Long Distance Moving With ADHD: Simple Ways to Stay Organized

National Van Lines has helped people plan long distance moves for many years. Along the way, we have seen how different needs shape the moving experience. If you have ADHD, you might have focus and energy levels that change day-to-day. There are plenty of tasks to accomplish when you’re moving long distance, and it might feel a little tricky to know where to start… especially if you’re managing any symptoms of your ADHD. The good news is, with the right approach, you can create a moving plan that fits how you tick. 

In this article, we will cover:

• How longer timelines in long distance moving benefit those with ADHD 
• Ways to break the move into smaller phases
• Organization tips that reduce mental clutter
• How to stay grounded during a long distance move 

DISCLAIMER: This article is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. National Van Lines is not a medical provider. For questions about ADHD, diagnosis, or individual needs, always consult your physician or another qualified healthcare professional.

Is a longer moving timeline helpful if I have ADHD? 

Long distance moving usually takes place over a longer period of time than a local move. All the steps are spread out, rather than happening all at once. It may take weeks or even months from start to finish. For many people with ADHD, this extended timeline can be helpful because it reduces the pressure to do everything at the same time. Having more time allows you to adjust plans as needed, and focus on one part of the move without feeling rushed. It also creates more opportunities to pause and pick back up when your energy or focus shifts.

How do I break up a long distance move into smaller phases? 

Because long distance moves take more time, folks with ADHD may find it helpful to have a simple way to organize what needs attention at each stage. Breaking the move into short phases allows you to focus on one task at a time and move forward steadily.

Instead of treating the move like one large project, it can help to think in terms of “what phase am I in right now?” Each phase has one main focus and a clear point where you can stop. This creates a simple structure that helps reduce the number of decisions you have to make throughout the process. 

Here is an example of a way to break a long distance move into manageable phases:

 

 

You can work through each phase in short time blocks, such as fifteen or twenty minutes at a time. When the timer ends, you can stop without feeling like you need to finish everything at once.

And, keep in mind that clear stopping points matter. When you know which phase you are in, it becomes easier to pause and return later. Progress does not need to be fast to be effective.

How can I use visual cues and aids to stay on task during a long distance move? 

Many people with ADHD find visual reminders more helpful than written lists. Visual cues help keep tasks visible without needing to remember everything at once.

Simple visual tools that can help during a move include:

• Color-coded tape or labels. Use one color per room or category. This makes it easier to see where boxes belong and what has already been packed.
• Clear, large box labels. Write a few key words on each box instead of full lists. Short labels are easier to scan and understand quickly.
• Sticky notes in visible places. Place reminders on doors, walls, or packed furniture to flag items that still need attention.
• Photos of packed boxes or rooms. A quick photo on your phone can help you remember what is inside a box without reopening it. This is especially helpful during long distance moves when boxes may be in transit for days or weeks.

Visual cues work best when they are easy to see and easy to update. The goal is not perfect organization, but a system that helps you stay oriented as the move unfolds.

How do I make the decluttering process easier for myself?

Decluttering before a move works best when it feels simple and low-pressure. Many people find it helpful to use a few straightforward guidelines to keep decisions moving without overthinking:

1. Focus on what you want to bring with you. Start by choosing the items you know you use and enjoy. What remains becomes easier to sort once the essentials are clear.
   
2. Let space help you decide. Think about how much room you want certain items to take up in your new home. Keeping what fits comfortably can be more helpful than deciding item by item.
   
3. Use familiar, practical rules. For example, items you have not used in the past year are often good candidates for donation. This keeps decisions consistent and quick.
   
4. Aim for progress, not perfection. Decluttering does not need to be finished in one pass. Each small decision helps lighten what you need to pack and move.

Approaching decluttering this way keeps the process steady and manageable. Over time, those small choices add up and help the move feel more organized.

How do I stay grounded during a long distance move?

Long distance moves come with natural pauses. Packing ends. Moving day happens. Delivery comes later. Knowing this ahead of time helps those moments feel expected instead of disruptive.

A small amount of preparation goes a long way. Setting aside one bag or box with daily essentials can make the time between packing and delivery feel easier. Writing down what comes next after each major step can also help you stay oriented as the move progresses.

Support helps keep things steady. Friends or family can check in, pack alongside you, or help you stay focused for a short stretch of time. Professional movers can also reduce how much you need to manage during loading, transport, and delivery.

When you plan for pauses and allow support, the move feels easier to navigate. You are not carrying everything at once. The process moves forward in a way that gives you room to settle in.

A Move That Works With Your Brain

Long distance moving has a lot of parts, and that is okay. When you understand how the process unfolds, it becomes easier to approach it with confidence.

Simple systems can go a long way. Clear phases help you focus on what matters right now. Visual cues make progress easier to notice. Small steps, taken regularly, help the move keep moving forward.

Looking ahead, a move that works with your brain gives you room to adjust. Some days will feel productive. Others will feel slower. Both are part of the process. With the right support and a flexible approach, long distance moving can feel calmer and easier to settle into over time.

You just learned some practical tips for planning a move while managing your ADHD. You’re probably curious about other ways to help your overall emotional and mental health during a long distance move. Keep the reading going in our article about the emotional side of long distance moving. 

Or, perhaps you’re already planning to use a moving company for extra help along the way. Get a quote today to see how National Van Lines can be just the kind of support you need for your long distance move.