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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I'm a single mom with ADHD who is blessed to have kids with both ADHD and ADD.

My entire house was a disaster (quite literally, my sister feared that CPS would come and take my kids away) until I found a website called flylady.com. The system turned my life around, literally. My house may not be Home and Gardens perfect, but it's comfortable, lived in, and I can actually find things... plus that fear is gone. Some of the things she talks about are:

You can do anything for 15 minutes. Go try it. Set a timer (egg timer, timer on your cell phone, on the microwave, just set a timer for 15 minutes) and start in one place. Perhaps the daybed. Get three boxes: trash, keep and give away. Start sorting everything on the daybed into those three boxes. When that 15 minutes is up take the give away box to your car to IMMEDIATELY take it to Goodwill, throw the trash away and put away those things in the keep box. Then set your timer again and do it again only in a different location in the room (say your desk next). Do this in 3 rounds, rotating the locations. Then take a 15 minute break. The key with this system is to remind yourself that you only have to stay focused for 15 minutes. It takes the pressure off. Put some fun music on to give you some energy and something to occupy your mind. Something fun and upbeat. Thing fling, fling, fling... oh and make sure you have your shoes on, you can accomplish a lot more with sneakers on then you can barefoot (I know, it sounds weird, but it's true).

Try it, it works.

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Check out flylady.net. It's a cool site.

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I was beginning to feel the same way about my house & office when I stumbled upon www.flylady.com I whole-heartedly recommend joining her daily e-mail message list. I can't tell you how much it helped me!

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I actually did get a professional organizer last weekend to come and help me start clearing my house. I have clutter everywhere, and I still have not unpacked all my boxes since I moved into my house, even though I moved in over 3 years ago!

It was the best thing I've done in years. I can finally see my floor in my office and I now know where all my stationery is! My office is clear and I threw out five big black sacks full of junk. We only made a start, but I'm definitely going to get her to come back and help with the rest of the house.

Don't be worried about what they might think. If they really are a professional organizer, they WILL have seen worse, or at least as bad! You have no reason to feel ashamed. You will be amazed how understanding they can be.

It can be expensive, but see it as an investment, like getting a new fitted kitchen.

Make sure you choose one carefully, preferably one with a good track record who understands and appreciates ADD.

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yikes, who knew there were so many of us! for years i have avoided having people over because of the mess. finally i just got over it, ok after a few years of reading ADDitude. i embrace my disorganization and clutter, it's mine! but sometimes it even gets to be too much for me. recently i hired a woman who not only helps me clean but she helps me declutter. she is not a professional organizer. there are no systems to purchase, or somebody else's way of doing things. she is my clutter-buddy, it really works. we are friendly but not friends. it is clear athat i am the employer, and i think that gives me a sense of not feeling ashamed or worrying what the professional organizer will think of me. we have tackeld different areas of my home each week, she stands nearby as i pick up items and decide whether to keep or toss. if i say toss, it miraculously dissappears, she wisks it away. if i say keep, she asks me where to put it, and then poof there it goes too. my only task is to make the decision. i don't have to get up and follow-through w/ putting everything where it goes, no chance of getting distracted or bored. i don't have to walk around bags and boxes waiting for a charity pickup/dropoff, as she takes those with her when she leaves (bringing me receipts from Goodwill). it is refreshing and i feel really good about developing this system that works for me so far. maybe someone will find this idea usefull too and tweak it just a bit to fit their style. goodluck.

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www. FLYLADY.com is the BEST!!! Timers, 27 days, 27 boogie fling. If you live in CHAOS (Can't Have Anyone Over Syndrome) like I have in years past this is the greatest way to start reducing clutter and a great source when you have fallen off the tracks. Note of caution: Postpone joining her daily email service until you have started on the path of de-cluttering or you will end up with hundreds of emails that you must read and save, oops another type of clutter. As the FlyLady says set the timer and work until it beeps. Automatic break. Amazing what you can accomplish in 15 or 20 minutes. GOOD LUCK.

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My greatest distraction is stopping to read everything before I decide what to do with it. I try to set aside any magazines, articles, etc. in a box, to be read later. Which I never do. The next time I clean, they are usually too old or obsolete, so they're easier to part with!

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When I make up my mind that NO MATTER WHAT, I AM GOING TO CLEAN TODAY, I will go into the Family room and find something that goes into the bathroom. I go take that item to the bathroom & find things in the bathroom that need to go to my daughters bedroom. I take those things into her room and straighten things in there and find things that need to go to the kitchen so I head to the kitchen. Once I am in there, I can just forget about cleaning the family room. Now all that has taken 1/2 day. I did check out Fly Lady and this site sounds VERY promising. I am going to print out the pages and put them around the house and hope I can stay on track. I have a little 8yr old that has ADHD, I only have ADD. My 8 yr old daughter is raging lately. Her room looks like a tornado went off in there. Any suggestions for her room either?? Thanks!

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Ann Schide said: 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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When I practiced removing the shame out of my messes and started accepting the disorder for what it is, my life began to have more joy. Like Dr. Hallowell says, Just be as organized as YOU need to be to accomplish what you are trying to accomplish; screw everybody else that thinks they know how YOU should operate. Take back your personal power of being YOU, ADHD and all!

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My best strategy for cleaning up the disorganized messes is to have company over. For me, that means company that either rarely comes over or hasn't ever been over. Magazines or reading material need a place because I only take time to read them on long car trips when my huband drives. I will find a place, maybe one of those magazine holders that can be hung on a wall. I can put it in the laundry room by the back door. containerstore.com is where I'm going after this! I try to leave some in the car for waiting in the parking lot for the kids at school or to read while waiting for lessons to be finished. Does anyone here go to flylady.com? One of her tips is to set the timer for 15 minutes and pick a spot that your going to work on for that time. I'm a big timer person, and I think I can handle 15 minutes of anything. I really need to follow that advice. I've also heard of the power hour. 15 minutes of one thing, then 15 of another and two more times. Every day. Maybe Sunday's can be the day of rest, but I find that's a day of adding to messes. Don't be too hard on yourselves. Don't stop trying to organize, but don't beat yourselves up.

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visit www.flylady.com

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Don't waste another minute feeling guilty/helpless about not being organized and everything being a mess. This is another plug for the Flylady at this address: www.flylady.net When you get there, take the time to really look at the MANY wonderful resources for those of us with various challenges to staying focused, making decisions (the way our clutter builds up), understanding ourselves, etc. It will really open your eyes as to WHY we are challenged and WHAT TO DO about it! Why FLYlady? FLY = Finally Loving Yourself. I joined the email list, and I get reminders all day long to help me stay focused plus testimonials from folks like me about how they are working through their challenges. Don't let the website overwhelm you because it is so FULL of information - just use it as a tool to change your thinking about yourself as a failure, a slob, or a hopeless mess! You'll find you are none of the above AND you have lots of loving support from many thousands of others with similar situations!!!!!

Blessings to you all.

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I'm a neatness freak. My house is so organized that it doesn't really even look lived in. Makes my husband nuts that I'm so focused on it, but I can't think straight when it is not. On the occasions when the house becomes messy it tends to shut me down. And there are certain cleaning/organizing projects (like the basement) where I just don't know where to begin. Here's what I do when that happens. I came up with this idea for big projects after we did a big remodeling project and had to move almost everything we owned into our basement while the floors were being redone.

Empty the room. Period. Take EVERYTHING out. Clean it. Sweep and mop the floors, dust places you couldn't get to before, wipe down or paint walls that need it, etc. Then only put back in what you need or want. Anything outside the room that doesn't go back in either gets stored in the basement or attic or garage if it's necessary to keep it, or it's given away to a charity, or tossed.

Once you've done this once (and it's a big job), you can maintain it much more easily. I file papers once a week. I follow the whole "touch it once" theory. I open mail every day and immediately toss junk mail. Magazines, etc. get read or recycled immediately. Bills, etc. go in my desk and get paid once a week. Paper gets looked at once, and then I either toss it or file it. I'm ruthless. I toss birthday cards, you name it. It may sound a little cold, but being surrounded by clutter is not good for us. It tends to overwhelm us.

Just a thought. Starting from a clean, empty slate is easier than trying to organize an existing arrangement. This is how I clean the refrigerator, for example, or a closet, etc.

HFQ

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What is a professinal organizer? How do you find one? I have 2 children left at home, we are all artists and musicians and have jillions of projects everywhere. I have no garage, and we have many bicycles, canoes, kayaks and motorcycles. Most of the outdoor stuff becomes part of the eclectic decor, but now I've recently moved my mom into assisted living, and filled my remaining discretionary space with a 10 ft. truck's worth of antiques and memorabilia from her house. I will now have a few weekends free and am completely intimidated. I like trashbag methods, but this is going to take faith...and I'd really like help planning. How do I seek professional help? How much does it usually cost?

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