How I Went From Drowning In Clutter to Coaching ADHD Women
- Allison Converse
- 3 days ago
- 3 min read
If ADHD and clutter have left you feeling stuck in your own home, you're not alone. What might look like chaos or constant mess on the surface is usually something deeper... an overwhelmed brain trying to keep up with too much. When you begin to see it that way, you can stop pushing yourself harder and start creating a home that works with your brain, not against it.
In this first episode of The Gentle Reset, you'll get a behind the scenes look at how I went from overwhelmed and overstimulated to downsizing our home and building ADHD-friendly systems that actually work, which led me to coaching other ADHD women facing the same challenges.
You’re Not Lazy. You’re Overloaded.
Back in 2019 when I had two kids under two, I was overwhelmed, exhausted, and frustrated that I couldn’t keep up with my home. As an Occupational Therapist and a generally organized person, I felt like I should know how to do this. Every time I re-organized, the mess came back. It felt like no system stuck.
Looking back, I realize I wasn’t failing... I was overloaded. ADHD brains aren’t wired for constant decision-making and the pressure to keep up. I didn’t need more motivation. I needed less overstimulation, fewer decisions, and a system that actually worked with my busy mom life.
The Slow Shift That Changed Everything
The journey out of clutter didn’t happen overnight. It started with one drawer, one pile, one small decision at a time. Each space was tackled only when I had the energy. That slow but steady approach cleared out so much that we had rooms we weren’t even using. That’s when it hit me: I didn’t want to maintain that much space anymore.
In 2021, we made the decision to downsize. We moved from 3000 square ft. to a 1600 square ft. and let go of half of our belongings. It was a big change, but it brought so much relief.
Start Small on Purpose
One of the biggest mindset shifts for women with ADHD is learning to start small on purpose. Small wins build confidence. When you declutter one drawer, one corner, or even just one surface, it teaches your brain that change is possible.
That’s exactly what happens in Calm Cottage Coaching. I don't teach picture-perfect Pinterest organization. I teach what actually works for ADHD women.
So if you're staring at a cluttered space today and feeling stuck, try this: pick one small space. It could be a drawer, a pile on the floor, or a basket you've been avoiding. Do that one thing. Then stop. That’s a win.
When Systems Match Your Season
Once my home started matching my season of life and how my brain actually works, everything became lighter, calmer, and easier to reset. The goal was never perfection.
That's why I started Calm Cottage Coaching. Because I know there are so many ADHD women who feel stuck, just like I did. It's not about trying harder. You may just need a different system that actually works.
A Few Things to Remember:
ADHD clutter is not laziness, it's decision fatigue.
One small win is enough and helps you get started.
When your systems match your season, things feel lighter.
Want to Take the Next Step?
If you’re not sure where to start, fill out this quick survey. It helps me learn what’s been frustrating in your home so I can point you to your best next step.
Want a daily dose of encouragement and tips? Follow me on Instagram where I share honest moments, helpful insights, and real-life wins.
Having ADHD doesn't mean you're doing it wrong. It just means your home needs to work differently to fit with your ADHD brain. And that's exactly what we're here to figure out together.
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