🏠 Feeling Overwhelmed by Clutter? Here’s How to Take Just a Little Control

It doesn't have to be perfect.

Does the sight of accumulated items in your home make you feel overwhelmed and anxious? Are you constantly worried about forgotten tasks beneath those stacks? You’re not alone.

Recent studies suggest that approximately 20-30% of people with ADHD show signs of hoarding disorder, significantly higher than the general population. This means you're ten times more likely to struggle with clutter if you have ADHD.

Whether it's piles of magazines, heaps of clothes, or digital clutter, as your collections grow, so does your stress. But because the task of decluttering seems monumental, you might find yourself avoiding it altogether.

🧐 Three Main Reasons

If you're struggling to let go of items, it’s typically for a few reasons:

• Sentimental Value: Each item might hold memories.

• Future Need: You believe you might need it someday.

• Financial Guilt: You spent money on it, so it feels wasteful to get rid of it.

As these items accumulate, they create both a physical and mental barrier. Indecision can lead to a cycle of accumulating more. Sound familiar?

🌟 Creating a ‘Good Enough’ Space

When tackling your clutter, it’s important to set realistic goals. What does a functional space look like for you? It doesn’t have to be perfect; it just needs to work for your needs. This might mean:

• Easily finding what you need when you need it.

• Hosting guests without too much preparation.

• Enjoying your living space without the chaos of too much clutter.

🛠️ Strategies to Start Decluttering

• Stop Incoming Clutter: Before you start sorting through existing piles, prevent new clutter from accumulating. Consider using open baskets for items like mail or daily essentials, and dedicate time each day to sort through new items.

• Tackle One Area at a Time: Break the task into manageable chunks. Choose one area to start with and sort items into categories: donate, discard, store, or keep.

• Designate Spaces: Once you decide what to keep, assign a specific place for each item. This helps maintain order and prevent future accumulation.

• Daily Maintenance: Establish a routine to manage your items daily. Sort mail, organize digital files, and return things to their designated places regularly.

🌿 When It’s Hard to Follow Through

It’s one thing to plan; it’s another to execute, especially with ADHD. If you find yourself struggling:

• Be Kind to Yourself: Self-compassion is crucial. Recognize that decluttering is challenging and take it one step at a time.

• Understand Your Barriers: Identify what specific aspects are making decluttering difficult.

🤝 Tackling Clutter with Help. Compassion, Safety, and Accountability

Feeling overwhelmed by clutter? The right support can make all the difference. Find someone who embodies these three qualities:

• Compassion: 💖 Choose a kind, non-judgmental person who understands and supports you.

• Safety: 🛡️ Ensure they create a safe space where you feel comfortable and respected.

• Accountability: ✔️ Pick someone who helps you stay on track with gentle reminders and celebrates your progress.

Remember, decluttering is about creating a stress-free lifestyle. Take it step by step and celebrate your small victories! 🎉

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Today is the orientation for our Flourish ADHD Women’s Support Group.

You Can Still Join Here for the July 2024 start date.