How to Organize with ADHD - Simple Home Hacks

[@Clutterbug]

For FREE breakfast for life with HelloFresh, use code CLUTTERBUGFREE at bit.ly/3OlWJu6! One breakfast item per box while the subscription is active.

[@planningthecollenfuture2851]

Is there a UK code? x

[@Julie-g1k6g]

The timer name

[@edennis8578]

It isn't just people with ADHD who get put off doing things when the process gets too complex. Retailers have found that if you add just 20 seconds to shoppers' purchase process, then they won't do it. Extra reaching, or having to take a few extra steps to get something, or anything else that complicates the process will cause most people to skip buying it.

[@alexisgs8800]

Have you tried Atomoxetine instead of stimulants like Methylphenidate or Amphetamines? It can affect heart rate as well but is less dangerous I think and it works well for someone I know. It inhibits the recapture or noradrenaline like some antidepressants do but it's marketed for ADHD specifically.

[@Rea7931]

Where did you get your shirt? Sooooo cute!

[@SusanMcBrayer]

You are NOT ALONE!!! I nearly started crying because everything you said is the same for me. I'm 73 and was only diagnosed with ADHD a few years ago, but I didn't take it seriously because I didn't really know much about it. It wasn't until a relatively new friend said to me one day, "Your brain is different from mine", and proceeded to tell me how much I jump around in my conversation, etc., etc. I hadn't realized that other people noticed and so I have just recently started looking for things to help me. I can't tell you how much I value your stories and the fact that you share your experiences with your community and give us tips. That mall story was me! You are so lucky to have been diagnosed this early in your life and that you are developing tools to help you. Keep up the good work, Cass! And thank you!

[@LaJuana558]

I’m also 73 and while not diagnosed, but does this resonate with me!!! I have to Hager my phone Remind me to take the trash to the road every Wednesday night!

[@robinking3255]

Me too. There are many things I struggle to remember and many I don't. My phone alarm would go off every afternoon. I would keep hitting snooze until I actually took my pills. Now my phone isn't working and I keep forgetting them. Next week I'll see the doctor and tell her now I know why not.

[@LaJuana558]

@@robinking3255 🤗🤗🤗

[@lovinglife3954]

I visited a friend I hadn't seen in awhile and she seriously told me she thought I was getting dementia. I told her it was my ADHD and she was skeptical. I often wonder if I'll be able to tell the difference if dementia happens. I was diagnosed in my 40's and had already been able to set up systems to help me, To other people I seem "rigid" but now that there is more awareness about ADHD (good and bad), people do get that I do things a certain way because of my ADHD.

[@Lightthebeam1980]

Hugs! No you are not alone.

[@fkurji9448]

Hi @clutterbug I am a therapist who works with people who have ADHD - I refer them to your videos frequently thanks for being awesome!

[@susankirk5298]

This is great to help me

[@afsahfarooq710]

You are too awesome

[@rainywildflower]

It’s not just “laziness.” But adhd often overlaps or comes with co-occurring conditions like health issues or chronic pain. Sometimes it really is too much to walk across the room or bend down to pick things up. Appreciate these tips for those of us with chronic health issues

[@eepsers1]

Lots of co-morbidities like depression, too, and that really depletes energy.

[@vicksta8875]

Purchase a" Hand Grabber" A nice long handle with a pincher on the end. Helps pic up anything on the floor, or things up high. 😊

[@Sourpusscandy]

I was going to recommend this too. I pick them up at thrift stores for a few bucks. One in the trunk of my car to get stuff from way back in there and one in the kitchen to pick up squashed watter bottles and etc. “no excuses!”

[@lorickena6636]

I'm literally in tears, never felt so seen. My whole life people just calling me messy, lazy, disgusting, careless... It's so difficult to deal with so many things running in my head. Thanks for this video, it makes me feel that actually there's nothing wrong with me 😭😭😭 what a relief 😭😭😭😭

[@reebertJunkman]

Okay seriously. First off if your whole life people called you all those things. ADHD is NOT your biggest problem. Having @$$ holes for people around you is… get good people around that support you. My brothers pulled that crap on me as a kid… I don’t frequent them, I have people who challenge me to be better and are willing to coach me if necessary. Find better people, let them speak life into your life and many problems will follow your old friends, whoosh just like that they will be gone.

[@lorickena6636]

@@reebertJunkman Sadly it was my own family, specially my parents. I don't have a good relationship with them anyway, for this and many many other reasons. Luckily I now do have better people around me that want to support me and that have understanding for it. The wound is just there, I am not diagnosed yet because only since this year I struggle so much that I can't go on. I feel so identified with many videos and just cry because my whole life looked like this and I would've loved to know I'm not the only one. 😔 Thanks for your words, I appreciate. 💖

[@tourmaline72]

Asked my mean sister to watch some of these videos so she could understand me better, had to remove her from my life for a few years because of her snide remarks. She is more respectful now and watches what she says when I see her on the rare occasion.

[@reebertJunkman]

@@lorickena6636 I get it. I went through the same stuff. Brother abused to point where they called DFS almost 50 years ago. You had to work had to get a call back then. Best advice I ever heard was No one ever died from a snake bite. It’s the venom in your body that will kill you. Can’t be unbitten. But you can choose your venom. I started small. Forgiving people, communicating with them, never said a word about forgiveness unless the asked for it, but I forgave them inside. I did this through prayer, some don’t believe in that. If I had reoccurring issues, I took paper, wrote all my feeling down as they came hate, anger, sorrow, if what they did came to mind I wrote it too, everything. Then I burned the paper. Have a coffee can full of ashes. Don’t keep it and run risk someone finds it. Took a while but it helps. Burned a lot of paper. Reams of it. But it slowly helps. Gotta get the venom out before you can heal. Finding this channel is a big step. Many don’t believe adhd is real.

