first of all you need to get big black trash bag and start there. that is what i do when i have big mess to clean. i put on my favorite music and get start in. keep in mind this will make you feel a whole hell of alot better.

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I did both of these things; and just jumped in. It took me about 6 hours to get it all done; but some how I managed. I feel better in general when thing are neater; i feel more calm just because I think my mind is calmer. The key for me is not to let too much pile up. I still after for 6 weeks need to finish my taxes. Sometimes I think my husband is ADD but denies it by blaming me for driving him crazy or blaming me. The most organized in this house is my 14 yr old. And if she didn't help me start it probably would still be messy. I am in school finishing by BSN; and at times feel so overwhelmed with my job; school ; and the house. I am getting pretty good at juggling; but at times just wish it was just easier.

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Last or recently month there was an article in the magazine that suggested giving up the fight to be perfectly neat. I have done that recently and love it. My house it never going to be neat but it is neater than it used to be and I an happy with that. My new goal is to move in the right direction one step at a time. I have 3 teenage ADD kids, so we all struggle with clutter issues together. We have a new rule- no one leave on Saturday morning without a clean room and no one can watch tv without folding laundry. most of the time it works.

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Delta!

I LOVE vertical filing! And now, as you have pointed out, there is support for "messy" people. I have been this way all my life, but can find anything as long as no one moves my stuff. My spouse also has ADD and is a pack rat who likes order and neatness...but cannot achieve it himself. So we are at detante! The house is clean with clutter.

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This happens to me about, oh, every week or so. The only thing I've found that _really_ helps is asking my wife or one of my children to come sit in my office with me while I go through paperwork (fortunately I work at home). They chatter on about whatever while I go through stuff (though sometimes we listen to stand-up comedy instead), and they're there to say something if I seem to be rabbit-holing. Really, though, just them being there is usually enough of a help to not get completely frazzled and/or distracted.

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So, I'm posting from my super messy room, so I'm not one to talk. I agree with the trashbag idea. Thats what I do when I get so fed up that I clean (poor roomie) Then the trashbag sits around in my room for about a month. It's a cycle. heh. I play music or watch tv on my computer while I clean. Make your desk set up for work. I keep pens, pencils, scissors etc in a little thing on my desk. Can you get a family member to help? Before I left for college my mom dad and sister had to help me clean!! They kept me on task and delegated things. One thing I do is keep my essential things-cell phone, chapstick, wallet (and keys when I'm home) in one bag I take everywhere. I have a cute little wristlet that holds everything! I leave my gloves in the pockets of my coats so that I can always pull gloves out, since i know I won't remember to bring them anywhere! I got a bunch of accordian folders for my classes so I could toss readings, notes etc in there. Even if I didn't staple them (because I've been out of staples for a month) they're still in one place. If you keep everything essential in one bag and use that bag in addition to other ones it's harder to lose the wallet and such. I live in a dorm and I lost my key so many times last year! This year I keep my bag with me at all times, I never leave the room without it and I haven't even locked myself out! I'm still totally messy but for me managing to keep my wristlet packed and with me was a huge victory! It must be harder with an office because people come in there, at least my dorm room is just me and the roomie (although everyone knows im notorious for being messy hehe)

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roneydapony said: So, I'm posting from my super messy room, so I'm not one to talk. I agree with the trashbag idea. Thats what I do when I get so fed up that I clean (poor roomie) Then the trashbag sits around in my room for about a month. It's a cycle. heh. I play music or watch tv on my computer while I clean. Make your desk set up for work. I keep pens, pencils, scissors etc in a little thing on my desk. Can you get a family member to help? Before I left for college my mom dad and sister had to help me clean!! They kept me on task and delegated things. One thing I do is keep my essential things-cell phone, chapstick, wallet (and keys when I'm home) in one bag I take everywhere. I have a cute little wristlet that holds everything! I leave my gloves in the pockets of my coats so that I can always pull gloves out, since i know I won't remember to bring them anywhere! I got a bunch of accordian folders for my classes so I could toss readings, notes etc in there. Even if I didn't staple them (because I've been out of staples for a month) they're still in one place. If you keep everything essential in one bag and use that bag in addition to other ones it's harder to lose the wallet and such. I live in a dorm and I lost my key so many times last year! This year I keep my bag with me at all times, I never leave the room without it and I haven't even locked myself out! I'm still totally messy but for me managing to keep my wristlet packed and with me was a huge victory! It must be harder with an office because people come in there, at least my dorm room is just me and the roomie (although everyone knows im notorious for being messy hehe)

