Home ➔ ADHD Struggles ➔ Disorganisation ➔ Probably The Worst of all struggles
Why Does ADHD Make Everything Feel So Scattered?
Disorganisation with ADHD isn’t just about piles of paper or lost keys — it’s about mental clutter that doesn’t know where to land. Your brain might skip steps, forget what it just did, or start five tasks before finishing one. It’s not about not trying — it’s about lacking the internal structure that holds everything together.
Executive function plays a big role here. Without strong internal timelines, storage systems, or sequencing, even simple routines can fall apart. Things don’t go missing because you don’t care. They disappear because your brain never had a solid place to put them in the first place.
Real-Life Impact of Disorganisation:
It’s not just your desk — it shows up everywhere. You might notice:
- You waste time looking for things you just had
- You struggle to follow multi-step instructions
- Your spaces stay cluttered no matter how often you tidy
- You double-book appointments or forget what’s due
- Your digital files are a chaotic mix of “Final_v2” and “reallyfinalFIXED_thisone” (this one is bang one! lol)
Things That Actually Help (That Aren’t Just “Get Organized”)
Because if “just clean it up” worked, you wouldn’t be here. ADHD disorganisation needs systems that match how your brain naturally moves — not ones that rely on willpower or perfection.
Visibility, Not Storage
If it’s out of sight, it’s out of mind. Use clear bins, open shelving, or visual reminders to keep important stuff in view — your brain needs to see it to know it exists.
Assign Homes, Not Just Piles
Instead of “cleaning up,” focus on where things live. Every item — pens, files, your wallet — should have a home that’s easy to return to, even when you’re in a rush.
Use External Cues to Anchor Tasks
Your brain may forget the “when” or “why,” so connect actions to something physical or visible. Example: Put your gym bag by the door instead of relying on memory.
Pick One Zone at a Time
Trying to organise your whole life at once is a recipe for meltdown. Choose a zone — your backpack, inbox, or bedside table — and build success there before expanding.
Why It Feels So Deflating
You can spend hours trying to get things in order — only to have it fall apart in a week. And the worst part?
People assume you’re careless.
You assume you are too.
But this isn’t about effort. It’s about expecting a brain that sorts like fireworks to act like a filing cabinet. You can get organised — just not the neurotypical way.
The Popcorn Brain Effect
Living with ADHD disorganisation is like having popcorn going off in every direction — mental tasks, ideas, reminders all popping at once. Some hit the bowl. Most don’t. And unless you build a funnel to catch them, they scatter everywhere.
It’s not about “getting your act together.” It’s about learning to build catch systems before the popcorn overflows.
Common FAQ
More ADHD Struggles
ADHD rarely shows up in just one way. Whether you're navigating life as a parent, figuring out relationships, or just trying to make it through the day — chances are, other challenges are tagging along. From executive dysfunction to emotional storms, there’s a whole mess of overlapping struggles that might finally start making sense once you name them.