[@onegorgeouschick]

​@lorickena6636 Depression is very real for us, that's why you need to see a psychiatrist. SSRI's work for me but you need to b very careful. You can't dbl up the medication if you forget it Just take it when you remember. I hv small, see-through containers with twist.on lids, which are numbered 1 to 31 (days in month), each days pills sorted once a mnth. Then you can see if you hv taken them. Take same time every day. Those I need 3 or more times a day are set on alarm. All hospitals shd hv emergency psychiatrist on duty. You will b a different person

[@pen5532]

So you will like this... one year for Christmas, there were three little tiny boxes underneath the Christmas tree, and I got really excited thinking they had jewerly from my hubby in them. Nope no jewelry, each of the three boxes had a copy of my car keys my husband hadxmade for me. The keys have been strategically placed around the house so that I no longer have to call my husband to come home from work 45 minutes away to bring me keys for my car because I always lose them. 😂

[@cheryl6612]

I put my car key fob on a carabiner and hook it to my purse or my jeans as I leave the house. If by chance they get taken off of one of those then they’re lost. I also keep a backpack that has mom stuff in it, mail/magazines to go thru, charge cords and an adapter for kids, and I store my purse in it when I get home if I don’t take the backpack with me.

[@idid138]

Sanity is better than jewelry, but add some bling to those keys 😅

[@fanasmehendi]

🤣

[@peacefulone4461]

Brilliant!! Your comment gave me some ideas to help make things easier for Hubby. ❤❤❤❤

[@lots2learn373]

Oh my ~ love does fit in a box... or three 😊

[@nicoleheppner6431]

I had to stop the video for now, because you giving us a free zoning guide has literally made me cry. I have ADHD, OCD (undiagnosed), and have been struggling with severe depression since last year. I'm so overwhelmed. My apartment is absolute chaos. I literally have mountains of clean laundry everywhere because I can't fold and put away. Books on the floor of the hallway. Craft stuff spread everywhere. I can't even find things anymore. I'm crippled by procrastination and distractions. Thank you for your help. I'm not even 4 minutes into this video, but I know this will help me to at least make some progress!

[@shariliming2441]

I can relate! Hang in there, you can do this.

[@SkippysBacon]

Have you made some progress? Any progress is worth celebrating with brains like ours. It's an uphill climb, I know... And if you haven't made any progress, don't beat yourself up. Consider this a friendly reminder to try again. You will get there.

[@andimac3925]

Send you good vibes. I really struggle with putting away laundry. It seems daunting every time. I am now sorting my laundry by type (pants, shirts, socks/undies, towels) and bought a 4 section laundry bin - I just started but its been a week of putting away my clean laundry because I know if its pants, I just fold everything in it, shirts: hang it all, socks/undies get thrown in the drawer and towels I fold the same way so its repetitive instead of changing with each piece of clothing. This might help, maybe not but know you aren't alone and just because things around you are chaos doesn't mean you are - you matter

[@clarabella1199]

Throw out 12 things and put away 12 things. Appreciate 12 things about your life. It’s where I start … hugs

[@christin4915]

If you have ZERO EMPTY SPACE than you have no space for clothes to be at. If drawers are full then you can't shove more in to put laundry away.

[@amyquillen2506]

I spent my whole life feeling stupid and lazy because i forgot everything and was always late. I tried every home organization and cleaning routine i came across. Finally diagnosed almost 2 years ago. Wellbutrin helps some. But I have to figure out how to make things work for me. I make lists for everything. I have white boards all over. I set alarms for everything. I redid my clothes storage, no more dressers. Keys go on a hook inside the front door or they disappear into the abyss. Music energizes me. Love you Cass.

[@nikkicoleman6709]

Same. Stupid and lazy was my mantra. 😔

[@iyaayas]

What do you use instead of dressers? I have one but it's been mostly empty except the top drawer collecting small clutter, the top collecting "important" clutter, and a TV. I'm finally getting in the habit of using it again and just throwing my clean clothes in there and only the clothes that I'm constantly washing and drying (Mt Laundry is slowly getting washed and smaller. Clothes are either going into my "when I lose weight", Sentimental, hand-me-downs, and give away bins and bags.)

[@craftedeyecandies]

Wellbutrin was a Godsend for me long before being diagnosed with adhd, taken for years for depression until it would plateau on and off. Unfortunately, I can only take the brand name because generic makes me absolutely crazy, but I can't afford it now, and contrary to popular belief not all generics work the same as the brand, and not all generics are created equal. The same goes for the adhd meds unfortunately. I realized that during the national shortage of stimulants last year when I thought I was going crazy because I felt crazy, lol, but nope it wasn't me it was the fact that for each of the 3 months prior the manufacturers were all different! It went from Teva to Abbott to Lannett and so on. My dr didn't even realize this was going on until I explained what I discovered. Even just now looking at my med bottles I see that my afternoon Adderall XR 30mg, which actually helps me is from good old trusty Teva, but my morning Adderall IR 30mg is from Lannett! I'm so done right now, because I've recently switched them around because the IR seems to do absolutely nothing, but the XR does! And this is truly unbiased and unplacebo-sized, haha, because I never thought of looking before this post and didn't consider this to be the issue. I just thought I was becoming tolerant and needed to increase the dosage. My goodness, smh, y'all please get brand name meds whenever possible, because this is ridiculous and we are not test subjects. No wonder why some insurance plans only cover brand name for adhd meds (with a normal tier 1 or 2 copay usually). Too bad most don't however, and fyi, you can find out what's covered or not in detail if you contact the insurance company's pharmacy provider(s), even before selecting the plan and they're all 24/7 with live customer service reps available. I've said a lot, but I hope it helps someone in some way. God bless!

[@robinking3255]

Thank you and I'm glad I'm not the only one who writes (and talks) a lot. 😜@@craftedeyecandies

[@robinking3255]

I think I put that in the wrong place. 😏

[@kaitlynlieberman7067]

Oh my God, the 50 first dates reference I have been saying my entire life. Glad somebody else can relate. When you’re intelligent and have ADHD, it can make you question how intelligent you actually are.

