Every time I slid into the driver’s seat, I felt overwhelmed. My car wasn’t just messy—it was chaos on wheels. Empty coffee cups, scattered receipts, and things I didn’t even remember bringing along cluttered every surface.

As someone with ADHD, that disarray didn’t stay in the car. It followed me into my thoughts. What seemed like a small mess became a mental block, and the more clutter piled up, the harder it was to think clearly.

One Simple Shift Made a Big Difference

One day, I decided enough is enough. I cleared out everything, from the glove box to the trunk, and something surprising happened. My brain felt “lighter.” My clean car became a clean slate. That’s when I realized: when you clear your car, you help clear your ADHD brain.

Why a Clean Space Matters for ADHD

Science backs this up. For people with ADHD, clutter creates sensory overload. We process the world differently, and that’s not a flaw—it’s just how we’re wired. Instead of trying to force my brain into a mold it doesn’t fit, I started shaping my environment to support the way I naturally function. A clean car made my commutes smoother and gave my mind room to breathe.

A Gentle Reset

I get it if the idea of cleaning your vehicle sounds overwhelming. Think of it as a gentle reset. Start by taking out everything. Yep, all of it! Sort through what you need when driving and what can go. Wipe down surfaces, vacuum the seats and floors, and return the items that actually belong. If you want to take it a step further, check out a guide to the professional car detailing process. The pros can make your car even cleaner on a regular basis.

Progress Over Perfection

Clutter eventually sneaks back in, especially for people with ADHD. I’ve learned to give myself grace. I set aside a few minutes each week to tidy up, and when things get messy again, I start fresh.

When you clear your car to help clear your ADHD brain, you’re choosing calm over chaos. And as you do, remember this: you are not broken. You are beautifully made—mess and all.