts with little time to sit make these extremely important parts of your wardrobe.
You want to make sure that what you choose is gentle on your joints, and at least mostly presentable.
When I was teaching, I wore Dansko and later SKECHERS. I love how their sneakers can usually be dressed up or down, and feel supportive.
14. Fabric Matters: Choosing Breathable and Wrinkle-Resistant Materials
Picking breathable fabrics like loose-fitting linen, nylon, rayon, or cotton, can make your work life much more comfortable.
Equally important is picking items that don't need to be ironed. Opt for synthetic blends and your mornings will be that much… smoother.
15. Clothing Care: Acknowledging the Life of Your Wardrobe
For clothing care, the most important piece for those of us with neuro-spicy brains, is to have pieces that can withstand a fair amount of rough handling.
In other words, don't buy the cheapest blouse you can find, and expect it to last several years. And knowing that, plan to replace your most well-worn items every so often.
16. Eternal Spring: Keep it Simple
Depending on where you live, make the bulk of your wardrobe something that you can adapt for temperature fluctuations.
Instead of wasting valuable time and energy putting away your sweaters every year, leave them out.
(If you're concerned about moths, consider putting them in a plastic bag.)
In addition, have comfortable shirts you can layer on and off to achieve your preferred level of cool or warmth.
17. Closet Zones: Categorizing for Efficiency
Another way to manage clothing is to think of your closet in terms of zones.
For example, have the front right-hand side be for displaying the next day's outfit. Or, have the clothes that you can reuse without washing hanging in the back left.
You can have your workout clothes in a separate bin next to your gym shoes. Whatever makes it more appealing for your brain, so that when it comes time to workout, you keep right on your way.
18. Closet Lighting: Illuminating Your Organizational Efforts
For those of us who have built up what Brendan Mahan coined as the “Wall of Awful,” around dealing with clothes, anything we can do to ease our nervous systems is key.
That's why installing proper lighting in your closet can make spending time in there a little more appealing. LED lights can be a good option for energy efficiency.
If you happen to live near an IKEA, make sure you go there because they pretty much make anything better. But specifically, here is a link to some of their wardrobe lighting options.
19. Accessory Organization: Taming the Clutter
Again, the key here is simplicity. Are you someone who really wears earrings every day? If so, are they the same ones?
Because if they are, it's no judgment. And the good news is you may not need or want to keep all of the 100 other pairs you have.
For necklaces, I suggest using little wall hooks and hanging them individually in the area where you get dressed.
Belts and scarves can usually be hung in a specific area in your closet. I hang scarves on individual hangers.
20. Hooked on Clarity: Hanging As Much as Possible
After I read Organizing Solutions (see above), I bought an over-the-door hook for almost every single door in our home. At the time, it felt a bit excessive. Like, why do I need this?
But I quickly realized it was pure genius. Now when I would get home from work, it was just as easy to throw the sweater onto the hook as it was to let it drop.
It's weird how satisfying that is to me. (Hangers, not so much! They usually make me lose my mind. Not in a cute way, either.)
21. Celebrate Small Wins: Embracing Progress over Perfection
Pick one of the above suggestions and try it for a few days. Tweak it to your liking. And then give yourself a pat on the back!
Perfection is an illusion. Instead what we are going for is making your space more functional. This is, in and of itself, very rewarding.
FAQs
How do I determine which items to keep or discard?
To decide which items to keep or discard, follow the one-year rule: if you haven’t worn an item in the past year, it’s likely you won’t wear it again.
Also, consider the condition of the clothing. Discard items that are damaged beyond repair, and get rid of items that no longer fit or align with your style.
What are some tips for maintaining a minimalist wardrobe?
- Curate with Care: Only purchase items that complement your existing wardrobe and fit your lifestyle.
- Quality Over Quantity: Invest in high-quality pieces that are durable and timeless.
- One In, One Out: When you buy a new item, consider letting go of an old one to maintain balance.
How can I involve my family in closet organization?
Involve them by delegating specific tasks depending on their age and ability.
For young children, make it a game to sort colors or see how many socks they can toss into a basket at once.
Older kids, especially if they have ADHD, need specific examples and instruction about how to do things and where things go.
Repetition is key as well as practice; not just lectures.
Don't just tell them to clean their room and expect them to know how, or you know, to actually do it.
Consider labeling bins with words or icons to help them remember each location. If that feels too silly to them, perhaps they could design their own labels using Canva or another software.
Takeaways
These 21 ideas are jumping off points for you to consider in your day-to-day dealings (adventures?) with your wardrobe.
Limiting the number of items you manage is probably the best way to get ahead.
Let me know in the comments what you tried. What worked? What would you add to the list, and why?
For more tips on managing daily challenges as a neurodivergent teacher, read the Key Neurodivergent Teachers' Guide to Managing Daily Challenges round-up.
