Last updated on: November 27th, 2019 ~
Did you know that organizing your living space is one of the fastest ways to make yourself feel better while living with ADHD?
If you currently take ADHD medication, there’s a good chance that your living space is already close to spotless (this is one of the awesome perks of using ADHD medication).
But, if your living space isn’t in good form, then you might want to take advantage of the many organizational items available to people with ADHD.
So, here are the 20 best organizers, planners, home items, & other awesome products for people with ADHD…
Contents
Item 1. Moleskine Classic Notebook
The Moleskine Classic Notebook Extra Large (Amazon) is a must-have organizational tool for people with ADHD.
It’s important to invest in a high-quality notebook, as this will incentivize you to carry your notebook with you wherever you go!
You never know when you’re going to come up with a life-changing idea. So, you always want to have a physical notebook available, for quickly jotting down your thoughts and ideas.
Keeping a good notebook on hand is also an excellent way to exercise your creative muscle, practice positive thinking, and improve your thought processes as a whole.
Writing is extremely therapeutic. Especially to people with ADHD, anxiety, and similar conditions.
Item 2. Alora Pill and Vitamin Case
The Alora Pill and Vitamin Case (Amazon) is a simple but useful carrying case for managing your ADHD medications and natural supplements while on-the-go.
This canvas-like fabric pouch contains 8 compartments, which gives you more than enough space to organize an entire week’s worth of medications and supplements.
The compartments are labeled with the days of the week, which also makes it convenient to “grab and go” all of the essential pills that you need.
I find this pill case ideal for people with ADHD who commute to work, travel, or live a busy lifestyle.
It’s also a nice little kit to keep in your kitchen if you’re just interested in simplifying your medication regimen!
Item 3. Panda Planner
The Panda Planner (Amazon) is the best planner for people with ADHD, hands down.
Especially if you enjoy using physical planners rather than phone apps.
I’m a fan of physically writing things down. I know this is considered “old school”. But, I find physical planners really easy-to-use, and more “satisfying” than most smartphone apps.
And, I really enjoy the Panda Planner for a few reasons:
- It’s a non-dated daily planner and personal organizer (YOU write down whatever dates you want)
- Includes daily, weekly, and monthly sections
- Encourages you to perform gratefulness exercises that are proven to make you feel better
- Helps you list out your daily priorities, and end-of-day reviews
- Comes with a one-year guarantee
Overall, people are pretty crazy about the Panda Planner for good reason. It works, and can genuinely help you get organized.
It’s really simple and easy to adopt, too. I recommend that you pick up one of these planners as soon as you can.
Item 4. Maxpedition Gear Tactical Travel Tray
The Maxpedition Gear Tactical Travel Tray (Amazon) packs more muscle than most people with ADHD will ever need. But, it’s an amazing, portable organizational tray none the less.
This tactical tray is triple-coated with polyurethane in order to repel water. And, it’s also coated with Dupont Teflon Fabric Protector to withstand blazing heat and similar elements.
It’s ultimately a military grade tray that’s ideal for the person with ADHD who might be inclined to rush out the door at the last minute, and need quick access to important everyday-carry (EDC) items like a smartphone, wallet, watch, passport, pocket knife, etc.
The Maxpedition Gear Tactical Travel Tray is a perfect catch-all tray for both men and women.
Item 5. Humangear GoTubb 3-Pack
The Humangear GoTubb 3-Pack (Amazon) is an awesome solution for people with ADHD who like to grab-and-go snacks, vitamins, superfoods, or any other little knick-knacks.
You can open and close GoTubbs with one hand, carry them on airplanes, and stash them in your bag for super convenient access to small (but important) items.
People who take ADHD medication know that it’s really easy to forget to eat.
So, I always recommend that people with ADHD keep a nice selection of healthy snacks on hand.
And, you can easily use your GoTubbs to keep some almonds, walnuts, protein peanut butter energy bites, or any other foods that you like on hand at all times.
You’ll never go hungry again, as long as you remember to keep your GoTubbs with you.
Item 6. DecoBros Expandable Stackable Shelf Organizer
The DecoBros Expandable Stackable Shelf Organizer (Amazon) is a neat shelf for your kitchen, office, or really any space in your home.
