The Link Between ADHD and Home Organisation (and What You Can Do About It)

Siobhan Eccles shares her journey from the civil service to professional organiser, focusing on ADHD-friendly home systems. She discusses practical strategies for creating calm, manageable living spaces that support mental health, especially for neurodivergent individuals. Key insights include: Siobhan's personal experience with ADHD diagnosis at age 50 and how it reshaped her professional approach. The importance of external organisational systems—labeling, designated homes for items, and visual cues—to support brain function. How to break tasks into micro-steps and use checklists for routines and cleaning, making chores less overwhelming. Techniques for managing time blindness, including visible clocks, timers, and routines tied to daily activities. The role of dopamine in motivation, especially in ADHD, and how routines can help compensate for low dopamine levels. Practical tips for decluttering, including short bursts of activity, gamification, and the concept of body doubling. The challenges of impulsivity, online shopping, and large purchases, with strategies to mitigate these impulses. The significance of a home environment that supports energy restoration and reduces overwhelm. Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction to Siobhan Eccles and her work in ADHD-friendly home organisation 00:44 - Siobhan's background: civil service to professional organiser 03:06 - Understanding ADHD and why home systems matter 06:40 - Types of ADHD and their impact on home management 09:25 - The importance of external structure at home 12:09 - What is executive function and how it affects daily tasks 14:31 - Using visual systems and checklists to manage routines 17:36 - Explaining time blindness and practical management strategies 20:06 - Managing dopamine levels to boost motivation 25:30 - Making boring chores manageable with time tricks and gamification 28:46 - Strategies for decluttering and maintaining a manageable home environment 35:26 - Acknowledging impulsivity and online shopping pitfalls 40:28 - Support, community, and self-compassion for neurodivergent individuals 43:39 - How Siobhan works with clients and available resources 45:09 - Upcoming workshops and online programs for ADHD support 46:09 - Final thoughts: Home as a supportive space, not a source of shame Connect with Siobhan: Website Instagram Upcoming event: — Clear the Clutter, both inside and out What if creating a calmer, more organised home could also help reduce stress, improve sleep and support your wellbeing? Join Professional Organiser Siobhan (BBC's Sort Your Life Out) and Registered Healer Alison McWhinnie for a practical and inspiring workshop that will help you clear the clutter both inside and out. ✔ Learn why clutter affects your nervous system ✔ Discover realistic decluttering strategies ✔ Create a calmer, more supportive home environment ✔ Leave with a simple action plan you can start immediately 📍 The Anglers, Teddington 📅 Friday 19 June 10am to 12 Noon ☕ Coffee included Investment £20pp To book, please email [email protected] Places are limited. Book now and start creating a home that helps you feel calmer, lighter and more in control. Your home should be the place that helps you recover from stress, not another source of it.