21 Organizing Closets with ADHD Tips for Teachers
Do you ever feel like your ADHD and closets are sworn enemies?
Ditch the (unmitigated) chaos for good with these 21 tips!
It'll never be perfect, but you can find what works for you.
Discover practical tips to wrangle your wardrobe and classroom mess.
When you think of ADHD and closet organization, do you get that familiar pit in your stomach?
You know the one.
You're standing in front of your closet at 6:30 am.
Already running late.
Clean-but-wrinkled clothes surround your feet like noble intentions that never quite made it onto the hangers.
Yep, me too.
As a former teacher and someone with ADHD, I've learned something about those photos from social media.
Not only are they not realistic for me; they are actually counterproductive.
You see, neurodivergent brains don't work the same way as the majority of the population.
That's why today I'm sharing 21 real-world hacks that helped me get dressed and out the door on time for morning duty.
No perfection here; just practical solutions that work with our ADHD brains.
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, or other neurodivergent conditions experience executive function challenges.
Our brains work overtime trying to compensate for planning difficulties, task execution, decision making, and time management.
Most of us, although we struggle with it, do feel better when things look less crazy.
(See the FAQs for more resources on the mental benefit of organization.)
2. Purge Like a Pro: Letting Go of Excess Clutter
Do you have to wade through piles of clothes?
It's okay. I've been there.
In her book Organizing Solutions for People with ADHD, Susan Pinsky talks about decreasing our inventory.
Sometimes to do that we have to throw stuff away. I know, it is hard to think about at first.
The state of the world is rough these days, and money is tight.
The problem is, we have to find alternative ways to get rid of stuff.
Perhaps ask a friend to help you get them to the donation center.
Just don't leave it up to yourself to do it.
As KC Davis says, you can't save the rainforest if you are depressed.
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'll know the answers to some common questions.
Will you be more comfortable wearing pants with pockets?
Are you really allowed to wear jeans on Fridays?
I know that was always something I looked forward to!
Your goal here is to make your life easier.
When you have a few comfortable, quality pieces of clothing in neutral colors, you can mix and match.
That way you get more mileage out of them.
And fewer gray hairs!
(See #12 Uniform Dressing for more ideas.)
4. Quality Over Quantity: Investing in Durable Pieces
On a teacher's salary, the idea of ‘investment pieces' might sound laughable.
I get it.
But after replacing a few cheaper pairs of pants, I can say it is something to consider.
Turns out squatting down to get eye-level with your first grade friend is hard on those seams.
Ask me how I know.
Also, check the care labels. If it says ‘dry clean only,' put it back!
(As the saying goes, ‘Ain't nobody got time for that!')
5. Clear Bins: Your Organizational Superheroes
Clear bins are the way to go.
If you're like me, the old adage ‘Out of sight, out of mind' is all too true.
Working memory not your strong suit? Same, friend, same.
Clear bins allow you to keep tabs on where your favorite sweater may be lurking.
That way you will know where it is. And, you won't need to buy another one.
Winning.
6. Shelving Units: A Clutter-Free Haven
Nowadays there are more 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 hold them.
Consider keeping your most frequently-used items in the most accessible location.
I'm on the shorter side, so for me that means keeping things eye-level; where I don't need to use a step stool.
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.
(Instead of walking down a hallway to find it.)
You can even turn it into a game and see who can make the most points!
Kids can get super competitive with stuff like this. So use the friendly competition to your advantage.
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 the weekend.
Ugh, that reminds me… (*makes note to self) Need to switch it over.
Speaking of which…
9. Family Involvement: Shared Responsibility
For people who have older children, you can most definitely share this job with them.
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. Sometimes.
Hey, it's whatever works.
If you're able to afford it, you can even hire people to wash your clothes.
There are services now that specialize in that.
I personally haven't tried any, but I mean, I totally would if I could.
If you do try one and like it, will you please let me know?
I'll add it to this article.
10. Sensory-Friendly Detergent
I don't know about you, but my skin has a mind of its own sometimes.
We use a basic scent-free detergent for a lot of our washing.
Do you have a brand you like?
There are loads (hah) of options on the market, all at different price points and eco-friendliness.
We are using All Free and it seems to work for us.
11. Accountability Partners: Staying on Track Together
Accountability buddies are by far one of the best ways to find motivation.
I used to be in a group that would just have the Zoom cameras on, without sound.
Everyone worked on their household chores together.
It was great because I got way more done but more importantly, I felt much better doing so.
