Control the Chaos: A Practical Guide to Organization and Order

When you face the overwhelming feeling of the mess around you – the familiar phrase "Where did I put the... ugh!" echoes in every room and space – it’s important to know that this is not a failure, but a challenge full of opportunities for growth and improvement. As someone who works in parent coaching, specializes in ADHD, and is a teacher and mentor in adaptive teaching methodology and integrative coaching for children and youth, I know how important it is to learn to organize and bring order while maintaining the authenticity and uniqueness of each individual.

Why does organization seem challenging?

There are several main factors that make the organization process difficult:

 • Difficulty in planning: Sometimes it’s hard to structure the day, especially when the mind is full of thoughts.

 • Sensory overload: An environment full of details leads to a feeling of overwhelm, even if unintentionally.

 • Too many details: When there are too many things and methods for organization, it’s easy to get stuck.

 • Quick forgetfulness: With many tasks, it often feels like things get crushed and forgotten quickly.

 • Procrastination: The tendency to postpone can lead to an accumulation of mess.

Basic principles for successful organization:

To create order within the chaos, it’s worth remembering a few principles:

 • A fixed place for everything: Assigning a defined location for each item makes searching quick and efficient.

 • Less is more: Reducing the number of items helps avoid overload.

 • Easy accessibility: Keep frequently used items nearby.

 • Clear labeling: Labels and markings make quick identification easier.

 • Daily maintenance: Keeping daily order prevents the accumulation of mess.

Color coding – A visual tool for improving memory and organization:

I’ve tried and recommend the color-coding method, which helps distinguish between different categories:

 • Blue: Study-related.

 • Red: Urgent matters.

 • Green: Leisure and quality time.

 • Yellow: Family activities.

 • Purple: Personal matters.

This method allows you to remember the importance of each thing and easily track priorities.

Organizing the home – The space where everything comes together:

The home is the foundation for growth and learning. Here, I recommend dividing the space into several designated areas:

 • Workstations: Creating defined work areas for each activity (studying, creating, hobbies).

 • Activity zones: Dividing the home by functions – a learning corner, play area, personal space.

 • Personal space: Not just for children but also for parents – a place for rest and renewal.

 • Learning corner: An organized study desk with accessible and digital tools to maintain routine.

 • Play area: A place where toys and play tools can be stored conveniently and neatly.

Organizing studies – When knowledge and information need a place:

At school or in home learning, it’s important for every detail to have a place and be known:

 • Colorful binders and folders: Keeping study materials structured.

 • Task lists and schedules: Daily, weekly, and monthly planning to track tasks and know what’s important.

 • Organized equipment: Maintaining a uniform and predictable setup so that even when there’s external "mess," the study materials are in place.

Time management – Combining order and flexibility:

Time management tools are essential for parents and children:

 • Large clocks and visual timers: Help divide time conveniently and clearly.

 • Reminders and calendars: Early planning reduces daily stress.

 • Fixed routine: Creating a consistent flow throughout the day provides a sense of security and stability.

School bag – Not forgetting anything:

An organized bag can change the entire day:

 • Daily check: A habit of checking contents every morning.

 • Equipment list: Coordinating and ensuring everything needed is in the bag.

 • Organized pockets and backup supplies: Reducing the chance of losing essential items.

Practical ideas and simple tools:

When dealing with mess, simple tools are key:

 • Transparent boxes and clear labels: Allow you to see what’s inside without opening and checking.

 • Sorted baskets and accessible hooks: For storing tools and items so everything can be found quickly.

 • The 123 method:

  (1) Initial sorting – Quickly filtering items.

  (2) Decision – Keep or discard.

  (3) Fixed location – Assigning a unique place for what remains.

Digital tools and technological support:

In recent years, technology has become an additional tool for managing the day:

 • Reminder apps, digital calendars, and task lists allow for constant tracking.

 • Saving "organization photos" can serve as inspiration and a benchmark for daily comparison.

 • A daily digital checklist – for any purpose, intuitive and accessible to everyone.

Routines – The foundation for success and a sense of order:

To ensure organization doesn’t remain an afterthought, it’s recommended to integrate clear routines:

 • Morning routine: Preparing in advance, a checklist, and a clear sequence of actions with timers and visual reminders to ease the start.

 • Evening routine: Organizing the bag, preparing clothes, and checking the schedule – all help close the day neatly and start the next with focus.

 • Smart lists: Short, colorful, updated, and easy to erase or update – a tool that allows consistency without pressure.

Turning order into a game – When fun meets organization:

For many children, especially those dealing with ADHD challenges, turning organizational tasks into a game can change the picture:

 • Using a challenging timer and friendly competition.

 • Distributing "small rewards" and highlighting successes – every step forward is a victory.

 • Funny tasks and celebrating small successes help maintain motivation over time.

Building habits and maintaining consistency:

Often, the key to success is not striving for perfect change overnight but building habits step by step:

 • Step by step: Every small change accumulates and becomes a success.

 • Consistency and positive reinforcement: Every success, no matter how small, is a reason to celebrate.

 • Flexibility and patience: Every family and every child is unique – what works for one may not necessarily work for another.

What doesn’t work and what does:

- It’s not advisable to let constant pressure, ongoing criticism, or unrealistic comparisons take over:

 ◦ Pressure and criticism only increase the sense of failure.

 ◦ Complex solutions and perfect expectations lead to disappointment.

- On the other hand, simple methods, fixed routines, and positive reinforcements, combined with flexibility and gradual progress, form the foundation for success.

A few words of encouragement that can serve as a daily mantra:

 • "Step by step"

 • "Progress, not perfection"

 • "Everything in its place"

 • "Simple and easy"

 • "I can"

And one more small tip: Create a "docking station" at home – a fixed place for all the important things (keys, bag, phone). This way, it will be easier for you to find them and start the day organized.

Yours always,

Ilana Cahana