Just as homeowners may tackle spring cleaning in their households, property managers can take spring the season to freshen up their rental properties. But for property managers with ADHD, tackling seasonal maintenance can seem overwhelming. Especially if you’re a mother with ADHD, it can be tricky trying to stay organized during the balancing act of managing tenant and property needs and your own household.

The right strategies, though, can simplify spring upkeep for property managers with ADHD and provide a sense of healthy control. From improving visibility to effective scheduling, these tips will help you thrive in your maintenance projects.

Improve Task Visibility To Avoid Overwhelm

Managing scattered thoughts can be one of the biggest challenges for some of us living with ADHD. Out of sight often means out of mind, so here’s how to make your spring maintenance responsibilities more visible and tangible.

Create a Detailed Visual Checklist

Develop a list of all maintenance tasks, like inspecting HVAC systems, cleaning gutters, and checking outdoor lighting. Use a whiteboard or a digital task tracker to keep these tasks in clear view.

Also, try assigning colors to tasks to give your brain easy visual cues for where to focus. Consider color-coded priorities such as:

• Red for immediate fixes
• Blue for compliance updates
• Green for groundskeeping

Instead of writing “groundskeeping” on your list, break it down into manageable steps like “trim hedges at Property A” or “reseed lawn at Property B.” Smaller tasks feel less daunting and give you a sense of accomplishment as you check each one off.

Prioritize Timeliness for Compliance

Staying compliant with safety standards often becomes a source of stress. When your brain struggles with deadlines and documentation, it only adds to that pressure. Property managers with ADHD can simplify spring upkeep and stay ahead by doing the following.

Scheduling Inspections Early

Plan to have professionals conduct any sprinkler system checks and other compliance tasks early in the season. Early action reduces last-minute panic and ensures you can address any issues by summer.

Pro Tip

Set calendar reminders to stay on top of deadlines, vendors, and follow-ups.

Keep a Maintenance Log

Use a simple spreadsheet, app, or even a notebook to track tenant requests, completed tasks, and compliance updates. Also, consider asking the professional rendering services on your building for a report.

For example, if your building has a fire escape and you consult a professional for examination, ask them for a fire escape inspection report. The report should detail the structure’s condition, any deficiencies, and repair recommendations so you can use it as your go-to for quick reference and accountability.

Build Routines, Not Perfection

Spring upkeep doesn’t have to mean flawless execution. You’ll benefit from creating routines instead of striving for perfection. For example, committing to 20 minutes of property walkthroughs each morning can help you stay on top of minor issues before they become major headaches.

And don’t forget about self-care! Spring cleaning your property is important, but so is maintaining your energy. Take breaks, hydrate, and allow yourself small rewards for each task completed.

Living with ADHD doesn’t mean you’re not capable or organized—it just means you work differently. By focusing on visibility and timeliness in ways that work best for you, you can make spring maintenance a smooth process.