We were all in the same situation, and giving ourselves permission to do things our way.
12. Uniform Dressing: Eliminating Decision Fatigue
The last thing you need is more decisions to make, right?
Why not limit your choices?
Here's what actually worked for me.
I had two pairs of black pants that could survive sitting on the carpet for playing rhythm sticks.
And three comfortable tops that didn't show sweat stains.
That was it.
Most people aren't going to notice any repetition.
Maybe a few fifth graders, and that one teacher.
But if they do, who cares?
You do you!
To make this easier: choose neutral colors as well as classics like black, grey, white, and tan.
Have a couple identical copies of each if you can.
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.
And Fido has made a run for it with your missing sock.
13. Professional Footwear: Comfort Meets Style
You likely already know the importance of quality footwear.
Long hours 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
Pick breathable fabrics like loose-fitting linen, nylon, rayon, or cotton.
You want to find items that don't need to be ironed.
Opt for synthetic blends and your mornings will be that much simpler.
15. Clothing Care: Acknowledging the Life of Your Wardrobe
Pick pieces that are durable enough to withstand several washings.
When possible, plan to replace pants, tops, and shoes every so often.
The idea is to remember they don't last forever.
I'm learning this the hard way right now with my limited sock collection.
Do as I say, not as I do…
16. Eternal Spring: Keep it Simple
Do you live in a fairly temperate climate?
If so, make the bulk of your wardrobe something that you can easily modify.
Have layers ready to pile on and take back off as the weather changes.
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.)
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
Have you heard of Brendan Mahan's ‘Wall of Awful?'
If you experience significant avoidance around dealing with clothes, you need some easy wins.
That's why installing proper lighting in your closet can make spending time in there a little more enticing.
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 example, I have actually moved to wearing gold/gold-plated studs.
They are less likely to irritate my skin.
Also less likely to tempt little sticky hands that like to yank things.
Ouch!
Learned that lesson the hard way.
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.
Along those lines, ever lost your school lanyard?
Put a command hook right by your door.
Begin making the habit of taking it off and hanging it there, so you always know where it is.
Or do what I do now and always put your clip on badge in the same pocket of your work backpack.
That way you don't even have to worry about forgetting it in the morning.
It's in the bag!
20. Hooked on Clarity: Hanging As Much as Possible
After I read Organizing Solutions, I bought an over-the-door hook for almost every single door in our home.
At the time, it felt a little excessive.
Now? I know it's pure genius.
Now when I get home from work, coats and sweaters go there.
And not the floor.
It's odd how satisfying that can be.
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 you just want to make your space more functional.
This is, in and of itself, very rewarding.
FAQs
How do I handle seasonal clothing switches when I'm already drowning in everything else?
Guess what? You don't have to!
My closet has basic pieces that stay the same year-round.
When I was teaching I would keep certain school pieces in a separate section to make sure they looked okay.
The rest of them go in clear bins or just stay on their hangers!
Where can I go to learn more about the mental benefits of organization?
Check out Marj Bates' article, “The Benefits and Psychology of Being Organized.“
She is a fellow blogger with an entire site, declutterbuzz.com, dedicated solely to decluttering!
Marj writes from a neurotypical lens.
However I bet you can find one new idea and modify it if necessary!
If you do, will you please let me know? Thanks!
What about looking professional while also managing sensory overload?
If you have to dress down a bit, I don't blame you.
It's not your fault that dress shirts are usually either too scratchy or need to be ironed.
I suggest keeping a nice, soft sweater at work.
And maybe a loose scarf.
That way if you need to throw something on for a meeting, you've got that as a backup.
What about when things are extra hectic?
When testing or report card season rolls around, it's only natural to feel a little thrown.
During extra busy times, it is not realistic to expect ourselves to adhere to the usual standards.
It's okay to look a little extra messy!
Take care of your needs how you see fit.
How do I know what to keep and what to toss?
If something has a hole in it, toss it right away.
If it has sentimental value, take a picture first!
Rather than creating piles of clothes that go to 10 different locations, simplify it as much as possible.
If you can get help, have someone else cart things away for you.
Takeaways
These 21 ideas are starting points for you to consider in your day-to-day wardrobe experience.
Limiting the number of clothes is probably the easiest solution.
Remember to give yourself some grace.
Don't be afraid to modify systems (or expectations) that do not suit you.
Please, let me know in the comments what you tried.
What worked?
What would you add to the list, and why?
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