This shelf organizer is both expandable and stackable, which makes it convenient for storing herbs and spices, vitamin bottles, books, coffee cups, or anything else that you’d like to organize.
Keep in mind that this shelf organizer can be used as a single shelf or two separate shelves. How you use it is entirely up to you.
Plus, this shelf organizer is made with extremely sturdy metal. You shouldn’t have to worry about it breaking down any time soon.
Item 7. SONGMICS Bamboo Monitor Stand Riser with Storage Organizer
The SONGMICS Bamboo Monitor Stand Riser with Storage Organizer (Amazon) is an awesome tool for people who frequently use an iMac, external computer monitor, or even a laptop.
By setting your electronic device on top of this monitor stand riser, you’ll enjoy a more ergonomic set-up, and you’ll also have a nice built-in storage organizer as well.
This monitor stand riser includes a cup holder, smartphone stand, and various other compartments for pens, sticky notes, or any other office supplies that you might need.
Overall, this is a well-built monitor stand with a nice organizational component to it as well.
It’s also easy-to-install, and looks great too!
Item 8. Exotac FreeKey System
The Exotac FreeKey System (Amazon) is the fastest and easiest way to organize your keys.
This system is essentially a key ring that doesn’t involve painfully breaking fingernails, searching for individual keys, or wasting time trying to remove and add keys.
Instead, you just gently squeeze on the ring, and the ring instantly opens for you. This gives you the ability to add or remove keys in seconds.
But, the best part of this system involves the “accessory rings” which allow you to organize your keys according to category.
For example, you might have separate key categories for:
- Home keys
- Car keys
- Office keys
- Gym membership cards & discount shopper club cards
So, if you manage more than a few keys on your key ring, the Exotac FreeKey System will almost certainly make your life easier.
Item 9. Find It Supply Caddy
The Find It Supply Caddy (Amazon) is a basic caddy that’s made with canvas materials, and is great for organizing cleaning supplies, makeup, skincare products, office supplies, or anything else that you’d like to keep handy.
This caddy has 2 to 6 internal compartments that fold out (depending on how you configure it), 6 outer pockets, and 10 internal storage loops.
It also comes with a comfortable handle, which makes the caddy easy to transport.
If your house needs a solid deep clean, then you might want to pick up a few of these caddies.
It’ll make your clean-up job a whole lot easier.
Item 10. Tom Bihn Synapse 25 Backpack
The Tom Bihn Synapse 25 Backpack is one of the best backpacks for people with ADHD, because of the methodical way in which these bags are designed.
This bag is actually described on the Tom Bihn website as “methodically calculated”.
Go figure.
Here’s a quick overview of the features of the Synapse 25 backpack:
- Designed to fit people who are 5’6″ to 6’6″ in height
- Contains a number of compartments and pockets which make organization a breeze
- Can hold a 1 liter water bottle without digging into your back, or throwing off the balance of your bag
- Can hold most 13″ to 15″ laptops (make sure to check Tom Bihn’s laptop fit guide to be sure)
- Comes in a variety of colors, and with the option of accessories
Overall, if there’s one bag that I recommend to people with ADHD, it’s going to be the Tom Bihn Synapse 25.
It’s just an all-around quality backpack that helps you stay organized on-the-go.
Is this bag pricey? Yes.
But, this is one of those products where you generally get what you pay for.
Item 11. SONGMICS Large Foldable Storage Baskets With Lid (Set of 3)
The SONGMICS Large Foldable Storage Baskets With Lid 3-Set (Amazon) provides you with an awesome storage system for clothes, books, or even fidget toys for ADHD (the kids love them).
I like that these baskets are stackable. So you can tuck them away in your closet, or place them on your closet shelf, while still having easy access to clothes or other items that you might need.
These storage baskets are also built with decent materials, and contain dual handles.
They’re ultimately a good “value purchase”.
So, if you’re serious about organizing your home, you might want to order a few sets of these baskets. And, keep in mind that each set comes with three baskets.
Item 12. Eddie Bauer Stowaway 20L Packable Pack
The Eddie Bauer Stowaway 20L Packable Pack (Amazon) is a really cool daypack that I used for my most recent trip to New York City.
