For this big clutter change I’m helping Jessica McCabe from How to ADHD deal with her messiest, Turn a cramped room into a cozy getaway – all in Zoom!
This “chamber of doom” was a dumping ground for everything he didn’t know what to do with.
This room was not cluttered. It was emotional. It carried sadness, guilt, frustration, and unfinished business. But with a little help, Jessica and her partner Raphael rise to the challenge head on, transforming their most depressing space into a serene sanctuary.
Here’s how we did it—and how you can turn your “room of doom” into something beautiful.
If you struggle with ADHD, clutter, or messy rooms, this is your sign to start your transformation today!
Real Life Behind the Scenes
Jessica and Raphael had already transformed most of their home during a previous makeover with me (you can catch that video here), but one space remained untouched: the multi-purpose spare room. It was which is appropriate being an exercise room, a guest area, a play area, and a self-care area. Instead, it became a place where the poor died.
Besides, life had hit them hard. Grief, loss, surgery, and parenting all at once. So why are you taking out the trash?
Because when life gets tough, creating a place of calm isn’t a luxury—it’s life.
Gamification
To make decluttering feel less like a chore and more like a challenge, Jessica and Raphael turned their cleaning into the perfect Dungeons & Dragons quest. Troubles? Monsters. A trash bag? A sword. A donation box? A shield.
This fun and ADHD-friendly approach shuts down overthinking and helps them take action. They weren’t just repairing—they were fighting dragons. (And you win!)
Setting Limits
One of the biggest lessons? Every room needs purpose—and boundaries.
Jessica wanted to use this space for self-care and exercise, while Raphael wanted a place to gather and play. We have divided the room into clearly defined areas:
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More places to stay in Jessica: The walk-in closet becomes a self-care space with workout gear and soothing touches.
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More places to stay in Raphael: A small cubby transformed into a personal space for souvenirs and magic cards.
We followed the the idea of a vessel—keeping only what fits in the space and making sure nothing else is hidden. There is no “just-in-case” storage. There are no clothes. There is no overflow.
The bottom line: if it didn’t fit the overall purpose of the room, it had to go!
Dealing with Emotional Clutter
Divorce isn’t just about things—it’s about feelings. Jessica faced the painful things tied to her dead dog and family members, realizing that some things don’t comfort her—they bring her pain.
One of the biggest breakthroughs came when he decided to let go of the thread that only reminded him of loss. That moment was powerful. Emotional clutter is still clutter, and releasing it creates space for healing.
It was the same with Raphael. She was holding large paintings her mother had given her, feeling obligated to hang them—even though they didn’t fit the room or bring joy. After some heart-to-heart talks, he let them go. And the relief was immediate.
Adding Beauty to Purpose
One unexpected design idea changed everything. We added a a mural with a forest theme inside the closet to create a hidden oasis that feels magical and inviting.
This little sign made the place feel special. Suddenly, it wasn’t just a closet. It was a setback.
One quick hack : make it neat and you’ll be surprised how it helps you keep the space tidy!
Good Enough Great
Throughout this process, we celebrated “good enough.” Whether it was using temporary shelves or setting up fancy bin-free spaces, Jessica and Raphael learned to silence perfectionism and embrace progress.
We focus on:
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To close the loop: Taking out the trash, bringing in donations, and finishing each job.
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Asking for help: Let go of the pressure to do it alone.
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Waiver of liability: Saying goodbye to things that no longer serve you, even if they are gifts.
Revell
After weeks of effort, I finally saw the finished place and I was blown away!
The room is now quiet. Jessica created a beautiful, organized space with her own massage table, cozy bedding, live plants, and even a towel warmer. Raphael also found his place, holding an important corner for himself.
Together, they reclaimed their room and a large part of their peace of mind.
What This Teaches Us About Clutter
We often think of clutter as just clutter. But for many of us—especially those with ADHD—clutter represents chaos, guilt, and self-doubt.
This transformation was not just to make the room beautiful. It was about taking back control, finding peace, and believing in their ability to change.
If you have a “conviction room” of your own, know this: you can change. One bag, one box, one decision at a time.
Ready to Kill Your Clutter?
Don’t wait for the perfect time. Don’t wait until you feel ready. Get started today!
And remember: you are worth more than anything you have!
If you need a little boost to help you get started, check out 🥊 My 30 Day Bootcamp ✨ Just 15 minutes a day for 30 days will completely transform your home!
👉 Want to see Jessica’s WHOLE HOME improvement that started it all? Click here.
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