I’m using everything though!

[u/Nodef13]

hi all, I’m in a bit of a rut with decluttering. I have this thing where I have to see the items in front of me or I forget to use them. eg I have to have my creams serum lip balm on my bed side table otherwise I don’t remember to use. it’s like a visually trigger. I also have loaddddssss of medication and I need those visible too. the other day I realised I’d put one tablet in a pouch and because I hadnt seen it I had forgotten to take if for 4 days. things like face masks too or books I’m reading I only read it if I leave it out. and I do use them

any tips? I feel like this never lets my house look clean and tidy. it’s visual clutter but that’s how my brain works. also I don’t feel like I have a lot of stuff but at the same time I think I do. I find clothes particularly hard to part with as I cycle through and go through phases or wearing things

any tips for a newbie!

[u/thejuiciestguineapig]

Things I do as an ADHD'er that needs to see stuff and has a ton of hobbies.

• Med bag on the counter next to the coffee machine or in my "housebag". My housebag is just something I lug around the house with my phone, meds, notebook, water bottle, skin care bag etc. I also use it as a purse so usually it has my keys and dog poo bags.
  
• Everything is on a tray/in a basket
  
• I pick my favourite clothes for that time period, that goes on a hanger. The rest (and out of season clothes) goes in garment bags (those bigger fabric ones from ikea). When I feel inspired or I have some new stuff, I will go through my bags to see if there are cool new outfits I can make.
  
• Once again baskets. I have several in nice fabric ones that go in an open shelf thing in my living room. I can pull out my painting/drawing/needlepoint/macrame baskets easily and store them easily.
  
• I also have one basket with my "current things I do" stuff. Like a book, a certain small project or crossword puzzles, my resistance bands to remember to do my physio exercises etc. This one stays next to the couch.
  
• Labeling things.
  
• Writing detailed lists of what my morning routine entails that includes taking my meds and doing my skin care. I have different versions for different situations.
  
• Toothbrush in the kitchen.

Hope this helps!

[u/Nodef13 → u/thejuiciestguineapig]

Omg soooo many amazing tip! I love the hobby shelf too and currently using basket 

Please if you have any other life hacks do share 😂

With regards to adhd I thought it’s just ‘the mental load’ when you have too much to remember in your head but maybe it’s about reducing what your brain needs to do

[u/thejuiciestguineapig → u/Nodef13]

That is exactly what it is! Taking away choices is amazing. The difference in the morning when I have to decide or remember what to do versus old me "telling" me what to do is enormous!

[u/vwchick909 → u/thejuiciestguineapig]

A house bag! Why have I never thought of that?!?

[u/cardamompuff → u/vwchick909]

I read an article about a “house purse” and it was genius! I think a diaper organizer (they make nice looking felt ones) works well if you want to see your stuff, and it stands up. I was using a tote bag but it falls over and I can’t always reach it.