Yes, many clients have told me that clutter makes them shut down. It’s a common and normal reaction, especially if you have ADHD! Keep reading as I share strategies for anyone, even those that have ADHD, on how to reduce the overwhelm of clutter and ways to break through when the “clutter shut down” occurs.
Why does the clutter shut down occur?
If you find yourself standing in front of a mountain of clutter, completely frozen, you know how it feels when your brain shuts down. Your mind is racing with thoughts, and it’s difficult to know where to begin. You decide where to start, but quickly realize that decision is contingent on another. Before you know it, you experience total shutdown. You may walk away, close the door, or maybe even go extreme and toss everything without thinking it through.
Would you like to know a secret? Professional organizers experience this feeling all the time! It’s true. Do you know what a professional organizer has that you don’t? Experience.
What’s the solution when clutter becomes overwhelming?
Professional organizers do this work every day. They see mounds of clutter reduced in short periods. They know and experience what can be accomplished and how much can get done in the time they have. This experience is an incredible tool because we know what’s possible. We know that no matter what, it’s going to be better in the end. So as a result, we just start. We think less and do more. Someone who hasn’t worked this muscle each day won’t know what’s possible and will think self-defeating thoughts that make them turn away.
I always think about Mr. Miyagi in The Karate Kid when he tells Daniel, “Don’t think, just do!” This is a powerful tool when organizing because there is one other thing professional organizers know due to having so much experience. Once you start, things begin to fall into place. The challenging stuff begins to make sense, and your decision-making becomes much more straightforward. I’ll be honest; this typically occurs within 15 to 20 minutes of working.
I understand that following this advice can be difficult, especially when you feel unsure of where to start. However, I can offer you a helpful tip. Begin by picking up one item and moving it to another location to begin the sorting process. Then, move on to the next item and place it in a similar location to create groups of similar items. As you continue sorting, you will begin to see connections between items and may even come across duplicates. If you find yourself struggling with how to categorize certain items, don’t overthink it. Keep your categories broad and trust your instincts. If you get stuck on a particularly difficult item, set it aside for the moment and continue working on the easier decisions.
What if I can’t stay focused?
This is an important question as many people find organizing to be a tedious task. Some of my clients have even described it as being as unpleasant as the sound of fingernails on a chalkboard. If you feel the same way, then having a body-double might be the solution for you. I’ve written about body doubling in detail, which you can find here. Additionally, having a friend to help you out can make the process much more enjoyable.
However, it’s important to note that it takes time to get into the flow of a project. I often suggest to my clients that they give a task at least 15 minutes before deciding to quit. They often find that once they get moving and start working, it becomes easier. Studies have shown that doing physical work and moving around can make us feel happier and less stressed. So set a timer and start. Give yourself 15 minutes. See what happens. You may surprise yourself.
