These reviews are our favorite. You can click the links at the bottom to read more reviews.
Reviews From Reader’s Favorite
Reviewed by: Courtnee Turner Hoyle
Review Rating: 5 Stars
Reviewed by Courtnee Turner Hoyle for Readers’ Favorite
Annie Eklöv wrote Help! My Room Exploded: How to Simplify Your Home to Reduce ADHD Symptoms to help caregivers who work with children with ADHD to organize their bedrooms. After her son provided an eye-opening revelation, Eklöv changed her mindset. She reveals tactics for creating a freer, more organized room and home for children. The author discusses decluttering, donation, constructing spaces that accumulate less mess, and tips to involve children in cleaning, reorganizing, and reimagining spaces. Eklöv outlines triggers that prevent decluttering, suggests games, discusses items bought for the future, and includes sleep tips and room colors. With a link to a free handbook and helpful resources, Eklöv hopes her book will open up conversations between caregivers and children and help individuals better manage their ADHD symptoms.
Annie Eklöv focuses on decluttering your home and building a more connected relationship with your children. Through her personal experiences and the books she’s read on ADHD, Eklöv guides you in the way you can make your home become a place with less stress so children may decompress. I have seven children, and two of them have ADHD. The author detailed things I could do right away to help my children, and I saw instant results. Some of her statements about her family made me feel like I was looking in a mirror and validated my experiences with my children. Eklöv has researched the subject well, and she presents it conversationally, making Help! My Room Exploded a great selection for readers who have a family member with ADHD in their home.
Reviewed by: K.C. Finn
Review Rating: 5 Stars
Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers’ Favorite
Help! My Room Exploded is a work of non-fiction in the self-help, motivational writing, and memoir subgenres. It is best suited to the young adult and adult reading audiences. Penned by author Annie Eklöv, the work presents an engaging and practical guide that explores the profound impact of clutter on ADHD symptoms, particularly in children. Through her personal journey with her son, Lage, Annie discovers the link between a messy environment and ADHD. The book provides actionable steps to identify triggers of clutter, implement effective decluttering techniques, and create organized spaces that foster focus and tranquility. Written with empathy and practical insights, it offers families strategies to transform chaotic homes into peaceful havens, ultimately enhancing focus, reducing stress, and improving relationships.
Author Annie Eklöv has crafted a work that is both enlightening and inspiring, filled with warmth and compassion in a deeply personal narrative about her son, Lage, and their battle with the chaos of clutter due to ADHD. The transformation they achieved by addressing the root causes of their messy environment was compelling and hopeful. I loved the way the work never sounded punishing or negative, which I’m sure will teach a lot of people with ADHD a wonderful lesson in positive self-talk. The step-by-step approach to decluttering and organizing was practical and easy to follow, making the daunting task of cleaning up seem achievable for anyone, no matter your barriers. Annie’s empathetic writing style and deep understanding of ADHD created a sense of connection and trust, like an old friend offering sage advice, and the strategies she shared were not only effective but also perfectly tailored to the unique challenges faced by those with ADHD. The positive changes in focus, calmness, and family dynamics that emerged from their efforts were inspiring. Overall, I would certainly recommend Help! My Room Exploded as a valuable resource for anyone struggling with similar issues, offering a roadmap to a more serene and organized life.
Reviews from LibraryThing
LibraryThing Alias: Rosemeg451
Sep 18, 2024
This review was written for LibraryThing Early Reviewers.
“Help! My Room Exploded: How to Simplify Your Home to Reduce ADHD Symptoms” by Annie Eklöv is a great book for anyone who has ADHD or a family member with ADHD. It is easy to read and organized well enough that one can skip around to the topic most needed at the moment. This book has a lot of good ideas. It is obvious that the author has personal experience with this subject and wants to use her experiences to help others.
LibraryThing Alias: 
IamAleem
Sep 4, 2024
This review was written for LibraryThing Early Reviewers.
I quite enjoyed “Help! My Room Exploded: How to Simplify Your Home to Reduce ADHD Symptoms”
you can tell the author did her research and supplemented it with her personal tidying and de-cluttering experiences and tips with readers.
So glad i got my hand on this book and look forward to implementing some of these tips into my own life! ( 
)
LibraryThing Alias: JJ23
Aug 28, 2024
This review was written for LibraryThing Early Reviewers.