[@lauriepowell3959]

“Putting stuff away is too far away”. I have always put hammer, screwdriver, etc in my garage on pegboard. Then I listened to Dana White “If you needed this, where would you look first?” Yes, the garage makes sense that way, but I am always upstairs when I need any of those tools, so the garage is just too far away! When hanging curtains in my bedroom I had an “ah hah” moment and realized it makes much more sense to keep those small household tools in a small basket in my dresser upstairs. Now I always know where they are, it’s close by, and I put them right back where they belong every time. 👍 🦋🦋🦋🦋🦋🦋🦋🦋

[@sj6728]

Great idea!!!!

[@lovinglife3954]

I have a duplicate flat head and Phillips head screwdriver in my kitchen miscellaneous drawer.

[@JustQuixa]

Brilliant! On a similar note, I learned to keep cleaning caddies on every single floor (2nd, first, basement) and have gotten SO much better about keeping every room cleaner now. Only took over 30 years to figure that one out thanks to Cas haha

[@kaycep6819]

I keep tools upstairs and downstairs for this reason. It’s finding what works for your brain. Now when I don’t put them back in the garage or my upstairs tool area…oh boy! 😂

[@skybabe1959]

awesome!!! Are you a Butterfly? OOOOH I have a packed dresser that i'm going to clean out today! Petrified, but I know I have all of you and you help me so much!!!!!!

[@ambercardona4287]

To all the late in life diagnosed and undiagnosed, you’re not alone ❤ We have good days and bad days, good years and bad years. Never give up searching for your solutions, hacks, habits. You. Are. Worth. It. You are worth the time, energy, attention, and love. Trying, caring means you are not a failure. Take the smallest possible step for yourself. That is a win! Small wins leads to more wins. You’ve got this! ❤️

[@liap1293]

For many years I had a filing cabinet but I rarely filed my paperwork in it. I probably had a file cabinet because that's what I had to use at the office. One day I realized the filing cabinet just wasn't working for me so I labeled an amazon box with the year and started tossing papers in the box as they came in. In January of each year I sort through the papers which takes me about an hour. The best thinh is I actually feel GOOD about this method.

[@Nynnerz]

Cas, I too have ADHD and found a method to reduce my overwhelm. When doing any task I focus on “one item at a time” which gives me small wins. Folding laundry, washing dishes, emptying the dishwasher, picking up the house, etc., makes it feel more manageable and gives me instant results and the push to keep going and finish.

[@vonirkinshtine]

As a guy, so much of this jives with Adam Savage ("Tested" on KZbin) and his theories for shop and makerspace organization. Your comment about "no lids!" is like his "1st order retrieval". I shouldn't have to do extra steps to get or put away the things I use most. Between your channel and his it's totally changed how I tackle projects around the house.

[@SoundofSilence492]

Thnx I am going there.

[@tknows470]

@@SoundofSilence492me too!!!

[@kaysullivan7482]

I’m 72 yrs old. My whole life I’ve struggled with these same issues. Not until 2 yrs ago when my grand daughter who has my personality was diagnosed with severe ADHD did I realize there was a reason for my mess. I’m trying to change and your videos are giving me hope! I just am overwhelmed because I’m not young and strong anymore. But I’m trying to make changes. Does anyone else make the plan, see yourself cleaning etc and then never get up from the chair an actually put the plan in action? I swear I clean and organize daily… in my head

[@WriterOfMany]

As a 31 year old trying to get diagnosed, Y E S. Mentally I've done the task. Physically I haven't moved and don't want to 😂😅

[@debbiedebbie9473]

Yes Frozen and overwhelmed and exhausted.

[@caroleja]

I'm a 45yo diagnosed, as well as my daughter, and we know that m'y 80yo mother is exactly the same !!! 😊

[@jeanniesmith3705]

Meeee!!! I just need to move😂

[@WesleyStewart-c4g]

You're not alone Kay! I'm 51 and I know exactly what you mean!! I'm confident I can improve my house with these videos so let's encourage each other and hopefully make some progress as a result!🩷🌷✨️ Sending you positive energy✨️💫🌺🦋

[@DJLibster131]

My youngest is high functioning Autistic and ADHD…. I’m trying to organize my house to make things easier for him…but I find it’ll make things easier for me and my eldest son. I’ve come upon so much more clutter since we lost my husband/ their Dad almost 3yrs ago and I’m so determined to get my house back in order. Your tips and videos and personal stories are so extremely helpful Cas! I will say, I do have alarms set for sooo many things through my day & week. Thank you! (Love the little dancing brain on this video)

[@skybabe1959]

DJ what a story you have, you help others with your life!!!! Sending Amazeball thoughts, you can slay this!!!!!

[@DJLibster131]

@@skybabe1959 Thank you! The support and positivity is much appreciated.💜

[@dirtyprancing5930]

Hosting is My clean house hack! We love our friends and family, so we get to see them, the house is regularly cleaned, and something about cleaning party trash is satisfying

[@Clutterbug]

Thanks for sharing!

[@nikiakbik5896]

Me too! But I don’t like to do it often because it freaks me out at the same time. What it does is it puts me under a timer and I HAVE to finish stuff! That’s except what she is talking about! I’m gonna try that now too! ❤

[@Morna777]

We use so much mental energy just trying to remember what we're supposed to do that day that we don't have any left to go on a scavenger hunt to find something every time we need it.

[@asmr-n-texas1128]

You are not alone! I was diagnosed at 43 after spending the first 25 years of adulthood struggling to adult. I am sad for the younger version of me, who just thought she was a loser who couldn't get her crap together. I'm thankful to know there is a REASON for the struggle, and it's not that I'm "lazy" or "careless" etc. Thank you for speaking up about this stuff and spreading awareness!

[@HeronCoyote1234]

Laundry hamper next to the “laundry chair” (or laundry treadmill, or laundry door knob)…brilliant!

[@10whatsmyname01]

Also hooks! In stead of cluttering a chair with not-completely-dirty clothes put a hook near where the current receptacle is.

[@Chicken_Mama_85]

I haven’t been diagnosed, but ADHD definitely makes sense for me. Your ideas are very helpful. Decluttering using Dana K Whites method has been amazing too. Just the simple thing of keeping things where I look for them first is amazing. And keeping things where I actually use them (like permission to not HAVE to keep things where they’re “supposed” to go) is life changing.

