02/27/2026
How I Created an ADHD-Friendly Laundry System That Actually Works for Me. Yep, we run Bulkley Laundry and we have ADHD. So this is how we do laundry in our house. Most of it also works in our business.
Living with ADHD often means traditional organization systems don't work well. I struggled with laundry piles until I designed a simple, visual basket system tailored to my ADHD brain. This system embraces organized chaos, reduces barriers to tidying, and has helped me keep my space manageable even during tough times. Here's how I built and tested this ADHD laundry system.
Living with ADHD means that traditional organization methods often fall short. For a long time, my bedroom was frequently cluttered with piles of clean laundry on the floor. The only time it looked tidy was during rare bursts of hyperactivity when I put everything away — but that didn’t last long.
# # The Problem with Traditional Laundry Systems
I used to have a laundry system that worked well at my old place, but when I moved, I abandoned it and tried to follow the "neurotypical" way of doing laundry. This approach didn’t suit my ADHD brain. Many people with ADHD or neurodivergence try to mimic neurotypical methods, only to get stuck in a cycle of trying, failing, and feeling guilty.
I realized I needed a system that worked with my brain, not against it. I wasn’t aiming for perfect organization, but rather organized chaos — a system that fits how my brain functions.
# # Designing a Laundry System for ADHD
I decided to create a laundry system that was:
- Visual: I chose baskets with clear or open sides so I could see the clothes inside. This helps avoid the "out of sight, out of mind" problem.
- Simple: Instead of a multi-step process (sorting, folding, hanging), I wanted a low-barrier system where I could just throw clothes into labeled baskets.
- Accessible: The baskets would be placed somewhere visible, not hidden away, so I could easily toss clothes in or find what I needed.
# # # The Basket Setup
I bought four baskets and labeled them as follows:
1. Tops (excluding sweaters)
2. Workout gear
3. Sweaters
4. Socks and underwear
This way, I could quickly sort clothes without needing to fold or hang everything immediately. The goal was to reduce the effort required to put clothes away.
# # Implementing the System
Setting up the system was a big task. I motivated myself by filming the process, playing a show in the background, and planning rewards like playing The Sims, chatting with my partner, and enjoying a nice meal afterward.
I also acknowledged that some items, like overalls or pajama shirts, didn’t fit neatly into the baskets and would need to be hung up or stored separately. That was okay — the system wasn’t about perfection.
# # Testing the System Over Time
Two weeks after setting up the system, I reviewed how it was working. Despite going through a difficult period and avoiding doing laundry, my room was noticeably tidier:
- No clothes were scattered on the floor.
- Clothes that fit the basket categories were all in their respective baskets.
- Items that needed hanging, like overalls, ended up in a "misfit" pile, which I accepted.
The system made it much easier to manage laundry because tossing clothes into a basket required less effort than folding or hanging immediately. This low barrier to entry was key to its success.
# # Lessons Learned and Encouragement
- Using tools designed for neurodivergent brains can make daily tasks more manageable.
- It’s okay if a system isn’t perfect; organized chaos can be functional.
- The hardest part is establishing the system, but once set up, it can significantly reduce stress.
If you have ADHD or struggle with traditional organization methods, consider creating a system that works with your brain’s unique needs. I’d love to hear if you try this basket method or have other tips that work for you.
Remember, doing the work on yourself is powerful — no one else will do it for you. Keep going, and be proud of your progress.
Thank you for reading, and I hope this helps you find a laundry system that works for you!
To get help with your Laundry Text Help! to 435-525-1090.