In case you aren’t familiar with daypacks, they’re meant to be small, convenient, and useful for carrying small supplies.
As the name of this “stowaway” daypack implies, this daypack can also be converted into a small pouch, and tossed into a larger backpack.
So, I usually leave my real backpack at my hotel (while traveling), and use this stowaway daypack to store water, extra clothes, cash, important paperwork, and snacks while I go about my business.
After 7+ months of continuous use, this stowaway pack has held up pretty well so far. And, I continue to use it as a daypack when I go to the gym or library.
Pro tip: Eddie Bauer also carries a Stowaway 30L Packable Pack which is a little bit roomier and probably better for carrying larger items.
Item 13. The Container Store Large Tint Stackable Drawers
The Container Store’s Large Tint Stackable Drawers make for an awesome addition to your bedroom, office, or guest room.
Everyone loves The Container Store for good reason…
They make high-quality containers that are usually perfect for organizing your space.
I like these Large Tint Stackable Drawers because they add a fresh appearance to your living space, while also helping you neatly organize clothes, toys, office supplies, or anything else that you have in mind.
Item 14. OfficePro Slimline Magnetic Dry Erase Board
The OfficePro Slimline Magnetic Dry Erase Board (Amazon) is a great product that I’ve discussed in a previous article on living with someone with ADHD.
In my article, I explain that setting up a simple dry erase board in your living room can serve a number of awesome purposes when it comes to getting organized with ADHD.
For example, you might use a dry erase board to:
- Remember your daily errands
- Create “check boxes” for the shared responsibilities in your household
- Remember to pay bills on time
- Jot down important notes
- Scribble random drawings of stuff (this will happen)
Has anyone with ADHD ever regretted getting a dry erase board?
I don’t think so!
Item 15. Oxford Ruled Index Cards
Oxford Ruled Index Cards (Amazon) might be the most basic organizational tool for people with ADHD on this list.
But, I honestly believe that this pack of 1000 index cards may be the most important item on this list, too.
Because, the truth is that there is no perfect organizational system for people with ADHD. What works for me isn’t always going to work for you.
But, I know for a fact that many people with ADHD get by just fine with writing on index cards.
If index cards “work” for you, there’s no shame in that. You have to do exactly what works best for your life.
For example, you can use an index card to write down the three most important things that you need to accomplish for every day.
Then, you might use another index card for taking notes. And, you could use another index card for your end-of-day review.
You might even decide to keep all of your index cards neatly organized in an Oxford Index Card Binder (Amazon).
See the possibilities?
You can write things down on index cards, and keep them 100% organized. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.
Item 16. Pyrex 18 Piece Simply Food Storage Set
The Pyrex 18 Piece Simply Food Storage Set (Amazon) is a household essential that will keep your food fresh and organized.
I’m a big fan of meal prepping. So, I make it a point to use a high-quality food storage system that keeps my food nice and fresh.
Pyrex is the absolute best in this regard. And, because I do my best to avoid plastics as much as possible, I love that these Pyrex storage containers are primarily made of glass.
It’s also true that you can visit your nearest restaurant supply store, and buy commercial-grade food storage containers in bulk.
But, I personally haven’t tried that trick.
So for now, I’m sticking with Pyrex food storage containers, because they work extremely well, and get the job done.
Item 17. Simple Houseware 24 pockets Over The Door Hanging Shoe Organizer
The Simple Houseware 24 Pockets Over The Door Hanging Shoe Organizer (Amazon) is a must-have organizational tool for bedrooms.
In fact, this shoe organizer is such a popular item, that you might already own one.
But, in case you don’t already own a shoe organizer, you’re in luck…
Because, this shoe organizer will prevent you from stepping on stray shoes in your bedroom.
No more shoes scattered all over the floor.
And best of all, no more yelling “I can’t find my shoes” while running around the house in a frenzy.
Now, you can store all of your shoes in one place, and find them automatically.
Item 18. Eagle Creek Pack-It Specter Starter Set
The Eagle Creek Pack-It Specter Starter Set (Amazon) is one of your best options for saving space and keeping organized while traveling.