[@rlf3c]

This is so helpful!! I don’t even have ADHD-I just have a toddler and a husband and adding those two things to my life has made me have sooooo much stuff and feel constantly overwhelmed. So if there are any exhausted and overwhelmed mamas out there-these tips work for us, too!!! Thank you so much Cass!!!

[@scottroberts8759]

I was laughing out loud listening to you because no one but someone with ADHD understands. Thank you Sharon

[@deniselynns3189]

As a person with mobility disabilities, simple and having things where you need them is an absolute. Living in a cluttered house is very stressful. Making small changes as I can. ❤

[@TheresaOrmsby]

The brain dump is a life-changer. Put it on paper and you don't have to keep reminding yourself. It is an amazing tool.

[@wewemcrhyne]

I thought today was Wednesday. Wednesday is laundry day and I’m almost done. Hooray for me!! I’m ahead this week.

[@stephaniepittaluga5057]

I echo so many of these comments - I am turning 55 and just learned that I have ADHD and listening to this video is SO ME - sooooo much perfect advice! Where have you ladies been my whole life ? 😅 I have renewed hope, FINALLY! Thank you ♥️

[@pross432]

You are absolutely not, I repeat, not alone! I'm 60 and I never considered I may have ADHD, even after my boys (now men) were diagnosed with moderate and severe ADHD. Who knew there were varying degrees of ADHA.... Even then it did not click, because their symptoms were nothing like my "memory issues", like needing a note on my keychain reminding me to stop by the daycare before going home. Horrible feelings of guilt and shame for a long time. Times are better, changes made and less self-loathing but still many issues like those you spoke of today. The info you share in your videos is honestly "life changing". Thank you, thank you, thank you. God bless you. Best of luck finding an alternative to medication.

[@fabienneroure9995]

I'm an expert when it comes to procrastination, getting distracted and forgetfulness!!! I'm also ADHD and I have zones/reminders all over my home.❤Take care and cheers from Ottawa. ❤

[@katherinebrowning6809]

I love your videos! Following your tips has slowly started changing my home from chaos to organized, and it has been life changing (and extremely surprising-I can have an organized home that keeps me from going crazy instead of making me crazy? No way!)! I have loved using a bring-back basket and found a cute stair-shaped one on Amazon. I have 2 that sit at the top and bottom of my staircase. I've gotten compliments on how cute they are, and I love that they help me minimize the clutter. Also, putting garbage cans and laundry baskets where things are piling up? Brilliant. I used to get so mad at my kids for leaving their socks in the mudroom, but an aptly placed laundry basket has fixed the issue entirely. Honestly, I've started to implement all of these and they've all been life-changing. Thanks for being relatable (ADHD here too) and helping me get organized!! I am not a lost cause!!

[@sonyad7723]

I sooooo agree!!!! NO LIDS in my constant storage stuff!!! Only longer term stuff for dust purposes and even then they are easy lids!

[@sonyad7723]

I'm starting to realize that my toiletries are CRICKET, but still NO LIDS!!!!! 😊😊😊😊

[@Clutterbug]

Awesome!

[@julesbartl9431]

Awesome tips! I've implemented a few already. One labelling tip: For those of us who are even more visual, or get overwhelmed by text, add an icon or replace the text entirely with simple visual symbols. My camera stuff bin has a camera icon on it, plant stuff has a leaf, sewing stuff a needle and thread spool etc. Same with my files and folders. Bank stuff folders all have a piggy bank icon, house bills folders have a house icon etc. on the spine.

[@connieluke]

I feel this in my bones. I’m almost 60 years old and ADD has plagued me literally my entire life. It takes me 10 times longer to do stuff than it does “regular” people. I do have a launch pad for my purse and keys, toiletries, coffee and tea supplies. That’s literally the only organization I have in my home. Of course, I overcome those fixes on occasion. I have to do organizers for prescription meds and vitamins/supplements or I take none of them.

[@consejosdemama6084]

I m not diagnosed but my family one day told me about ADHD and everything matches. I decided to go minimalist and use systems for everything and definitely has helped me so much ❤ thank you so much for sharing ❤

[@scarymary3144]

Omg you're not alone. I was diagnosed in my 40s as well, and I'm still trying to undo all of the negative self talk. For most of my life I thought I was just failing, and I was exhausting myself trying to fit into a world that isn't designed for my brain. Now I just accept the forgetfulness and embrace those lovely creative rabbit holes. Anyway, thanks for this. It's nice to know we aren't all out here all alone!

[@isabellabihy8631]

Cas, you were describing me. ADHD brain at its best. I'm currently struggling with establishing the zones. OK, my kitchen is the best zoned place in my condo (not my fridge, though). Then comes the bathroom and my tiny entrance way. The top 3 of my disaster zones are at number three: my sleeping room, at number two: my "library" (formerly my home office), my alltime number one: my living room, where I eat and craft, or just relax. There are loads of things on my "dining table". It is landscape of clutter. Actually the stuff there is of the "I'm keeping it" kind. I have choices of where to put all of my art supplies, my paper crafting and card making, my embroidery and knitting. And I don't know for sure where to put what. And the procrastination goes on. Of course I've heard of putting your things at the point of performance (I think I heard it from "How to ADHD"). In the meantime I bought a small table, placed it in a corner of my living room. I wanted it to free the dining table. While I'm writing this, all of a sudden, it all falls into place in my brain. Now I KNOW where to put paper crafting and card making, my art supplies. Wow, what a revelation. Tears are running down my face with relief.

