7th June 2025 Written By Christina Hardy
We’re halfway through the year, and if you’re anything like me, you’ve probably made promises to “get more organised” back in January… only to find yourself stuck in the same clutter cycle by June.
The clutter cycle feels endless. You clear one area, feel proud for a moment, and then — before you know it — it’s messy again. You promise you’ll “do better,” but life gets in the way.
If you’re living with ADHD, this cycle can feel even more frustrating. It’s not that you’re lazy or incapable. Your brain just works differently, and traditional organising methods aren’t built for you.
The good news? You can break the clutter cycle and finally take back control of your home. And it doesn’t mean working harder — it means working differently.
Photo by Pixabay
The clutter cycle usually looks like this:
Overwhelm – You notice the mess and feel stressed.
Avoidance – You don’t know where to start, so you ignore it.
Quick Fix – Eventually, you do a big tidy, but it’s exhausting.
Slip Back – Without systems, the mess creeps in again.
Sound familiar?
If you have ADHD, you might:
Struggle with object permanence (if it’s out of sight, it’s out of mind).
Get distracted halfway through tidying.
Feel guilty and stuck when clutter builds up.
Rely on bursts of energy that don’t last long-term.
Breaking the clutter cycle isn’t about “trying harder.” It’s about creating systems that work with your brain, not against it.
Big projects = overwhelm. Instead, pick a small but high-impact space.
A kitchen counter.
The sofa.
The entryway table.
When you see this area clear, it gives you daily visual wins — and that motivates you to keep going.
Clutter often happens because things don’t have a proper place.
👉 The ADHD-friendly fix: make homes obvious and easy to use.
Keys go in a bowl by the door.
Mail goes in one basket, not five different piles.
Remote controls live in a tray on the coffee table.
If it’s not easy, your brain won’t stick to it
We’ve all done it — buying storage boxes, baskets, and drawer organisers before decluttering.
But here’s the truth: storage isn’t the solution to clutter — letting go is.
Clear first, then contain. Otherwise, you’re just organising your mess.
If something takes less than one minute, do it straight away.
Hang up your coat.
Put the mug in the dishwasher.
Throw away junk mail.
These tiny habits stop clutter before it piles up.
Clutter builds when there’s no rhythm to manage it. ADHD brains thrive on short, repeatable routines.
Try these:
Morning reset: 5 minutes putting things back in their place.
Evening reset: Clear one hotspot before bed.
Weekly reset: Tackle one drawer, one shelf, or one bag at a time.
Think of routines as “maintenance” — they keep clutter from sneaking back in.
ADHD brains are visual. If you can’t see it, you’ll forget it exists.
Use clear containers for food, toiletries, or stationery.
Label everything. Big, bold, simple labels.
Keep everyday items visible and accessible.
This isn’t about Instagram-worthy perfection — it’s about function.
A lot of clutter is tied to guilt:
“I should keep this, it was a gift.”
“I might need it one day.”
“I spent money on it.”
The truth? Holding onto stuff that makes you feel guilty doesn’t help you.
👉 You’re not failing by letting go. You’re creating space for the life you want now.
Breaking the clutter cycle doesn’t mean your home will be spotless all the time.
There will still be mess. Life happens. But the difference is:
You’ll know where things go.
You’ll have routines to bring it back under control.
You’ll feel more calm, less guilty, and more in charge.
It’s about progress, not perfection.
June marks the halfway point of the year — a natural chance to reset.
Instead of waiting for “someday,” why not choose now? Even one small step can change the way you feel in your home this summer.
If you’re ready to stop the clutter cycle, don’t do it alone.
👉 Join my free email list today for:
Weekly ADHD-friendly decluttering tips.
Motivation straight to your inbox.
Practical advice you can actually use.
Your clutter-free home starts with one small step — and I’d love to guide you through it.