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Overcoming the Hidden Barriers of Decluttering with ADHD

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As a professional organizer specializing in supporting women with ADHD, I’ve repeatedly noticed that hidden barriers can turn simple tasks into daunting challenges. But what exactly is a barrier?

A person pushes against a red brick wall, wearing glasses, a peach jacket, and blue pants. The scene is simple and focused on effort.

A barrier is an unidentified obstacle that makes tasks feel impossible, overwhelming, or too vague. Often, these barriers prevent us from breaking tasks into manageable steps.


Recently, while helping a client organize her kitchen, she shared her frustration about unloading the dishwasher. Despite knowing it was necessary, the task was constantly avoided. When we took a closer look, we discovered that smaller plates were



stacked on larger ones, and items in the cabinets blocked easy access.


The barrier? Having to move items around each time before putting dishes away. These extra, unnamed steps made the task feel tedious, so it was continuously delayed.


Another relatable example I saw recently involved a couple discussing their struggles with washing baby bottles. One spouse was responsible for washing the bottles, and the other for putting them away. However, one bottle always lingered in the sink. When asked why it wasn't washed yet, the culprit turned out to be the awkward bottle washer itself—a hidden barrier. They realized the solution was switching to a simpler tool, transforming the dreaded chore into an easy task.


Addressing Common Decluttering Barriers


On this week’s episode of the Organizing an ADHD Brain podcast, I focused on another common barrier: items you can't simply throw away, like old paint, stains, or batteries. Finding out how to dispose of these properly can seem overwhelming, but luckily, there are simple solutions.


I recommend Earth911, an incredible resource that lists various local recycling options for challenging items.


To simplify this further, I created a quick, easy-to-use guide leveraging AI technology. This tool helps you quickly locate nearby recycling centers. Here’s a prompt you can easily adapt:


“Help me find a place near [your location] where I can recycle paint.”


Identify Your Barrier and Move Forward


When it comes to decluttering and organizing, ask yourself:

  • What's the hidden barrier making this task harder?

  • What's causing you to avoid or postpone it?


Addressing these barriers head-on can make your tasks manageable and ease the mental weight of clutter in your life. Ready to tackle those hidden barriers? Start small, stay curious, and watch the overwhelm turn into clarity.


 
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Lets work together as you let go to grow! Book a call to work virtually with me here.




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Looking for a supportive community of like-minded folks committed to decluttering their homes and minds? Check out my Community.




About The Author:

Smiling woman with red hair sits against a teal background. Text reads "Organizing an ADHD Brain with Megs" in bold and cursive fonts.

Megs from the Organizing an ADHD Brain podcast brings a refreshing and relatable approach to organizing, specifically tailored for those with ADHD. She combines practical tips with empathy, helping listeners understand how to create systems that work for their unique brains while minimizing overwhelm and maximizing productivity.


 
 
 

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