In this book, Annie Eklov outlines what she (with the initiative of her son) did to change their living space to make it easier for him to function with his ADHD.
My son with ADHD picked up this book and read it. Although he was not exactly the intended audience, having the information conveyed to him directly (from someone other than his mother) was invaluable. We have been in communication about what we can implement.
The tips about decluttering and the references to research and other resources were so helpful.
We are looking forward to making some big changes and highly recommend this book that we received through the Early Reviewers program.
LibraryThing Alias: mvillaa1
Aug 28, 2024
This review was written for LibraryThing Early Reviewers.
I really enjoyed reading “Help! My Room Exploded: How to Simplify Your Home to Reduce ADHD Symptoms” by Annie Eklöv. It has some really helpful ideas but a lot was focused on parents of children with ADHD. This made me skip some sections and jump around since I was looking for strategies to create a clutter-free and organized environment, to help with adult ADHD symptoms. However, Eklöv’s conversational tone with actionable tips makes this book a great resource, and will recommend it to my fellow ADHD peers. ( )
LibraryThing Alias: SandyAMcPherson
Aug 3, 2024
This review was written for LibraryThing Early Reviewers.
Annie Eklöv has written a book which ranks with the likes of The Anxiety Toolkit (Alice Boyes), Quiet (Susan Cain), Sensitive (Granneman & Sólo), and The Body Keeps the Score (van der Kolk).
I especially appreciated that Eklöv used her personal tidying and decluttering experiences supported by scientifically-validated (and cited) reasons to explain why her management style works. The citations were helpfully listed in the references chapter for further information on any aspect the curious reader might want to explore. Readers will appreciate that author Eklöv presented her information in a highly approachable reading style.
On a personal level, her situation was highly-relatable, even though our family does not include anyone with ADHD tendencies. The proposed management of decluttering for all the reasons Eklöv has mentioned are applicable to any household where too much chaos (and as we learn, elevated levels of stress) prevail. Sharing her personal journey was very much appreciated.
A few glitches in the narrative structure could be improved. I found sections in later chapters repetitive and rather prescriptive. Many of the points were made in earlier chapters. As an example: Chapter 20 (Help! My Child is a Pack Rat) hearkened back to Chapter 13 (with respect to hoarding and its effects on mental health).
There are certainly useful details in these final chapters, but simple summaries in bulleted points at this juncture suffice, principally as useful working lists to remind readers what was explained earlier.
In some instances, suggestions were too detailed, conveying a sense of rescue ~ “Here, let me fix this for you”. I was especially surprised to encounter propositions to make a time capsule, decorate a lampshade, or create scrapbooks, activities entirely unrelated to the objective of simplifying a bedroom. Overall, these are trifling difficulties and do not detract from the sound observations and underlying principles towards creating an atmosphere of calm and relaxation. ( )
Reviews from Amazon
Name/Amazon Alias: Cliente Kindle
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Parent’s Lifesaver
Reviewed in Brazil on August 25, 2024
Verified Purchase
I stumbled upon this gem and it’s been a lifesaver! The practical advice for tidying up and improving focus at home is spot-on. As a parent, I’ve seen remarkable changes in our living space and family dynamics. Truly eye-opening and highly recommended!
Name/Amazon Alias: Claudia Sibesteanu
5.0 out of 5 stars
Good book
Reviewed in Germany on September 18, 2024
Verified Purchase
This book offers practical advice on simplifying life for individuals with ADHD, not just through decluttering, but also by focusing on building strong relationships, improving routines, and creating a more organized environment. It’s a comprehensive guide for parents and caregivers, blending real-life examples with actionable steps to help reduce ADHD symptoms and improve overall well-being. A great resource for anyone looking to create a calmer, more structured home life.
fic toys, as well hints on paint colors that will be calming. The tone is inviting and so much effort and love has been put into this great book. Highly recommended.
Name/Amazon Alias: Peter Andrevsson
5.0 out of 5 stars
Transformative journey
Reviewed in the United States on August 6, 2024
Verified Purchase
The book “Help! My room exploded” is a great guide for parents who struggle with cluttered rooms of their children, especially those with ADHD. Written by a mother with similar problem the book is full of insightful ideas and solutions that are drawn directly from her personal experience.