If you need to take your gym clothes with you to work, or organize your clothes for a weekend getaway, this starter set is ideal.
This set includes:
- Medium-sized garment folder (fits 8-12 shirts)
- Full-sized cube (for rolling and compartmentalizing clothing)
- Specter half cube (best for storing small accessories)
- Folding board (with folding instructions)
While this kit from Eagle Creek will probably be most appreciated by frequent travelers, it’s also a nice option for ADHD’ers who constantly live life on-the-go.
Item 19. Pendaflex Decoflex Desktop File
The Pendaflex Decoflex Desktop File (Amazon) is a nice organizational solution for storing important documents, medical records, legal items, contracts, or any other papers that you’d like to keep safe.
Now, rather than keeping your paper documents stored in random folders around the home, you can stash your most important papers in one physical location.
This desktop file organizer contains 5 hanging folders with tabs and inserts.
It also fits in a file drawer, and contains side handles for easy transportation.
If you can keep one or two of these desktop files in your office, you’ll be able to organize and locate your documents in no time.
Item 20. Urban Outfitters Canvas Wall Pocket Storage
The Urban Outfitters Canvas Wall Pocket Storage is a cool and trendy organizer that goes directly on your wall.
You can hang it in your bedroom, or in your office. It’s awesome for storing journals, books, snacks, electronics, or anything else that you like.
It’s a great option for people who need to “create” storage space in small apartments or condos (think New York City).
Conclusion
Overall, I hope this article helps you organize your home, and live a much more functional lifestyle with ADHD.
You definitely don’t need to own every item on this list in order to organize your home.
But, at least you’re now aware of the many tools that you can use to simplify your life, and lessen the burden of living with ADHD.
So, pick up a few of the organizational items that you like most, make your life tremendously easier, and live a better life with ADHD.
You’ll be happy you did so.
Some really great ideas – thank you!!!! I feel like i am forever “working really hard” at being more organized!!!
Thank you for the comment Denise. You’re very welcome for the ideas. I’m the exact same way.
But, I find that it usually takes just two or three days to *really* get things organized for at least a few months.
I wish you good luck with getting organized!
Greetings and Happy New Year! Thanks a million for all the suggestions, information and helpful tips.
My biggest project to tackle is locating a planner and calendar that is truly ADHD friendly. Would you be so kind as to research 10 or 12 planners?
The Panda planner is not suited for me right now as I’m really looking for a planner specific for 2018.
Thanks so much!
Thanks so much for the kind words Cindy.
What are you looking for in an ADHD friendly planner/calendar? I would love to help you out. I’m just curious about what exactly you’re looking for.
-Stef
I’m not sure if this is what Cindy meant, but undated planners, in general, are an absolute nightmare.
I’ve tried pre-filling the dates and ended up with mis-matched days of the week/ month. I’ve tried to number as I go, and it’s too hard to plan ahead. Planning ultimately becomes too much of a hassle.
Thanks for the tip Alicia 🙂 Good to know!
Honestly for me, the Franklin Planner is the best of the planners. I personally need the dates presented to me as I do not always know the day/date and when I have X appointment, I can’t turn to X day and put it there. It has little inspirational quotes on each page and you San choose a variety of different styles and patterns. Every time I am asked about any appt or gathering, the phrases “Let me check my book” or “Please put it in the book” are very common!
That’s great that you have a system that works for you Troy. That’s all that matters, since we all have our own unique organization styles and preferences.
I hope you’re doing well Troy!
Thank you for writing this, you are validating some of my struggles and suggesting that I am on the right path. Incidentally I bought a Panda planner a few months ago and that is working, I was pleased to find it at the top of your list. Quite frankly I can’t function if I don’t make the time to fill it and keep it up but despite being an IT person who loves electronics it’s the one thing that works so far. I also have different versions of the tools you suggest, the shoe organizer is great in the pantry or bathroom BTW, it hold packets and little things that tend to… get misplaced.
And here I am, distracted from the task I was supposed to be on.
Yes there’s something very soothing about writing in a personal journal. I love it too.
Thanks for your comment Nadine!
Omg terrible introduction. Thanks for the big dose of shame. 🙄