[@MissMiaWallece]

I feel you! 35 years, I was sooooo lost. And especially the lack of motivation and procrastination were haunting me. I actually watched this video to finally get motivated to clean up my messy kitchen. Thanks a lot! 😘

[@SilvanaRametta-n7q]

Hi Cass. I am a single mum of 3 adult sons with ADHD and l can understand your frustrations as I have had to have alot of patience over the years. The latest incident that you would be able to relate to happened on my 2nd son"s wedding day. my 1st son's 2 and a half year old son was to be the pageboy. I was excited to see that he had arrived just in time, not a minute to spare. We looked for my grandson"s suit in the car so we could quickly dress him for the ceremony. Needless to say, we couldn"t find it and my grandson could no longer be the pageboy. My daughter in law was quite frustrated because she remembered putting the suit on top of a pile of items in my son"s arms as he was loading up the car. He felt really bad about it but could not recall what had happened to the missing suit. When they got home that night they found the suit on their bed. He had detoured back to the bedroom because he had forgotten something and absentmindedly put the suit down on the bed. Ahhh, the joys !!!!!!

[@j.annminer7163]

This was so helpful for me in understanding my children.

[@beccaroux182]

You're definitely not alone - you described my life perfectly, including being diagnosed later in life and then after a while on meds having to go off meds for a heart problem. ADHD is such a struggle, and learning how to navigate it better while unlearning all the unhelpful coping mechanisms that I picked up along the way is a constant juggling act then adding in being off and on meds makes it a real rollercoaster. Thank you so much for taking the time to try to share with us other ways to do things, and what has helped (and at times not helped) you. Even if we each only learn one thing from you (which let's face it, most of us are learning way more than that) you're impacting a lot of lives with what you do.

[@ac2055]

My sisters are the best. Everytime I leave their apt, they double ask me, "Are u sure u have everthing???" and help me check if I have forgotten anything. 😅 I also have many legendary and everyday stories of forgetting things: 1) drove 2 hrs to the beach w friends, only to have not packed my swimsuit, 2) Got off a train where my friend picked me up, but left my luggage on the train, so had to drive to the end of the line to get it (this was Japan, so no one stole it), 3) will go to a store to buy smth only to have forgotten my wallet 🤦🏻‍♀️😮‍💨🙄

[@Lookupandtrust]

YOU ARE NOT ALONE!! I was diagnosed this past year and just had my 63 birthday! I knew something was up in my early 30’s but really had it all my life just didn’t “Pay attention” till my 30’s when adulting got really hard with 2 children and and autoimmune illness that couldn’t get diagnosed! Listening to you right now just bawling … I have about 6+ things going on in my house with the main room upside down because I want to pack it all away so I can just breathe! We live tiny but living tiny means squirrelling all those categories wherever they fit and when you need them you have no idea where they are. The other day I had to pull over because I didn’t even know what day it was. It’s been really bad the last two months and I AM on medication! I started in the summer and it was a real game changer but since this winter it’s been absolutely horrible - Scary even. I need to change things too and go back to the dr. I really appreciate your transparency and your channel - Thank you from a fellow west coast Canadian 😊

[@stevieraec]

You're not alone. I, too, just had to stop taking my ADHD medication due to weird heart stuff. Everything is hard. I didn't realize how much the medication was helping until I stopped taking it.

[@jenb4298]

I am so freaking out with joy to find this. My mom, sister, husband and now 12 yr old daughter have Adhd. I x cannot thank you enough and I am so excited to check out the rest of your videos to help us all out!

[@juliecarr7893]

I have found that if I have to set an item down to open the bin, drawer or container that I need to put it in, I am most likely NOT going to put it in there, I'm just going to set it down and walk away. It needs to be uncomplicated and easily opened with one hand. 😂❤

[@ep.22]

I'm really struggling with all of this right now. Being an ADHD parent with ADHD kids, I just want to lay down and cry looking at how overwhelming my house is. Came to watch your video because i knew I'd find something to relate to & find small action steps I could take to improve. Thanks Cas ❤

[@darcifriberg1793]

Did anyone else see the dancing brain! 😂

[@joanwettlaufer3769]

Yes, but it distracted me and I had to rewind in a few spots 😂

[@agnieszkaswierczynska6210]

​@@joanwettlaufer3769I also got distracted 😂

[@daisyintl]

😂😂😂I was just wondering about this ...

[@jenniferchoi7027]

What’s the dancing brain ? A video ?

[@linako5107]

Go to the 10:18 mark in this video and look in the bottom left corner. The author inserted a cute little dancing image.

[@jessicabradley3710]

Setting alarms on my phone has been a game-changer! It just takes the pressure off to remember everything and I am less stressed because I am not missing appts/forgetting to do tasks. It's been fantastic!

[@craftedeyecandies]

Mannnn! I love you Chicadiva! God bless the squirrel-brain truth! When you said full squirrel, with the visual, I was so done and I had to laugh, because that is me (have mercy Lord). I get so depressed and discouraged when I wake up because 'I Am Squirrel' and never know what to do or where to begin, which leads me to either go back to bed or aimlessly go through my day just doing things as they happen or as I remember, hope that makes sense. The crazy thing is that I have a ton of important things that need to be done, but the disconnect is really unreal, haha! I too didn't know I have adhd til recently, when I was 39ish, and while I'm relieved to know what I'm dealing with, now the real fight is on between finding the right meds, the right tools, and actually learning how to use those tools while overwhelm is always lingering like the smell of mildew from that forgotten load of laundry in the washer! I digress.... God bless you for making this video and I am truly encouraged and motivated to get organized. I also would like to just say to anyone who is 'like us', and feels like it's all too much, it's too late, I'm too old for this crap, the world will come to an end or I'll be dead before decluttered, or any such thoughts, please challenge yourself to prayerfully put it in God's hands and start looking at this as an opportunity for a new beginning! Get excited that you have an opportunity to be the a version of yourself that you've been wanting to see for so long. I personally have felt like I'm so far down that I only have two choices, and that's to stay down and die or get moving and go the only direction I can which is up! And I actually want to enjoy the trip! The devil is a lie, I will not die under a pile of anything, but I will live a victorious life because I'm a child of the most high Lord God and that means I am more than a conqueror! So, in the name of Jesus I pray that we all get it together and have peace of mind, with homes that make sense for us! God bless y'all, much love! P. S.... Please don't be turned off if you don't believe spiritually the way I do. Get some accountability and still get busy doing all the things!

