If you live in an ADHD household, you’ll know the morning panic of “Where are my shoes?” … “Has anyone seen my bag?” … “I swear I left my keys right here!”
It’s not laziness, it’s ADHD. Brains with ADHD often struggle with working memory and organisation, which means everyday items get misplaced, constantly. The good news? You can fix this with one simple system: the launch pad.
What Is a Launch Pad?
A launch pad is one dedicated spot where everything you need for leaving the house lives. No more running around at the last minute, no more lost PE kits and no more frantic shouting.
It works because ADHD brains thrive on visual cues and predictability. When there’s one obvious place for things, they’re far less likely to disappear. It’s a place that is easy to put things when entering the house that ensures they’re in the right place for when you leave again.
How to Set Up an ADHD-Friendly Launch Pad
1. Pick the Right Spot
Your launch pad needs to be near the door you use most often. That way, you literally can’t miss it on your way in or out. This isn’t about putting away or hiding stuff, often for ADHD brains we need visual cues and minimal barriers. Start by looking at where coats, shoes and bags are currently being dumped, this shows how your home is being used and what feels natural to those using it.
2. Give Everyone Their Own Space
Each person in the family should have their own section, whether it be a basket, box, or hook.
It must have space for all the things that each person needs, coats, shoes, bags, PE kits etc all need their own space. Labels are ideal to remind us what belongs in the space when the space is empty, this helps to avoid the wrong things being put there and gives visual clues to ensure things are returned to the right place.
3. What should a launch pad look like?
A launch pad should be simple to use and right for the people using it. Young children may simply need a basket for their bag, shoes and coat - if you do want to give them a hook ensure it’s low enough that they can reach easily.
Think about how you use space, how many shoe options do you need by the door for example? Would a basket to dump shoes in be better for you or a shoe rack?
If you’re using coat hooks, ensure you have enough hooks for every coat and a space for visitors.
4. Use Visual Reminders
Print out a simple checklist and stick it above the launch pad, this makes the “Did I forget something?” moment quick and painless.
Print out timetables for quick last minute checks of PE kits, aprons and other occasional kit.
5. Keep It Simple (and Visible)
Hidden storage doesn’t work for many ADHD brains. Out of sight = out of mind.
- Open baskets or hooks work better than cupboards and drawers
- Use labels to avoid clutter - only the essentials belong here
Why It Works
The launch pad cuts down on:
- Morning chaos - everything is ready to grab
- Lost items - there’s only one place they live
- Parent nagging - kids can check their own lists and space
It creates independence for kids and less stress for parents. Win-win.
Final Thoughts
If you’re forever losing keys, bags and PE kits, a launch pad could be the game-changer your ADHD household needs. It doesn’t need to be fancy, just consistent, visible and used every day.
Start simple: one spot, one basket per person, one checklist on the wall. You’ll be amazed at how much calmer your mornings become.