9 ADHD organization tools for time management and more

Organization and time management can be challenging, especially if you have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Children and adults with ADHD often struggle with working memory, which makes it difficult to complete tasks, pay attention, organize activities, stay on track, and more. But the 9 ADHD organization tools for time management and more this article covers can help.

If ADHD causes you to struggle with organization and time management, a provider on Klarity can help. Schedule an initial virtual appointment with an ADHD provider today. Appointments are often available in as little as 24 hours.

ADHD organization tools for general organization

ADHD affects the functions of the brain that help you organize and plan. And that can make organizing your day difficult if you struggle with ADHD. But there are ways to make it easier. Here are 9 ADHD organization tools to help make organizing your life and tasks more manageable. 

1. A paper calendar as an ADHD organization tool

A calendar is a great tool for keeping track of appointments, meetings, and other obligations. While electronic calendars work for some people, paper calendars are often a better choice for someone with ADHD because they’re a physical reminder that’s always visible.

Hang a paper calendar on the wall or place it on your desk so you see it frequently. 

2. Sticky notes as a tool

In addition to using a calendar to keep track of important dates and events, sticky notes can serve as another physical reminder for short-term tasks. This includes reminders to pay bills, complete homework, or clean. Like a paper calendar, sticky notes can go a long way to ensure you don’t lose track of important tasks.

Put sticky notes in places you frequently look at, like your laptop, mirror, or desk. 

3. Labels to get organized with ADHD

Placing labels on bins or shelves is a great way to keep items together and avoid clutter in your home or at the office. Having designated areas for things can save you the time it takes to find where it goes and keep your space from filling up with miscellaneous items. Labels are a great way to make it easier for you to keep your home, office, or room organized. 

4. Clear bins to make organization “transparent"

Clear storage bins make it easier to find items quickly and let you create a designated spot for smaller items. Instead of scouring your room for a pen or makeup brush, which can hinder your ability to stay on task, clear bins remove the extra time it takes to find an item.

Use clear bins can effectively organize your desk, closet, pantry, or refrigerator.

5. Apps as ADHD organization tool

If physical calendars or planners feel like a chore, there are a number of ways to stay organized using just your phone. ADHD organization apps like Evernote, Asana, and Todoist can help you create lists and set reminders to manage your time and stay on top of chores, appointments, and meetings. 

If you’re someone who prefers not to clutter their phone with additional apps, your smartphone has several built-in features to help you get organized as well. Calendar, reminder, and clock apps can help you create to-do lists, set alarms, and track your upcoming events. With widget features becoming more popular for smartphones, you can see a list of exactly what you need to do every time you open your phone. 

ADHD organization tools for time management

People with ADHD often struggle with time management as a result of executive dysfunction. Executive dysfunction makes it difficult for people with ADHD to manage and regulate their thoughts, emotions, and actions. Ultimately, this affects your ability to plan and remember and distorts your understanding of time. However, there are ADHD time management tips and tools you can use to stay organized and build good habits.

6. A paper planner for ADHD time management

A paper planner can be an effective ADHD tool for organization and time management. The goal of agenda notebooks is to take the memory aspect out of managing your time. This physical reminder lets you plan your day — from big events and important meetings down to little tasks and chores. 

If writing major due dates or meeting deadlines in a planner feels stressful, try breaking them down into smaller tasks. Scheduling time throughout your week to complete portions of a task let you make sure you get work done on time, rather than writing something down 2 months in advance and forgetting about it until the week it’s due. 

7. A timer as a time management tool

People with ADHD can experience time blindness, which affects their ability to keep track of time. If you frequently underestimate how long it takes to finish a task, timers can help you conceptualize how long you spend on each task and break down more overwhelming tasks into smaller time frames. 

Try using the Pomodoro Technique to break your time into smaller intervals. Set a 25-minute timer and try to focus on one task for that entire time without any distractions. Once the timer is up, take a 5-minute break and reflect on how much you were able to realistically accomplish in that time. This helps you understand how long it takes you to finish an assignment or project.

8. Time management apps for people with ADHD

Smartphones have built-in reminder apps, to-do lists, and timers to help us easily keep track of our time. If you are someone who gets easily distracted, there are also features like Do Not Disturb and App Limits to help minimize notifications and keep you from endlessly scrolling rather than focusing on the task at hand.

9. Professional ADHD treatment

Even if you try to implement all of the other ADHD organization tools included here, adult ADHD symptoms might still make it difficult or even impossible to stay focused and organized. If you feel that’s the case for you, consider a personalized ADHD treatment plan or prescription medication. You can find a provider specialized in ADHD treatment using medication or therapy on Klairty and often have an appointment in as little as 24 hours.

Get ADHD treatment today online in as little as 24 hours

On Klarity, connect with a licensed medical professional in your state for online ADHD treatment. With private and convenient telehealth appointments, your provider can evaluate, diagnose, and treat your symptoms with a tailored plan that may include ADHD medication and/or therapy.

Take control of disorganization, time blindness, and other symptoms with the help of a provider Klarity today. Schedule an appointment with an ADHD specialist now.