Laundry sounds simple… until you have ADHD.

Then it becomes:

• Piles that seem to multiply overnight
• Half-finished loads forgotten in the machine
• Clean washing that never quite makes it back to wardrobes

If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. At A Tidy Mind Yorkshire, this is one of the most common struggles we see with clients – especially those with ADHD.

And here’s the truth:

👉 It’s not laziness. It’s an executive function challenge.

Laundry isn’t one task—it’s lots of steps:
Sort → Wash → Dry → Fold → Put away

That’s a lot for an ADHD brain to hold, sequence, and complete.

So instead of trying to “be better” at laundry…
let’s make laundry work better for your brain.

🧠 Make laundry part of your routine (not a big event)

One of the biggest shifts?

Stop treating laundry like a massive weekly task.

ADHD brains struggle with:

• Big, undefined jobs
• Delayed rewards
• Overwhelm before starting

Instead, think small and regular.

Try:

• One load a day (or every other day)
• Pair it with something you already do (morning coffee, school run, winding down in the evening)

💡 The goal is to make it automatic, not something you have to think about.

🗓️ Assign “set days” for towels & bedding

Decision fatigue is real with ADHD.

So, remove the thinking.

For example:

• Monday = Towels
• Wednesday = Bedding

That way, you’re not constantly asking:
“Should I wash this now or later?”

👉 It’s already decided.

Simple systems like this reduce overwhelm massively—and they work really well for many of our clients across Yorkshire.

👕 Don’t overcomplicate sorting

You do not need lots of categories.

Keep it simple:

• Lights
• Darks
• Towels/bedding (if needed)

💡 Done is better than perfect.

🧺 Don’t overfill the machine

If the machine is too full:

• Clothes don’t wash properly
• You may need to rewash (more effort, more overwhelm)

👉 Leave a bit of space so clothes can move freely.

🙅‍♀️ Ditch Laundry Perfection

If vertical folding works for you – great.
If it doesn’t leave it.

You can:

• Fold simply
• Or not fold at all

💡 The best system is the one you’ll actually stick to.

🧦 Create a “sock basket”

Try:
👉 One shared sock basket

If people in your household have similar sized feet:

• Skip matching altogether
• Let everyone grab what they need

Simple. Done.

🤝 Remember: It’s not all your responsibility

Laundry often falls on one person but:
👉 They’re not just your clothes.

If you live with others:

• Get everyone involved
• Even small contributions help (putting washing away, starting a load)

😩 What to do when you feel overwhelmed

If it’s already piled up and feels like too much:

Start small:

• Do one load
• Ignore the rest for now

👉 Progress reduces overwhelm. Perfection increases it.

💛 Final thought

Laundry struggles are incredibly common – especially for people with ADHD.

We see it every day with our clients.

And the solution isn’t:
“Try harder”

It’s:
👉 Build systems that actually work for your brain

Small changes. Less pressure. More consistency.

That’s what makes the difference.

🌿 Need a bit of support with this?

If laundry (or clutter in general) feels like a constant battle, you don’t have to deal with it on your own.

I offer virtual ADHD coaching sessions, so you can get support from the comfort of your own home – no need to travel or have everything “sorted” first.

Together, we:

• Break things down into manageable steps
• Create simple, realistic systems
• Work with your brain, not against it

Sessions are £65 for 50 minutes, and tailored completely to you.

If this sounds like something you’d benefit from,
👉 send me a message or get in touch for a chat, no pressure.

Sometimes a bit of support makes all the difference.

I’d love to work with you,

Love Caroline