Packed with practical and easy to follow steps of organizing and decluttering the book will serve as a roadmap for those who want to reclaim peace at home.
What surprised me most was the fact how specific changes in a bedroom can directly improve mental health.
Overall, the book is very useful and informative. Being written from experience makes it especially insightful and inspirational, particularly, but not only, for parents of children with ADHD.
Name/Amazon Alias: KC
5.0 out of 5 stars
Very Helpful Book
Reviewed in the United States on September 20, 2024
Verified Purchase
This book is pretty awesome for anyone dealing with ADHD and clutter at home. It’s written by a mom who totally gets it, which makes it feel real and relatable. The way she explains how decluttering helps with focus and even relationships at home really surprised me. The steps are easy to follow and it’s not overwhelming like some books.
What stood out was how a small change in a room can make a big difference to how you feel. If you’re a parent with an ADHD kid, this book will definitely help.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Love this book!
Reviewed in the United States on August 20, 2024
Verified Purchase
This decluttering book is so good! I especially like how she goes into how to encourage decluttering in children. Definitely recommend this book for families looking to learn how to declutter together!
Name/Amazon Alias: Love books!
5.0 out of 5 stars
So much helpful information!
Reviewed in the United States on May 25, 2024
Verified Purchase
Inspired by the thoughts and actions of a child with ADHD who succeeded in resolving issues that complicated and confused his life, this book is a wonderful handbook for anyone with ADHD of who simply wants to declutter and reclaim their space and their world. Every chapter holds a surprisingly informative and useful resolution to the overwhelm of too much stuff. The free workbook is a huge plus to this great book. Author Annie Eklov’s common sense ideas, useful strategies, and common sense solutions are presented in an easy-to-understand approach, wonderful explanations, and family-focused book that anyone would find beneficial and inspiring! I recommend it to anyone with or without ADHD who just wants simplicity and peace in their world!
Name/Amazon Alias: Book2424
5.0 out of 5 stars
Helpful and put to use right away
Reviewed in the United States on September 7, 2024
I’ve already started applying a couple of the suggestions for decluttering and so far so good. I’ll be trying some of the other ideas soon.
Name/Amazon Alias: Jbrogden
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Lifesaver for Families Struggling with ADHD and Clutter
Reviewed in the United States on June 4, 2024
“Help! My Room Exploded: How to Simplify Your Home to Reduce ADHD Symptoms” by Annie Eklov will transform your life! This book shows you practical, doable ways to transform chaotic homes into peaceful sanctuaries, particularly benefiting families dealing with ADHD.
From the first page, I was drawn into Annie and her son Lage’s journey. The way they discover the link between ADHD symptoms and a cluttered environment is eye-opening. Annie’s narrative is authentic and relatable, filled with moments of genuine discovery and practical wisdom.
One of the book’s greatest strengths is its actionable advice. Annie breaks down the overwhelming task of decluttering into manageable steps, making it accessible for everyone. The strategies are straightforward yet profound, making it easy to implement changes that have a lasting impact.
I particularly appreciated the focus on how a clutter-free environment can improve mental health and relationships. The chapter on the health impacts of clutter was a real eye-opener! Eliminating clutter will reduce anxiety, stress, and depression—not a surprise. But consider this: clutter can reduce immunity, reduce muscle tissue and bone density, raise blood pressure, create blood sugar imbalances, and impair cognition!
Several chapters are devoted to the impact of using different colors in bedrooms (or any rooms). You’ll never guess which color is the #1 color that will increase concentration and put you in a calm mood. I was shocked! We need to know this!
Annie’s approach to involving children in the decluttering process is brilliant. The tips on inspiring kids to declutter teaches them valuable life skills.
The practical advice is complemented by Annie’s warm and encouraging tone. She writes with a deep understanding of the challenges faced by families with ADHD, offering hope and solutions that feel achievable. This book is not just about tidying up; it’s about creating a home where everyone can thrive.
“Help! My Room Exploded” is a must-read, invaluable guide for any family. Annie Eklov’s insights and strategies are life-changing. Highly recommended!
Name/Amazon Alias: Amazonian
5.0 out of 5 stars
Transformative and Practical – A Must-Read for Families!
