Managing Stuff Challenges of ADD and ADHD

The accumulation of stuff happens like breathing. As we live, stuff seems to accumulate in our offices, homes, dorm rooms and we have the daunting task of figuring out what to do with all this stuff. We have papers, pens, folders, magazines, books, tests, notes, quizzes, contacts; and the list goes on and on.

It is common to have a filing system in place for about 80% of all this stuff where we are likely to remember where it is and have an easy time of retrieving this information. It is the last 20% that often bog us down and distract us from the tasks at hand. Often it is nice to have a trusted person or coach, who will help with this part of the process. This unbiased outside opinion can help with deciphering your needs and thought processes.

We have found many methods that work in filing systems from index filing and labeling to color coding. In my experience I have found that I utilize a few techniques to maintain my filing systems. First I have a color coding system where red is for clients, yellow is for office stuff, blue is for household stuff and so forth. I have typed a list for the outside of the filing cabinets that is also color coded and lists the file names. This way we can quickly scan the lists to see what file drawer we need to go into for the information needed. Also with the color coding on the lists, it is a subtle reminder for our filing system and the colors used.

This system has worked well however I am constantly tweakin g the system and moving items to where they are more efficiently found. For example, all electronics come with a disc and an owner’s manual. There are three files that these would fall under; electronics, office and household goods. Originally we put these items in the household goods file folder. As we needed the information, we found that we were looking in the electronics folder first so we moved the information. Now we find our information in the first folder making our search much more efficient.

The final responsibility of the trusted person/coach is to ensure that we aren’t keeping items that are unnecessary and bogging down our lives. This person needs to understand your threshold for change and discarding items prior to making recommendations. Some coaches would be able to assist with this process.

To set up this system make take some initial investment of time and money however in the long run you will save time and money through efficiency of finding needed information. The accumulation of stuff happens like breathing. As we live, stuff seems to accumulate in our offices, homes, dorm rooms and we have the daunting task of figuring out what to do with all this stuff. We have papers, pens, folders, magazines, books, tests, notes, quizzes, contacts; and the list goes on and on.