I use the same approach. Men's clothing being what it is, I can use pockets. I have so much stuff in my pockets that it overflows to my belt. I have the cell phone and PDA in belt pouches, keys attached to a belt loop (the same one every time so I don't lose track), wallet in left pocket, etc. I only wear shirts that have pockets, too. Same thing, other objects. This requires iron discipline when I change clothes, but that's only once a day usually. The rest of the time, my most important "stuff" is where I expect it to be.

The next level of priority is the bag. I started using them when they were called "day packs" and were for hikers. I carry a book to read and/or puzzle book (boredom is my enemy), lunch, ibuprofen, whatever. This takes a bit more discipline (I have forgotten), but long ago became a habit, which makes it easier.

Overall organizing is more of a chore, but at least I have ways of dealing with ID, wallet, etc., which is the most important "stuff."

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I suggest buying a label maker. You can usually get them at office supply stores or department stores like Wal-mart for about $20-30. It's one of the best organization tools that I have ever bought. Those of us with AD/HD need things to be labeled to be able to find them quicker. I've labeled my bookcases - cds, supplies, certain categories of books on my shelves, etc.

I would also invest in a Palm Pilot or a good cell phone with Outlook calendar on it. That way you can "put items on your calendar" and through away the piece of paper that had the meeting on it. Palm Pilots can rid of Post-its and completely help in cleaning up the office because you have things electronically. Even better, you can set "reminders" so that forces you to do the things that you have to do.... I don't know what I would do without my Palm!!!!

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I have lots of friends but none that are good for helping with my ever-present messes. One thing that has helped is finding someone who needs to clean up as much as I do, and who can do it at the same time I can (or vice versa). So much of my problem these days is not not knowing how to do it, or any of the other things that used to hold me back. Now it's that I have built up such a defeatist and lonely attitude toward the most serious things that need clearing and cleaning. It's the attitude. So when I can I set a time with someone and we each play music and work wherever we are in the world, but we IM back and forth. You have to find someone who has your same level of commitment to either clearing or talking, whatever that is and whichever you are most committed to. Otherwise you get frustrated by the talker if you're cleaning, or the cleaner who won't talk to you when you're freaking out.

However, it can work great for people on the same wavelength. You can even make a date with 3 or 4 people, so nobody carries all the burden of keeping the hour or day on track.

It makes all the difference in the world not to be alone. After all, we're not bad, or lazy, or evil, or crazy, or whatever we've been labeled in the past. We just are gifted in some areas and not in others, like everybody else in the world.

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Thank you Persistent! This is exactly what I need. My house is a complete messy (some areas need immediatte attention) disaster, not to mention those areas that need a good solid cleaning. It started to get a little out of control before Christmas, then craziness (for me) of the holidays hit and then my course (completing my Masters) started inJanuary...oh my gad...I am ashamed of my home (that I love dearly). I thought of hiring a cleaning person (I had before) I thought of calling in a professional organizer (I had before) but felt pure shame & anxiety at just the thought of anyone (stranger, friend or family) seeing my home in such a state. I do not have children and my fiance (CL partner) is great about not making a big deal about it but also ADHD so we are both feeling overwhelmed. I really like your ideas. Any suggestions on how I start?

Have an empowered day :-)

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