The start of a new year brings fresh opportunities—new goals, new habits, and, for many of us parents, a renewed hope that our kids might finally keep their rooms clean. If you’ve got a child with ADHD, you know the struggle is real. But guess what? This year can be different.
With the Clean Room Process, we’re not aiming for Pinterest-perfect (because let’s be real, that’s not the goal here). Instead, we’re focusing on a manageable system that works with your child’s ADHD brain. By the end of this post, you’ll have three actionable steps to help your child conquer their messy room—and keep it clean for good.
1. Start Fresh: Declutter and Simplify
Let’s begin with a clean slate—literally. Decluttering is the first step toward a room your child can manage. ADHD brains can get overwhelmed by “too much,” so the less stuff, the better.
- Sort and Purge: Go through the room together and decide what to keep, donate, or toss. Keep only the items your child uses and loves.
- Quick Decisions Are Key: Don’t linger over every item. ADHD kids (and their parents!) can struggle with decision fatigue, so keep the process moving.
- Keep It Simple: Store seasonal items elsewhere and focus on organizing what stays.
By reducing clutter, you’re setting your child up for success. Less stuff means fewer things to clean up—and that’s a win for everyone.
2. Create an ADHD-Friendly Organization System
Now that you’ve decluttered, it’s time to get organized in a way that actually works for your child.
- Use Labels: Every item needs a “home,” and clear labeling makes it easy to remember where things go. If your child isn’t reading yet, use pictures.
- Bins and Baskets for the Win: Group similar items together—Legos in one bin, art supplies in another. Decide together whether these containers should be clear or opaque (some kids need to see what’s inside; others don’t).
- Keep Daily Essentials Visible: For frequently used items like deodorant, notebooks, or favorite toys, keep them front and center. ADHD brains thrive on accessibility.
This system takes the guesswork out of cleaning and turns it into a repeatable process your child can actually follow.
3. Teach the Process: “Me, We, You”
Here’s where the magic happens: teaching your child not just what to do, but how to do it. That’s where the Me, We, Youtechnique comes in.
- Me: Show them how to complete a task, like picking up trash or making their bed. Be specific! For example, “Pick up trash” might actually mean:
- Get a trash bag.
- Put trash in the bag.
- Throw the bag away.
- We: Do the task together. This step is all about practice and teamwork. Celebrate small wins along the way!
- You: Once they’re confident, let them do it on their own. Stick around to guide as needed, but give them space to learn through doing.
Repetition is your friend here. Practice consistently, and over time, your child will feel empowered to tackle their room solo.
Make It Stick: A Clean Room for the Long Haul
Keeping the room clean is all about consistency. Encourage daily or weekly tidy-ups using the steps you’ve taught. Laminated task sheets can serve as visual reminders and keep everyone on track. And don’t forget to celebrate progress—even if the room isn’t Instagram-ready, it’s about independence, not perfection.
Ready to Make This the Year of a Clean Room?
If you’re ready to ditch the stress and start seeing real results, grab my Clean Room Process E-book—a step-by-step guide packed with everything you need to help your ADHD child master their messy room.
Want to try it out first? Download my free printable template to kick-start your journey toward an organized and stress-free space.
Click below to get started: