The One-Hour Decluttering Strategy That Actually Works

Especially if You Have ADHD

Clutter and overwhelm seem to go hand in hand, especially for us ADHDers. For me, I have had to learn how to break things down into small chunks to keep from taking the fast track to overwhelm and shut down.

This is why I love the One-Hour-Method for organizing your home or business. And besides, wouldn’t you rather be doing other on the weekend instead of tackling a massive organizing project? So, let’s go! 

First, take a valium. No! Just kidding. What you need is a timer. I recommend you do NOT use the timer on your smart phone but rather an old-fashioned egg timer or this little gem on Amazon. The simplicity of the timer will prevent you from getting distracted with your phone. Just flip time over and away you go!

Next, chose your target area. This is not the time for “go big or go home.” Rather, go small. Start with a drawer or a shelf. This may be a challenge for you like it is for me, because it is easy for me to start doing the human Roomba, bouncing about from one area to another.

Put your blinders on and remind yourself that the other areas have their time coming. By focusing your attention on one small area, you are seeing the fruits of your labor. From there, you can build on your success. Just remember: keep it small and keep your focus.

Now we’re getting down to the nitty gritty. What to do with the stuff? I use a four-box method. They are:

Keepers/Rehome: Non-negotiable items. You either use or truly love. These items will remain. BUT! They may need a better home. And instead of running around with each of those items, I recommend placing those items in the box and in the last minutes of your session, then put those items where they belong.

Donate: Items are still usable but no longer needed.

Think About It: I call this the “Pooh Bear” box. This can be a little tricky for some people as everything can become a think about it. These are items you’re uncertain if you should hang on to or not. But because time is of the essence with a one-hour session, you don’t want to get mired into debate over if you really need that new, but redundant thing-a-ma-bobber. Spare yourself the torture of our honey-loving buddy, set item in a box for another time. Label this box with a date for a decision. Nor is this a box to bring to a storage unit. This is not a box for perpetuity! 

Trash: In Theresa parlance, this is the “Go See Jesus” box. The item has served its purpose and is now ready to go on to its reward in the great beyond. Feel free to refer to it with the deity of your choice.

Be sure that at the end of your session, these items are taken out to the dumpster to prevent the urge to rescue item for whatever reason. 

When doing the One-Hour-Method, remember this is not about perfection, it is about speed. The aim is progress. Race the clock, if you will, to keep from getting bogged down by overthinking and decision fatigue.

Finally, I’ve already alluded to this, use the last moments of your session to place things where they belong. The keeper items to their new home. Donation items boxed up. You may keep this box in the garage until it is full enough to warrant a trip to your favorite thrift store. The Think About Box gets dated and set aside. Trash goes into the dumpster.

Consistency is the key to success. Set a realistic goal as your schedule allows. Remember, the clutter accumulated one item at a time and you will declutter it one item at a time. And if one hour is too overwhelming, start with 15 minutes. You are the expert on knowing what works for you.

I love reducing the tasks into smaller time chunks because it minimizes overwhelm and can be done even if you have a busy schedule. One day you will look around your tidy home and realize, WOW! I made this happen with baby steps.

Decluttering doesn’t have to be an all-or-nothing affair. The One-Hour-Method is all about taking baby steps and discovering how you, too, can conquer clutter and turn your home into a peaceful haven.

What about you, dear readers? I would love to hear about your successes and/or challenges in decluttering your home or business! Drop a comment below.

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