Creative Storage Solutions
How I Used My A.D.D. To Get Organized
This post is part of a 10-DAY DECLUTTERING CHALLENGE and it is aimed at people with A.D.D.
The goal is to help organize our thoughts about clutter and find creative solutions in a structured way.
Research shows that people with ADD tend to think in a non-linear fashion and, though this may seem like a challenge, the research also suggests that people with ADD are extremely creative due to this approach to problem solving.
By using both linear and non-linear methods we can find creative and practical solutions specific to our needs.
First Step: We are going to scan the room we would like to declutter by scanning the room in one direction (linear) vs. just taking it all in from all sides (non-linear) and overwhelming.
This is a good time to get your smart phone out and take a picture of ONE wall or area of the room. This will help keep other distractions at bay for now and allow you to hyper focus on just ONE area.
The idea is to scan the area in a systematic way to find all of the problem areas. Do this for one area at a time. We are looking for “problems”
Now scan the room again and look for “opportunities”, like unused space or containers that can be repurposed. Beware: your brain may want to hi-jack this process and get you crafting a new wall-hanging system or painting an old shelf…resist this urge.
Problems: Empty Space and Containers
- Too many hats
- Tangled cords
- Craft stuff
- Scarves
- Magazines
- Crate with lid
- Unused space on top shelf
- Magazine rack
- Altoid tins
- Binders
- Baskets
THE RIGHT BRAIN CREATIVE AND NON-LINEAR PART.
Our next step is to let our minds wander and go nuts thinking about how we can turn the “problem” into a solution.
The key here is to suspend judgment. Don’t worry if an idea is good or bad just take a minute and consider all of the ways that you can repurpose the problem or solve with an opportunity.
Here’s an example: I had an old bread box that wound up in my “containers” group. It was old and dated. I really don’t know how I kept this as long as I had. I also had some old pepper mills that were given to me when the manager of a steakhouse replaced all of the restaurant mills.
I took the mills and made four legs for the bread box. It became a central station by our most used door. It holds keys, sunglasses, and now fresh disposable masks. We always know where to find our keys. They’re in the bread box, of course!
More examples of “problems” turning into solutions:
- I had a few broken lamps that I had kept because I was going to “fix” them. Instead, I scrapped the electrical wires and created some nice hat stands to display some of my handmade alpaca hats.
- I saved the best example for last but I can’t take credit for this great idea. When my friend Chris visited years ago. We were still unpacking and moving into our new home. I was at a loss for where to fit everything. He suggested I move an armoire, that was not being used, into the kitchen. I can’t lie, I thought it was a ridiculous idea, but I’m open to trying new things, so, between the three of us, we managed to move this giant TV armoire into the kitchen. Once it was there, I couldn’t bear to ask them to move it back. This thing was very heavy, so I decided to try and make it work.
It is now my favorite part of the kitchen! It had an electrical surge protector built-in and out of sight. I moved my blender, toaster, and mixer in there. I moved a bin of flour and it became a giant bread box. I can proof my bread when I’m baking and all of the baking sheets fit perfectly in what was the VCR space. I am able to store them vertically instead of stacked, so I can get the pan I need without disturbing any others. This armoire also has two CD organizers that roll out for easy access. I placed a bin with some spices in there and they roll out far enough that I can see all at once.
I think you get the idea. This was a huge container solution for all of the gadgets that were cluttering my countertops.
How to organize small items
- I find that kitchen food storage containers are great for storing small items. They are inexpensive and come in a variety of sizes.
- Altoid tins or other similar containers can be used to store sewing kits.
- My knitting kit contains a small pair of scissors, a measuring tape, stitch markers, and a tapestry needle.
- I also have an Altoid needle and pin case. I glued a magnet to the inside and my pins and needles stay put.
DIY storage ideas
- Sturdy tins and boxes like cookie tins or even oatmeal cylinders can be dressed up in fancy papers or fabrics that match your decor.
- Binders are a great way to consolidate your cookbooks and favorite recipes.
- A lazy susan is a handy storage tool that makes it much easier to reach items in a small space. I made mine with two baking tins and marbles.
- A clean splatter screen can be used to store jewelry.
- Paper towel holders can organize ribbon spools.
Repurposed creative solutions
- I use a two-tiered pie stand in my bathroom to hold essentials. I placed a white dish in each. They are easily removed for washing.
- An office supply basket holds 3 rolled washcloths in the guest bathroom.
- I break off the clip ends of plastic pants holders and use them as chip bag sealers.
Unused spaces
- Under beds
- Inside stored suitcases
- Inside walls of closets and doors
- Top shelves
- Under stairs
Double Duty
- Storage benches
- Trunk Seatee
- “Bucket Buddy” for crafts and stool
Creative solutions for sentimental items
Sentimental items can be especially challenging because they engage our emotions and tie us to someone or some time in our lives that we’d like to hold.
- I have a hanging file folder for each family member and I keep special items in there, but sometimes the item is too large or keeping it is not really practical. Ex. The self portrait made from pasta and lentil beans.
- A good solution is to take a picture of the child holding the masterpiece. You can include it in the family album or better still,
- create an email for each child and email the picture to them. When they are older you can give the password and they will have a treasure trove of items to share with their children.
- If you have special items that belong to grandparents, create a video of them describing the item. This can be shared digitally with the entire family.
- Use old greeting cards as bookmarks. Crop, cut, and punch a hole for the ribbon.
- Scan special cards and photographs to create a one-of-a-kind coffee table book. This is a real conversation starter and guests really enjoy this.
Finally, if you have a cherished item. Showcase it. Consider using it as an Anchor in your room and make it the focal point
You can learn more about ADD and the decluttering challenge on my podcast.
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