[@abroussard1661]

I love this attitude!🎉

[@kaycep6819]

I am with you and I love that you call her Chicadiva! So cute!!!

[@marilynndesilva7620]

You may have ADHD, but you express yourself very well. ("... overwhelm is always lingering like the smell of mildew from that forgotten load of laundry in the washer!"😂) God bless and take you by the hand. P.S. I'm beginning to think that most of humanity is ADHD!

[@craftedeyecandies]

@@marilynndesilva7620 I appreciate the compliment, and you gave me my first laugh, and smile of the day! God bless you as well!!

[@JoyJoy-ki8uh]

My husband "affectionately" calls me his Squirrel Girl. 😂 He handles my ADD better than I do. He won't let me get down on myself. He will remind me of things often to help me, but not to the point I get dependent on him. He knows it's always worse in times of stress. I think acceptance that it's in my family and acknowledging that I have it, too, was half the battle. I've learned a lot of coping skills over the years, much like she covers in this video. One thing I'm going to implement is using a timer.

[@anneross9948]

You are amazing. ADHD is rampant in my family some have OCD and I have PTSD and depression and anxiety on top of my undiagnosed ADD. My son and daughter and Grandson have been diagnosed. Watching you for the first time today has given me hope. I worked for 25 years as a ambulance officer and had to leave due to brain injury and your video has helped me so much more than Drs and therapists I actually see me having a home that has homes for everything and I can't wait to share this with my daughter. I know it will take time but I'm so happy to have a realistic reference. Thank you so much for taking time to help us!

[@artsyerinlife]

Your shoe story is hallarious. I can relate. I so enjoy your sense of humor and ability to laugh at life.

[@Mona-zp7jl]

The recycling bin where you drink pops is such a great idea! Right now I live with my undiagnosed mother who is not as nitpicky as me, but when I have my own apartment I know I'll have different colour laundry baskets in the laundry room because that one leftover white sock after I just started the washer drives me crazy

[@StampedAF]

You are so not alone. The hormonal changes with perimenopause made my ADHD so much worse I didn’t even know I had it before all of this and it is unbelievable. I laughed out loud when you said that you do one thing each day because I literally have been doing that this week. I have to conserve my energy and after the workday I have one task I can do like drop this off at UPS one day go to the post office one day get gas one day like my band width is low.

[@lisawhitehall1870]

@StampedAF .....FINALLY..I finally "get" what the hell bandwidth even meant!..but after reading all..I grasp low bandwidth. Yeaaah 😢

[@MJBRigby]

I love this!! 63 years old, and just realized a couple years ago that I’ve had ADHD my whole life! Also in addition to the awesome timer tip, ( and all of them) I like to double up on the clutter and my steps for the day.… It’s so nice to get two great things for the price of one. At the end of my decluttering session I have also added lots of steps to my total for the day.

[@petrakihlstrom8163]

My son have adhd and in his wardrobe I have big bins ( no lids) with labels. It's easy to see where the clothes belong. 😊

[@mariarylin4444]

U've literally changed my life!! From totally caos to manage my home with a bunge of kids, also with ADHD.... when I realized there was severall ways to organize things I cried. Always thougt I was useless and lazy. But thanks to U I know better🙏 thank U from my heart❤ //a Swedish mum with ADHD AND things sorted out😊

[@cvweekendercvweekender4005]

You are not alone with the adhd! I have those “ return the shoes to the mall“ moments TOO often myself! Don’t feel bad. L O L😂

[@flipperjw]

OMG! Yes. Yes. Yes. Thank you for this. I have undiagnosed ADHD. My 11 year old has diagnosed ADHD. I am constantly trying to help her organize her room while I struggle to keep the house organized.

[@Anyankah]

“We’re lazy. We’re not lazy but”… soo accurate 😂🥰

[@nancymeister4803]

If anything, we are the energizer bunny! It takes SOOOO much more time, energy, strength, bandwidth, self-control, and attempts to focus than those without ADHD. It's exhausting!

[@Anyankah]

@@nancymeister4803yep, my kids and I are a fun spectrum of squirrel moments! We’re even moderately productive, but don’t ask us what we did because we don’t know because we did something in every single room!

[@RealtyByteswithGenXJaye]

I'm so glad I found this - I was already doing some of these tricks (after years and years of failure) but there are some great ideas and reinforcement here. I just got diagnosed with ADHD at 58 and it was a relief - I was sick of wondering what the heck was wrong with me.

[@hl1046]

I’m so happy you have ADHD. Your humor makes me feel so much better identifying with the same feelings! You’ve also helped me tremendously dealing with it. Thank you! 😊

[@jocelyngash4077]

You are sooooo not alone I am 70 years young I had adhdbefore they knew what to call it I was a “hand full” every thing you describe is me I count down from 5 and then do the next item on my list I love your pointers they are incredibly helpful I feel validated by your sharing Thank you

[@cindysmith9213]

Dear boyfriend struggle with this. He is reaching out for help. 🤗 Proud of him. I'm also in the same area with the Autism, stress and too much clutter. So your coaching is well appreciated.

[@annadaley6486]

Thank you! Those tips of no lids, simple steps, and "look at where you're already dumping your stuff" made a lot of sense. I took a hard look at my front entry, which has been a chronic problem. We're gonna try something new!!!

[@darlenebergantzel1534]

I discovered that having multiples of items I use in multiple places solved the problem of putting things away. For example, I use scissors in the kitchen, office, and my bedroom/bathroom. By buying 3 pair, I was able to put them back in their home after using, rather than just setting them down where I last used them and then spend time looking for them the next time I needed them. I consistently waited until the last minute to complete a project in high school, college, and work life. I never understood why until you shared it’s the dopamine rush.

[@voiceojane]

Same, point of use combined with easy to put away solves so many problems! I have multiple desk supply mugs with tape, scissors, pens and scribble pads wherever I use that stuff.

