ADHD Expert Shares 6 Tips to End Clutter Shame

Alison Lush knows what it's like to feel buried under clutter and shame. As a certified professional organizer who lives with ADHD herself, she's turned her struggles into solutions that are helping countless people reclaim their homes and peace of mind.

Lush recently appeared on the "Sorry, I Missed This" podcast to share her refreshingly honest approach to chronic disorganization. She defines it as clutter that persists over time, undermines quality of life, and keeps coming back no matter how many times you try to fix it on your own.

The conversation struck a chord because it addressed something rarely discussed openly: the crushing shame many people with ADHD feel about their living spaces. Host Kate Osborn, who also has ADHD, admitted carrying years of guilt and embarrassment about her clutter.

"ADHD folks are among the largest population who show up with chronic disorganization," Lush explained. A 2020 study suggests this happens because ADHD affects working memory and executive function, making it harder to organize and maintain systems.

But here's the good news: Lush has developed practical strategies that actually work for ADHD brains. Her first tip is simple: give everything a "home," even if that home is just a box labeled "Random Stuff That Was On The Dining Room Table." It doesn't need to look like Pinterest.

She recommends doing a "grounding exercise" for each space, asking yourself what you actually want to accomplish there. This connects organizing to your real life goals instead of Instagram-worthy fantasies about matching sock drawers.

Her labeling strategy is genius in its simplicity: skip the expensive label maker and use painter's tape and a Sharpie instead. That way, when your system needs to change (and it will), you can easily adjust without commitment or waste.

Lush emphasizes that being organized simply means you can put things away and find them again without too much difficulty. It has nothing to do with aesthetics or perfection.

Why This Inspires

What makes Lush's approach so powerful is her focus on ending isolation. She explains that shame around clutter keeps people from inviting others into their homes and living authentically. Finding community with others who share these challenges creates a judgment-free space for support, brainstorming, and real solutions.

"I can't emphasize enough how important community is for folks who are affected by chronic disorganization and ADHD," Lush said. "It's an absolute game changer."

Her message is clear: organization isn't about living up to social media standards. It's about creating systems that work for your brain, lowering the stakes, and giving yourself permission to try imperfect solutions.