ADHD Apps & Tools

Gadgets & Gizmos to Keep You Organized

Get organized with these byte-sized electronic devices and keep track of valuable possessions — including your sanity as an adult with ADHD.

Michael Sandler
By Michael Sandler Verified Updated on February 4, 2022
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Never lose your keys again with these devices
Never lose your keys again with these devices

Every person with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD or ADD) has had this experience: On the one day that it’s essential to be on time, you head out the door — early, for once — only to realize you’re missing some critical item. A desperate search ensues, and by the time you find what you’re looking for, you’re hopelessly late.

Good news, fellow ADHD sufferers: There are many simple (and inexpensive) fix for this vexing problem.

Consider investing in trackers – especially noise-emitting ones — for important items that you repeatedly misplace. There are several brands and varieties available such as stickers or plastic chips that can attach to keys, phones, wallets, and other small items. When you misplace an item bearing a tracker, you can send a signal to activate it, which will emit a noise revealing its location. For example, stick a Tile  (#CommissionsEarned)  on your wallet, remote, laptop…) and you can use your smartphone to find the missing item. It’s a dream come true for anyone tired of asking, “Anyone seen my keys?!?”

If you still can’t keep track of your keys, maybe it’s time to ditch them altogether. This keyless lock is opened using a 4-digit code or a small remote, with a heavy-duty deadbolt to keep you feeling secure all year round. The lock is easy to install.

 [Read: 23 Productivity Apps for ADHD Brains]

If you have trouble keeping track of the time, you’ll want one of these: A clock that uses a diminishing red disc to graphically indicate time’s passing. As the minutes tick by, the red pie slice gradually disappears. The clocks come in various sizes and can be purchased from TimeTimer.com. A software version can be installed on your computer’s desktop.

When misplaced papers or notes keep you from meeting deadlines, consider using a productivity app. Evernote allows you to store text, photos, and audio notes on your device of choice. Create “notebooks” and categorize notes for recipes, an upcoming vacation, product research, to-do lists, and so on. Notes are tagged with geo-location for mapping or search. Just Pick a task, choose the completion time, and the app keeps you on track by showing time elapsed and time remaining. Include breaks and use the intermittent vibration reminder to help you stay on task.

Frequent use of these hints will diminish your likelihood of losing items — and track of time — freeing up more time for doing the things you love rather than searching for that misplaced phone.

Organization Tools for ADHD Brains: Next Steps

NOTE: Please note that all names, models, prices, links, and specifications were accurate and items were in stock at the time of this article’s last update on January 28, 2022.

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