[@MeeNuFer]

Oh my goodness - thank you SO much for your video 🥰 I haven't been diagnosed with anything but what you said about living in chaos makes me feel like I have ADHD rang so true😊 Even during medication changes, the fact that you are helping people to make a difference in our own lives is truly amazing and thank you for having such a beautiful heart to look after others 🥰

[@mountainwoodcamp1638]

I appreciate your story about going to the mall empty-handed and shopping instead of returning the thing. Makes me think maybe I should try the medication too.

[@queenecarg]

I’m 77 (gulp) years old and although I have not been formally diagnosed, I know I have ADHD. Not so much the H part but ALL of the other. I have been like this all my life and it is a relief to know what has been wrong all this time. Thank you for your help!!

[@fabienneclavier5984]

My mother is the same age as you and I am pretty sure she has adhd too. So I'm trying to help her with tips that could make things easier for her.

[@alishamccormack6972]

You are definitely not alone. I haven’t been diagnosed but I sure do have the same behaviors and forgetfulness. It really is a struggle. However, people like you make it better to manage and also feel like part of a wonderful tribe of friends.

[@flannerycrittendon1733]

I got diagnosed in fourth grade and I am now 37. Medication, routine and these videos have helped me immensely!

[@Clutterbug]

I'm so glad!

[@JudyKemp-e9o]

I have trouble getting started on a pile of dishes that need washing, now after hearing your advice I run some water and soak a few at a time, they get washed, dried and put away and I do another batch. The other thing is I am a visual person but hate the clutter I create, I had never thought of putting things in boxes with labels, I can visualise what’s in the boxes from the label without having to actually see everything, hopefully no more clutter, well less, because things will have a home. Please keep getting your followers to ask for help with their problems because I’m sure they will come up with unusual requests and you seem to have solutions for everything. You are by far the most helpful decluttering/keep your house tidy person on You Tube. Thank you.

[@nikkilesley2525]

Thank you! Finally, something I can relate to! There are other videos out there but even they are too distracting as they have more going on than I need and I wind up skipping them.

[@jeannesprouse6151]

You are talking about the coping skills I learned growing up because I'm too old to have been diagnosed with ADHD while I was young.

[@christinemiller9620]

Thanks for sharing your shoe/ mall story…so relatable! I ‘TRY’ to give myself an extra 5 minutes before leaving the house for the inevitable, pause and check what I’ve forgotten and go back in the house often 2-3x🫤 and YET, more times than I’d like I still forget something 😵‍💫 Your advice has been extremely beneficial- Thank you!!! Your humor and honesty- fun and refreshing 😁

[@AzyAzora]

@clutterbug YOU ARE AWESOME! 😎My 78 year-old mother who is like me just showed me your video and I have never really understood why I was so "lazy". Every minute I related to something you were saying! 🤯I had constant goosebumps throughout the whole video and I happy cried! 😭I'm gonna watch more and try your ideas. I haven't been diagnosed but now I'm 100% sure I have ADHD and I'm 38.

[@deloreshall5459]

Hey Cass. I feel ya. Strong family of ADHD. My son also has and is on the spectrum. I appreciate all your tips. I also care for my Mom with escalating dementia. Sometimes I feel like I have ADHD by association. Been on a organizing, decluttering journey and it has helped my anxiety. Thanks for being a FRIEND👭

[@carriemainquist757]

Oh. The segment at the end. Love you the: honesty, truthiness and courage. Oh yeah, the organizing tips were😢 great toi!

[@amyhowson2824]

I use a blend of essential oils to help me focus. My husband laughed at me at first but even he had to admit that I can now sit down and do my accounting. Being able to focus is amazing to me.

[@ninnymuggins5159]

Which essential oils help you?

[@thatswhatisaid8908]

Please tell us?

[@rover790]

Yes, please do tell

[@cheryl6612]

Yes please share as I have been wanting to try essential oils and am lost as to where to start.

[@amyhowson2824]

I use a blend of 15 drops each of Cedarwood, Lavender and Vetiver and mix those oils into 1 TBSP of Grapeseed or Coconut oil (this works as a carrier oil).@@ninnymuggins5159 @thatswhatisaid8908 @rover790 @cheryl6612

[@wradraws]

This honestly makes so much more sense, like I didn't even know what executive disfunction was, was always procrastinating, and with no set timeframe I got nothing done, but it all makes sense. Not only are lists important, they've honestly saved me before when I was at a store and started to dissociate. And probably the funniest thing about the storage bin thing is I had done that a long time ago and never realised how necessary and useful that little factor was in my day to day life.

[@swrigley9861]

I feel you on the whole forgetful thing! If I need to take something somewhere I have to either put it in my car right when I first think of it or put a post it note on the steering wheel so I won't drive away without going to get it.

[@rover790]

That's exactly what I do.

[@Richany.]

Your mall experience is my life. I thought I was the only one in the world who did this. It's made me socially awkward bc I just feel so dumb all the time. Your suggestions make perfect sense to me. THANK YOU SO MUCH for sharing your humanity with us and for your unparalleled expertise.

[@tiffanysanta]

I fell like have been trying to do this style on my own and made a huge macro or micro list and I’m STILL working on it months later because it’s soooo overwhelming. And that was after googling and googling. How did I never find you? You and this video are literally an answer to prayer. Thank you! I hit subscribe at 3 minutes, downloading onto my phone, sent to my daughters for encouragement and help implementing and I am excited! …when I clean first I grab all the clothes and put them together. I put all the bathroom stuff together. All the office, crafts, tools, pantry, laundry room, with the goal of purging stuff down and reorganizing , and I eventually get stuck. Then stuff gets mixed again and the cycle continues. My daughter doesn’t get it. She’s like just pick it up and decide if you want to give it away, toss it or just put it where it goes. Well I need to see all what I have first and I don’t know right now OK? LOL. I’m not diagnosed with anything (but have chronic pain and multiple surgeries )and am really curious if that could be ADHD? Thoughts?

[@Justme0528]

I'm like that too. I never once thought I may have adhd until I was in my late 20s. It helps to know I'm not just crazy lol.

[@activatedadhdmama]

Finding ways to manage my home and family as a mom with ADHD has been key.

