How to Clean a Disorganized Room Without Losing Your Mind: An ADHD Guide to Decluttering
We all have that room.
You know the one—where random bags, holiday decorations, Amazon boxes, and clothes you meant to donate all go to die. Whether you call it your junk room, catch-all room, or “the room we don’t open when guests are over,” it can be overwhelming to even think about cleaning it out.
But here's the good news: with a solid plan and a little motivation, you can reclaim that space. Here’s a step-by-step guide to cleaning a disorganized room without burning out.
Step 1: Set the Scene (and Your Expectations)
Before you touch a single item, set yourself up for success.
Pick a day and time when you’ll have the most energy. Don’t start at 8 PM and expect to finish it in one go.
Dress for the mess. Comfy clothes, closed-toe shoes, and maybe gloves if things have been in there a while.
Set a timer. Commit to a block of time—like 30 minutes or an hour—so the job feels more manageable.
Play music, a podcast, or an audiobook to keep your energy up.
Step 2: Sort Everything Into 4 Categories
Bring in bins, boxes, or trash bags and start sorting.
Keep: Things you need, use, or love.
Donate: Items in good condition you no longer need.
Trash: Broken, expired, or just plain junk.
Relocate: Belongs in another room in the house.
Resist the urge to deep-clean or organize right away. This is just about making sense of what’s in the room.
Step 3: Clear the Floor First
Start with what’s on the floor so you can actually move around. Clearing this space gives you momentum and helps you feel like you're making real progress.
Tip: If you find yourself stuck on a decision (“Should I keep this?”), put it in a “Maybe” pile and move on.
Step 4: Empty the Room (If You Can)
If the room is especially bad, consider removing everything (or almost everything) so you can clean from scratch. This also gives you a chance to rethink the space with a fresh perspective.
Vacuum, wipe down surfaces, and open a window if it smells musty.
Step 5: Be Brutal—But Realistic
Ask yourself:
When was the last time I used this?
Would I buy this again?
Am I keeping this out of guilt or obligation?
You don’t have to get rid of everything—but don’t keep things just because you “might need them someday.”
Step 6: Organize As You Re-Enter
Now it’s time to put the “Keep” items back in a way that makes sense.
Use clear bins or labeled boxes.
Store like items together: wrapping supplies, seasonal decorations, office supplies, etc.
Maximize vertical space with shelves or over-the-door organizers.
This is a great time to rethink how you want to use the room going forward—office, guest room, creative space?
Step 7: Get Rid of the Trash and Donations Immediately
Don’t let the donation bags sit there for a month. Put them in your car or schedule a pickup. Take out the trash before you lose motivation.
Step 8: Maintain the Space
This is the hardest part. Once it’s clean, do a monthly 10-minute check-in to make sure clutter isn’t sneaking back in.
Create a rule: If it doesn’t have a “home,” it doesn’t belong in the room.
Final Thoughts
Cleaning out a disorganized room can feel like a big job, but it’s also one of the most satisfying makeovers in your home. Don’t aim for Pinterest perfection—just aim for functional and peaceful.
You deserve to have every room in your home work for you, not against you. Go reclaim that space!
If you would like more support with organization, schedule a free consultation today!