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How Do I Organise School Supplies for a Child with ADHD? 

ADHD school organisation can be a challenge, especially when it comes to keeping track of school supplies. Children with ADHD often struggle with organisation due to difficulties with focus, memory, and managing clutter. A well-organised system can help your child stay on top of their schoolwork and reduce distractions caused by disorganised or misplaced supplies. By implementing clutter-free systems, supply storage solutions, and labelled bins, you can create a functional and stress-free environment for your child. 

How to Organise School Supplies for a Child with ADHD 

Here are some effective strategies to help organise school supplies for a child with ADHD: 

Create a designated space 

Designate a specific area in your home for school supplies, whether it’s a desk, a bin, or a shelf. Having a consistent, organised space helps your child know exactly where to find their supplies, reducing the time spent searching and increasing focus. 

Use labelled bins or containers 

 Clear, labelled bins are a great way to organise school supplies. Label containers by type of item (e.g., pencils, markers, paper) to make it easy for your child to find what they need. The more visually clear and organised the storage is, the easier it will be for your child to stay on track. 

Create a simple system for supplies 

Keep supplies to a minimum and focus on essentials. A cluttered space can overwhelm a child with ADHD, so stick to what’s necessary and avoid excess items that will just take up space and cause distractions. 

Set up a routine for organising 

Make tidying up part of the daily routine. After school, encourage your child to put away supplies in their designated spot. This reinforces the habit of keeping their school supplies organised, and they’ll get used to the system over time. 

Use colour coding 

Colour coding different school subjects or supplies can help your child stay organised and make it easier for them to find what they need. For example, use coloured folders or notebooks for each subject or activity. 

By implementing these ADHD school organisation strategies, you can help your child stay on top of their school supplies, reduce clutter, and create a more productive, organised environment. 

If you need further advice on supply storage or creating effective clutter-free systems, consider visiting providers like ADHD Certify for expert guidance. 

For a deeper dive into the science, diagnosis, and full treatment landscape, read our complete guide to Time management and organisation.

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS, author and a reviewer for my patient advice - mypatientadvice.co.uk

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

Author

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez is a UK-trained physician with an MBBS and experience in general surgery, cardiology, internal medicine, gynecology, intensive care, and emergency medicine. She has managed critically ill patients, stabilised acute trauma cases, and provided comprehensive inpatient and outpatient care. In psychiatry, Dr. Fernandez has worked with psychotic, mood, anxiety, and substance use disorders, applying evidence-based approaches such as CBT, ACT, and mindfulness-based therapies. Her skills span patient assessment, treatment planning, and the integration of digital health solutions to support mental well-being.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the author's privacy.