ADHD Tax: Money Spent On Replacing Stuff
How to stop misplacing, losing things and keep your money.
I often jest that I would misplace my head if it were not firmly attached to my body or that I could be a millionaire with everything I have lost. While these remarks are all in good humour, there have been moments when frustration has brought me to tears. My partner finds amusement in my frequent losses and even shared a TikTok video where someone with ADHD humorously referred to it as the ‘ADHD Tax.’
Unfortunately, I cannot credit the original creator of this concept, but I find it incredibly amusing. The idea behind the ADHD tax is the money spent on replacing items that have been misplaced. Just imagine how much money we unknowingly spend on this “tax.” Wouldn’t it be fantastic if we could redirect those funds towards vacations, new technology, or enjoyable nights out? Want to know how? Read on.
In this article, I’m sharing my unique perspective as a therapist working with individuals with ADHD and as someone who personally experiences ADHD. I understand the struggles of constantly losing things and how frustrating it can be. But don’t worry, I’ve got you covered!
Today, I want to delve into some practical strategies to help people with ADHD keep track of their belongings and make their lives easier. Before diving in, it’s important to remember that we are all unique individuals, and what works for me might not necessarily work for you.
That said, I encourage you to keep an open mind and try different approaches to find what suits you best. I’m always available to learn from others, especially fellow writers in my ADHD community. If you have any organizational strategies that have worked for you, please don’t hesitate to share them! So, let’s get started! I will share some tried-and-true methods that have helped me personally and benefited my clients with ADHD. These techniques will assist in keeping track of those essential items that tend to vanish when you need them the most mysteriously.
How many hundreds, maybe thousands, do you pay in ADHD tax? Wouldn’t it be great to use that money on a vacation, movie, or pay your bills? I am enjoying my holiday and found myself purchasing a new brush due to my forgetfulness in packing it. This new addition will join my existing collection.
At the Dollar Store alone, I possess at least twelve inexpensive brushes. In addition to these, I have replaced numerous toothbrushes, hair elastics, foundations, and lip glosses. Alongside these everyday items are more valuable possessions like car keys — on one occasion, I even had to have my car towed as both sets of keys were misplaced.
Countless pairs of glasses have also disappeared into thin air; although bifocals are not cheap investments for me, they still meet the same fate of being broken or lost. To make up for this constant loss and inconvenience, disposable contacts and affordable reading glasses are scattered throughout my life. My credit and debit cards present another ongoing challenge due to their tendency to be misplaced or go missing entirely.
It’s worth mentioning that my children who also struggle with ADHD share in this propensity for losing things too — from textbooks for schoolchildren all the way down to water bottles and jock straps — it truly is perplexing how such items manage to vanish so effortlessly! Poof into thin air.
One of the criteria for diagnosing ADHD is losing items necessary for everyday life: Persons with ADHD have poor executive memory. They are also easily distracted, making us more prone to losing stuff. An essential criterion for diagnosing ADHD is the tendency to lose items necessary for daily functioning. Individuals with ADHD often struggle with poor executive functioning, encompassing skills such as organization, planning, and memory. Due to their difficulty maintaining focus and being easily distracted, they are more susceptible to misplacing or forgetting essential belongings.
This can be frustrating and can significantly impact our daily lives. Identifying and understanding these challenges is crucial in providing appropriate support and intervention for individuals with ADHD and developing systems that work for you; remember that we are all different, and what works for me may not work for you.
Strategies to Keep Track of Essentials:
- If you’re someone who struggles with ADHD, finding your keys can be a daily challenge. That’s where lanyards come in handy — they’re prominent and easier to spot and help you keep your keys securely attached. I find it helpful to hang my lanyard by the door in plain sight, along with my work badge. This way, I never forget to grab them before heading out. Having extra copies of your keys is also a smart move. It’s always a good idea to store them in a safe place, just in case you misplace your main set. This will save you from unnecessary stress when you’re in a rush or running late. So, if you’re one of the many people with ADHD who struggle with keeping track of your keys, try lanyards. They can make a world of difference in your daily routine.
- Essentials and Toiletries: Toothbrushes and travel essentials: Keep an extra set in your suitcase. Nothing is worse than unpacking and you don’t have a toothbrush or deodorant. Put them in plastic zip lock bags, so you can see where everything is, and it is less likely to get lost. Glasses: I wear disposable contacts now. I also have reading glasses at work stashed in my purse and nightstand. Hopefully, these hacks will save you time and money running to the drugstore.
