The techniques of being organized are really no different for people with attention deficit disorder than it is for any other individual.  The SYSTEMS to staying organized might be different or more disciplined, but the METHODS to getting organized are the same.  In an effort to make this short and simple, there are two rules to apply in achieving an organized lifestyle.

WHEN CLUTTER OCCURS

The accumulation of clutter results from lack of systems and disciplines, so it's the first thing that has to be dealt with.  Gather and CATEGORIZE all items on the loose cluttering a room and then put them in designated places.

BUILDING HABITS

One man with attention deficit disorder said he had to have things placed in a certain spot and then practice a ROUTINE of going to those places to get something.  For instance, he had his fax machine placed on a counter spot where he would see it as he walked in the room and could grab faxes off the machine that came in.  He got into the HABIT of checking every time he entered the room and this seemed to work out fine for him.  The only problem was that he didn't have a CARRY-THROUGH system after that to process the faxes, so they ended up as clutter on his desktop, on table tops, and anywhere else that seemed convenient at the time. After setting up a tray basket for incoming mail, a vertical file holder for action files, and some other tools to help him manage his paper flow, his problem was handled.  We then established systems to manage his time to deal with his administrative tasks. Case cured. 

ACHIEVING ORGANIZING SUCCESS

Use the two rules as guidelines and you'll soon discover it isn't difficult to achieve the type of organized lifestyle you want.  Just make sure that:

• everything has a place and everything is in its place, and that
• 
  
  
• you have methods in which to keep it that way, as well as methods of doing what you do

It's really as simple as that.