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ADHD Bathroom Organization – 12 Tools and Tips to Create a Clutter Free Space.

ADHD bathroom organization: How to create a functional and calming space.

If you have ADHD, bathroom organization needs to be done in a way that allows you to access and put away everything quickly, without a fuss. Designated locations for everything you store in your bathroom are important, as well as simple systems that are easy to maintain.

The combination of executive function challenges, needing to see it to remember to do it, and the sheer number of small items that you typically find in a bathroom can make keeping this room organized feel like an insurmountable task.

However, creating a functional and even calming bathroom space is absolutely achievable. The key is to break down the process into manageable steps and implement strategies that work with your brain, not against it.

Just too many things

Whenever I enter a cluttered and chaotic bathroom that has gotten out of control, the same culprits are usually to blame. Simply, too much stuff is being stored in too small of a space to keep it all organized.

Because of this, nothing has a home, and things get shoved wherever space can be found. Additionally, many things are hard to get to because other things are in front of or on top of other things. And who knows what things are hiding in the back of those overstuffed cabinets? Likely a lot of long-lost things that haven’t been seen or used in ages. 

If you really want to streamline your bathroom and create the spa-like space you have always wanted, following these steps will get you there. I’ve included suggestions for several ADHD-friendly bathroom organization products. These are tried and true products I use frequently when organizing a bathroom.

ADHD Bathroom Organization – 12 Tips and Tools:

1. Declutter and sort before you decide where things should go.

Evaluate what you have and toss products that are expired, almost empty, or do not work well. Be ruthless here, don’t keep items out of guilt because you spent a lot of money on them. If you didn’t like the way the product worked the last time you used it…you won’t like the way it works tomorrow. 

Grab three boxes or bags labeled “Trash,” “Donate/Give Away,” and “Put Away (if it belongs elsewhere in the house).” As you take items out, immediately donate or toss what I call the “no-brainer” items…things that you don’t have to give much thought to. Place the “keeps” or the “probably keeps” into sorted piles of related items. Examples might be hair products, makeup, first aid, tooth care, shaving products, skincare, etc.

2. Once everything has been sorted into “keep” piles, take a second look.

This is the time to go back and evaluate whether or not you have too many duplicates or have items you do not truly use. I want to emphasize here that if you have ADHD, the less stuff you keep in your bathroom, the easier it will be for you to keep it all organized. Do any additional decluttering now, before moving on to the next step.

3. Visual clutter is more problematic for those with ADHD than for those with neurotypical brains.

For this reason, you’ll want to minimize the amount of stuff you have to deal with by not stocking up on a lot of duplicates. This is what gets a lot of people into trouble. Too many duplicates take up a lot of precious space. Instead, only replace products when the bottle you are using is nearly gone. Trust me on this one, it is the most common mistake I see.

4. Prioritize what you use most.

Figure out what items you use on a daily or nearly daily basis and set these items aside. These are the products that should either live on your bathroom countertop or in the top drawer of your vanity.

Place frequently used items in easily accessible spots. Less-used items can go on higher shelves or in the back of drawers. This reduces frustration and makes it more likely you’ll put things back where they belong. 

5. Use open-top containers for frequently used items.

A decorative open bin placed on your countertop can corral everything together to prevent those items from looking like clutter while keeping them visible and easily accessible.  Small clear containers inside your top drawers will keep small items separated and organized.

6. How to organize products underneath the sink.

Large, open-topped containers can also be placed underneath your sink to keep related products together. Adjustable Under-the-sink bathroom organizers also work well and utilize all the vertical space underneath your sink. I would avoid the type with pull out drawers because they are too much work and require you to lay all of your bottles down. 

7. Visibility is your superpower.

Clear containers can be used in bathroom closets or cabinets to keep related items visible and together. Object permanence is a real challenge for many with ADHD. If we can’t see it, it often ceases to exist. If you need to see it to remember to do it, like taking your vitamins for example, clear containers allow you to see what you have at a glance.

8. Create functional zones.

Our brains thrive on clear visual cues. Divide your bathroom into distinct zones based on function and store things where you use them:

• Hygiene: This includes the sink area, toothbrush holder, soap dispenser, and hand towels.
• Showering/bathing: Shampoo, conditioner, body wash, razors, and any bath accessories belong here.
• Face care: Cleansers, serums, moisturizers, and any specialized facial treatments.
• Hair care: Brushes, combs, styling products, and your hairdryer/straightener.
• Towels: Designated space for clean towels.
• Toiletries: Extra supplies – feminine products, toilet paper, etc. Store these near the toilet so you can grab them when you need them.

9. Be sure to keep a large laundry bin and trash can in your bathroom that is easily accessible.

I removed a shelf in my bathroom cabinet to make room for a large open-topped laundry bin so that we can easily toss clothing into it. If you have the space, you could even use a laundry separator bin to save yourself a step in the laundry room. You want to make tossing trash and picking up laundry in this room as easy as possible for yourself.

10. Label everything – Your future self will thank you.

Clearly label bins, drawers, and even shelves with their contents. This provides an external reminder of where things belong, making putting them away much easier.  This is especially helpful if you have other family members who will be using this room as well.

11. Add wall-mounted hooks.

Hooks are great for quickly hanging towels, bathrobes, or the outfit you plan to wear that day. If you make it super easy for yourself to hang things up, you’ll be more likely to do it.

12. Regular Maintenance – Little and often wins the race.

The saying goes…it’s always easier to keep up than to catch up. Instead of waiting for the chaos to return, incorporate small, regular tidying tasks into your routine. Before you leave the bathroom, each day, take a minute to put away any stray items.

The best ADHD Bathroom organization mindset: Embrace imperfection and celebrate progress.

Remember, organizing is an ongoing process, not a one-time event. There will be days when things get a little messy, and that’s okay. The goal is to create a system that generally works for you and reduces overwhelm. Celebrate the small victories and be kind to yourself. You’ve got this!

To get more help with organizing other important rooms in your home check out my other ADHD specific posts: Step-By-Step ADHD Friendly Bedroom Organizing Tips, and 15 ADHD Kitchen Organizing Tips That Really Work.

A meal planning system that will pay for itself in:

Reduced grocery bills, saved mental energy, less food waste, fewer trips to the grocery store, more family time, better nutrition, and a more organized pantry.

Feeling Stuck?

Schedule a coaching call, virtual organizing session, or a home assessment with me, and get the support and encouragement you need to move forward.