[@jacquelynmoloney6172]

I don't have ADHD but loved this video Cas. The brain and the squirrel 😂😂

[@ADHDLifeNow]

I love making zones and using them! This is amazing for my ADHD brain and helps a lot

[@michellewhite7706]

You’ve really inspired me to look at my ADHD as an asset instead of a disability. Thank you for your wonderful tips and ideas and most of all, your positivity. You’ve told my story and you’re not alone, thank you again!

[@kristicox9262]

So so not alone! I can't tell you how many times I've gone to the grocery store, walked in and asked myself (or my poor daughter) "why are we here?" LOL

[@SuperTiffyLynne]

We have switched to "family socks". We all wear the same size socks now. I put a dresser in my entryway closet. Now all the socks live in the closet, along with the hats, gloves and scarves. It's so much easier to get out the door in the morning. Our coats are in that closet and the shoes are also in the entryway.

[@susannekoster511]

I love everything you said. You are so inspirational to myself and my family. I appreciate you so much. My home is 1100 square feet with 4 adults (3 generations) and SO MANY animals. I have been going thru the main part of the house including my bedroom. My home has always been organized but I had entirely too much stuff. Now I'm purging and organizing. I moved all of my cages into the living room/dining room areas. Two parrots, three rats, two guinea pigs, and a 90 gallon fish tank. It makes cleaning cages much more efficient. And spending time with them is easier as well. My next step is my art/ craft studio. I'm taking ALL of your advice and letting go. I have probably 30 unfinished projects. One is actually 35 years old. As things are leaving the house I actually do feel less guilty about the purchase and the procrastination that got me here. And the house feels lighter. My mom and daughter have been watching your videos with me and they have been cleaning their rooms as well. My daughter has a lot of health issues and has hoarder tendencies. The type that hides her stuff. She has the entire second floor of the house and has spilled over to the main floor, the basement and the garage. I'm so proud of her, she pulled everything out of every drawer and purged. (This is a girl who wouldn't even part with a piece of paper) She even got rid of 70%of her jewelry. She's even ready to part with her entire American Girl collection. 15 dolls and the Bitty Twins and all the STUFF. Thank you for helping us help ourselves. 😊❤

[@RainbowPyramid]

THANK YOU. Today I am applying your tip "label the crap out of everything". I keep tidying up and forgetting what is in which drawer, so I am labelling drawers and bins that I have already tidied. Maybe this will inspire me as to how to organise the piles of mess that remain.

[@moongoddess1978]

I had a good feeling about your channel! I have struggled with organization my whole life. I’m 45 and was diagnosed with ADHD at age 21. Doctors won’t do much about it. I also have a lot of issues with meds, so I don’t take them. My biggest problem is that I always try to take on too much at once. Then I never want to start. This week, I’ve been decluttering and organizing one part of a room at a time, no more than an hour, and seeing my home gradually improve feels great! So then I want to keep going the next day. I love your filing system idea in this video! It’s close to what I already do, so I’m just going to replace the cardboard box for yearly files with a nicer bin. Thank you for all the helpful tips!

[@tammymay1839]

Soooo me too!!!! TYVM, using some of these for sure!! Would love to see a calibration video with you and "How to ADHAD"

[@TsiamoKlara]

Omg the paper filing tip - once a year?!! If you are ever in Prague, Czechia, I will give you a free massage! Seriously. That is a frigging life saver, thank you! 😀❤🥳 And the rest is great too. I realize I have been gravitating to those guidelines instinctively over time, but being aware of it is so empowering. Thank you Cas 🥰❤️

[@KathleenClarke-Zumpone-f2z]

I'm feeling overwhelmed. This video helped. Thanks

[@CarlaSides]

You are NOT alone!!!! I have felt so alone and you are a God send! Thank you so much for sharing! I’m honestly crying.

[@Clutterbug]

You are so welcome!

[@rohanamiller2293]

You are so right on I already have the duplicate things in each room they are needed. I am never more than arms reach from a place to hang a cane, I have charging stations set up all around where I can sit comfortably and see what I’m doing legally blind. It’s giving me great satisfaction and making these improvements throughout the day is very relaxing and grounding. It forces me to focus on one thing for a little while too.

[@peacelilly8048]

You're probably my favorite person on the Internet. I feel like you are a bff. It's weird, cause you don't know me, but I love you! And relate so much.. lol and you crack me up. These were other videos, but the blue furbie and Mr. Bojangles had me in stitches. Keep doing what you do!! It's working.

[@CareSpinny356]

This is GREAT! Thank you for these ideas! I laughed out loud about the time crunch dopamine rush - “Your mother-in-law is coming over in 15 minutes, you are going to clean like you’ve never cleaned before.” 🤣 Too relatable! What has worked for me is listing out a cleaning “Power Hour” - I’ll make a list of 3-5 things that I need to clean (no more than that, because realistically, it won’t work), and then next to each item, I’ll put how many minutes to designate to each task in parentheses. For example: - Clean 1/2 bathroom (15min) - Sweep floor (10 min) - Tidy counters & put away (20 min) - Wipe down surfaces (15 min) And there you have it! The house (at least the main level) is ready to welcome guests. It also helps to put on a playlist of your favorite music, a podcast, or an audiobook.

[@yamyam8533]

I have been listening to your podcast off and on thinking wow this is so like me. My neighbour said I am a lot like her (she has ADHD). I watch reels about ADHD and think wow, just like me. It was only when my workplace did a presentation on neurodiversity recently and said misophonia (which I've had my whole life) is considered neuro diverse that I actually listened. They spoke about inattentive ADHD and oh my god suddenly it clicked. I'm 35. Got a month long wait til I can see my GP and request a referral to a specialist. Thank you for all you do. You give me hope!

[@krystamarie6283]

I know I don’t react a lot or comment on any videos I ever watch on KZbin, but I will try to be better with yours because yours really change and help my life and I’d just like to thank you so much. I struggle with ADHD plus severe depression and anxiety (I am 95% better right now) but my whole life and have always hated clutter and mess but felt stuck and frozen. All of your videos really help me and I appreciate you so much I could cry!