Organization

[arfink]

[quote name='dUSt' timestamp='1326818374' post='2370512']
The easiest thing for me is to have a "junk bin". Sometimes I call it my "to-do" bin. You may want to call it the "need organizing" bin. Instead of leaving things laying around on a table or a desk, just throw it in the bin. Every once in awhile you've feel motivated to clean it out and find a place for everything. If you notice something has been in the bin for over a month, and you still haven't found a place for it, you can usually throw it away.

Sure, you'll still have stuff not put away, but at least it'll all be in one spot, not cluttering up the rest of your life.
[/quote]

This is brilliant.

[OnlySunshine]

[quote name='jaime' timestamp='1326781173' post='2370405']
My advice is to rejoice in your clutter. When people are critical of my desk, I respond with this "God created the world out of chaos. Why should I presume to do any better?"
[/quote]

[Sarah147]

[quote name='dUSt' timestamp='1326818374' post='2370512']
The easiest thing for me is to have a "junk bin". Sometimes I call it my "to-do" bin. You may want to call it the "need organizing" bin. Instead of leaving things laying around on a table or a desk, just throw it in the bin. Every once in awhile you've feel motivated to clean it out and find a place for everything. If you notice something has been in the bin for over a month, and you still haven't found a place for it, you can usually throw it away.

Sure, you'll still have stuff not put away, but at least it'll all be in one spot, not cluttering up the rest of your life.
[/quote]

Now that sounds good....

M, thank you for giving the name of the ADD book. I may look into that, too.

Sorry I haven't kept up with this thread y'all. I have kind of been fasting from the Internet and chatting plus I've been busy and tired.


Now, Dust's idea will help with counter stuff, but I also have some drawers with categorized items, but they haven't been picked through. With ADHD, my mind has trouble figuring out what to keep and what to throw. Thoughts?

[CatherineM]

Touch everything once. I don't fold laundry in the livingroom, I do it right in front of the dresser, and put it away as I fold. I don't open my mail until I am ready to deal with it. That means check book/computer in hand to pay bills, and I do it right next to my filing cabinet for things that need to be filed, and the trash can for 90% of the mail.

[dUSt]

[quote name='JoyfulLife' timestamp='1327027076' post='2371800']
With ADHD, my mind has trouble figuring out what to keep and what to throw. Thoughts?


[/quote]
I always say to myself, "How am I going to use this item this year". If I can't think of any reason why I would need it, I throw it away or put it in my "eBay" bin. lol

[got2luvjc]

[quote name='dUSt' timestamp='1326818374' post='2370512']
The easiest thing for me is to have a "junk bin". Sometimes I call it my "to-do" bin. You may want to call it the "need organizing" bin. Instead of leaving things laying around on a table or a desk, just throw it in the bin. Every once in awhile you've feel motivated to clean it out and find a place for everything. If you notice something has been in the bin for over a month, and you still haven't found a place for it, you can usually throw it away.

Sure, you'll still have stuff not put away, but at least it'll all be in one spot, not cluttering up the rest of your life.
[/quote]

amazing.

[TheresaThoma]

[quote name='CatherineM' timestamp='1327029169' post='2371822']
Touch everything once. I don't fold laundry in the livingroom, I do it right in front of the dresser, and put it away as I fold. I don't open my mail until I am ready to deal with it. That means check book/computer in hand to pay bills, and I do it right next to my filing cabinet for things that need to be filed, and the trash can for 90% of the mail.
[/quote]
I second this idea. I don't had ADD but I find this helps me clean things up much faster. Mostly because I can't just keep shifting things from one pile to another. If I touch an item it has to go to its home (even if that home is the trash bin). Plus if you get distracted you won't be in the middle of some complicated organization process that you won't remember when you finally get back to it.

[Sarah147]

Yeah, that's a good idea, too. I'll have to try these ideas.

[Lil Red]

[quote name='mcts' timestamp='1326778288' post='2370389']
I'm reading a book right now about organization for people with ADD. A couple of the key things that she talks about are keeping your organization system as simple as possible and not being afraid to get rid of stuff. I can't remember the name of the book, but I can get if for you if you'd like.
[/quote]

something to keep in mind...scientist did a study where the longer you physically held something in your hands, the harder it was to get rid of - because you "bonded" emotionally to that object. they suggested that for those who have a tough time getting rid of clutter, to have someone help you - let them hold or show you the object so that you can make an objective decision whether to keep/toss/donate.