- Prescriptions: I keep my medications in the kitchen cupboard above my coffee machine. I take meds in the morning and storing my medication by my coffee machine is most practical for me. Find a spot for your daily medications central to your routine, so you can’t miss them. I’ve talked to someone who keeps their medicines in their underwear drawer or next to their toothbrush; others have placed medications by their alarm clock, a visual reminder to take them when they wake up. Consider getting a bubble pack for your medicines as opposed to keeping track of various bottles.
- Financial cards and cash: Consider using Google Wallet or Iwallet. Keep your cards organized in your purse. Take time to put them back in zipper compartments; avoid putting them in pockets or your console in your vehicle. Try a fashionable cross-body purse or belt wallet to avoid losing cash and bank cards, and have a zippered bag so items don’t fall out and have compartments organized, making it easy to find things.
- If you tend to misplace things, technology can be a lifesaver. So many fantastic scheduling and reminder apps can help you stay organized and on top of your to-do list. But when it comes to keeping track of your belongings, there’s no need to worry either. With the help of digital trackers, you can quickly locate your expensive items like wallets and backpacks. And let’s not forget about our beloved cell phones — we can’t afford to lose those either! So why not have an app that can track your phone and give you peace of mind? Technology truly has our backs in helping us not lose stuff.
- Have a launch pad, and keep everything needed for work and school for family members. Keep it out in the open where everyone can see it. Some people use cubies, baskets and open shelving. A lunch pad is a great way to stay organized and ensure that everything you need for the day is easily accessible. Having a designated space for your bookbags, briefcases, and other items can save time and avoid the stress of searching for things last minute. Imagine having all your essentials in plain sight, neatly arranged and ready to go. A lunch pad lets you do that, providing a convenient spot to keep your belongings organized and within easy reach. Whether it’s your work bag filled with important documents or your backpack packed with textbooks, having a dedicated space for these items ensures you can grab them quickly and head out the door without any hassle. So, how do you create a lunch pad that promotes organization? Start by designating a specific area in your home where you can keep all your essentials. It could be a kitchen counter, a hallway shelf, or even a corner of your bedroom. The key is to choose a spot that is easily accessible and suits your needs. Once you have identified the perfect location, it’s time to gather all the items you need for the day and arrange them in a way that makes sense. So, why not create your lunch pad today? This simple organization hack will save you time, reduce stress, and help you start your day on the right foot. Give it a try and experience the benefits of having a designated space for your essentials.
- Before you leave for the day, it’s always a good idea to take a moment to gather your belongings mindfully. As someone who tends to misplace things frequently, I understand the frustration of losing items, especially when you’re in a rush. So, before you head out the door, take a deep breath and ask yourself, “Do I have my keys, wallet, or work ID?” Creating a mental checklist can help prevent those last-minute panic moments when you realize you’ve left something behind. This simple habit can be particularly beneficial for individuals with ADHD, as it provides structure and helps to minimize the chances of losing items. So, remember to take that extra moment to review your mental checklist before leaving for the day. Your future self will thank you.
- Reward yourself. ADHDers absolutely thrive on rewards, and these rewards can work wonders when it comes to boosting motivation. If you’ve had a week where you haven’t misplaced anything, why not treat yourself to something fun using the money you would have otherwise spent on replacing lost items? It could be that new pair of shoes you’ve been eyeing or maybe even a night out with friends. Remember, incorporating rewards into your routine can be a game-changer for those with ADHD. So indulge a little and see its positive impact on your motivation levels!
In conclusion, these are my top eight strategies to help you avoid losing your belongings and save yourself from the frustration and cost of replacing them. I understand that keeping track of your things can still be challenging, even with these strategies. However, it’s essential to be patient and remember that it takes time to develop new habits. Implementing these strategies can significantly reduce the chances of misplacing or losing your items.
Whether it’s creating designated spaces for your belongings, setting reminders, or using technology to your advantage, there are various approaches you can take to stay organized. Remember, losing your possessions not only results in the inconvenience of having to search for them or purchase replacements, but it can also take a toll on your hard-earned money. We work hard to earn a living, and it’s essential to avoid paying the “ADHD tax” by misplacing items.
So, please take a moment to assess which strategies resonate with you the most and start incorporating them into your daily routine. With practice and consistency, you’ll gradually develop a stronger sense of organization and reduce the likelihood of losing your belongings. Remember that it may take time to adjust in the beginning, so be patient and kind to yourself throughout the process. Don’t let the frustration of losing things weigh you down.
Following these strategies and staying committed to organizing your belongings can save you the hassle, time, and money of constantly replacing lost items. Take control of your surroundings and enjoy a more organized and stress-free life. So what do you have to lose? No pun attended. Good luck, and keep your money in your pocket!