Reviewed in the United States on June 3, 2024
This book is a game-changer for anyone seeking to bring order and calm into their lives, particularly those dealing with ADHD. This book beautifully chronicles the journey of Annie and her son, Lage, as they uncover the profound impact of a clutter-free environment on managing ADHD symptoms.
The narrative is both heartfelt and insightful, offering a unique perspective that blends personal experience with practical advice. Annie’s writing is infused with empathy and expertise, making the content relatable and actionable. Each chapter is filled with common sense ideas, useful strategies, and easy-to-understand explanations that can benefit any family, regardless of whether ADHD is a concern.
The chapter on relationships offers profound insights, especially the discussions around “time-out” and other disciplinary methods. It all makes perfect sense! Her alternative approach is so logical and obviously works! I loved chapter 8 on tools to keep an organized room. It even includes a chart which is so helpful. Having a visual is so effective. The free workbook included is a fantastic bonus, providing practical tools to implement the book’s suggestions.
Overall, “Help! My Room Exploded” will change your life as it transforms the way you think and live. Her list of references is extensive! Wow. I highly recommend this to anyone, not just those with ADHD.
Name/Amazon Alias: Jay Helms
5.0 out of 5 stars
Help! Indeed!
Reviewed in the United States on May 31, 2024
Annie Eklov’s “Help! My Room Exploded” is an insightful guide for parents of children with ADHD, emphasizing the importance of strong, loving relationships. Eklov explains how clutter and chaos can worsen ADHD symptoms and provides practical tips for creating a more peaceful home environment. Filled with personal stories and expert advice, the book underscores that true success lies in fostering positive parent-child connections. Her guidance on spending quality time with children, despite behavior, is both inspiring and transformative. Eklov’s compassionate approach and practical tips offer a roadmap to building stronger family bonds and a more peaceful home.
Name/Amazon Alias: Kelsey Hensley
5.0 out of 5 stars
Practical Ways to Organize Your Stuff
Reviewed in the United States on June 9, 2024
This book humanizes our chaos and gives practical ways to work through it. If you are tired of living in a mess this is the book for you.
Name/Amazon Alias: Dockie
5.0 out of 5 stars
A common sense way to declutter
Reviewed in the United States on June 7, 2024
This book is easy to read and gives great examples and advice, especially for those with ADHD. The stories are personal but the advice is totally usable for anyone. Glad I read it!
Name/Amazon Alias: Charlie
5.0 out of 5 stars
Very Helpful
Reviewed in the United States on May 17, 2024
I found the chapter on Relationships to be extremely enlightening, especially where it discussed the effects of “time-out” on children with ADHD. Listening to your children and understanding the reasons behind their desires is key. The topic of decluttering is applicable to everyone, and I saw myself reflected in many of the areas discussed. The chapter on Fear raised important points for self-reflection. “Inspiring Kids To Declutter” provided a wealth of great information. Overall, this is a great book with a lot of valuable information. I highly recommend it!
Name/Amazon Alias: Joyce Brand
5.0 out of 5 stars
Some surprising advice
Reviewed in the United States on May 27, 2024
This book illustrates how common solutions to raising ADHD children isn’t necessarily the best advice. I especially liked how the author discovered strategies that worked in unusual ways, mostly by working on the relationship rather than the behavior.
Name/Amazon Alias: Greenacrebonsai
5.0 out of 5 stars Get Organized Now
Reviewed in the United States on June 4, 2024
Verified Purchase
I know this book is written with an ADHD outlook, but it is an excellent read for anyone looking to de-clutter their life. It is full of practical tips and applications that can get you started immediately and slowly turn you into an organizational machine.
Name/Amason Alias: Carla Reis
5.0 out of 5 stars
If you know anyone with ADHD, this book is brilliant!
Reviewed in the United States on June 10, 2024
Verified Purchase
Help! My Room Exploded is such an eye-opener! Annie and her son Lage’s story really hit home for me. It’s all about how they figured out that the clutter in their house was making Lage’s ADHD worse. The book is super easy to read and full of practical tips on decluttering and organizing. I’ve already started using some of the tips and can see a difference in my own home. If you’re dealing with ADHD or just want a more peaceful space, you should definitely check this book out. It’s a game-changer!
Name/Amazon Alias: DrRoz
5.0 out of 5 stars
So HELPFUL!
Reviewed in the United States on May 29, 2024
I love that this author taught both the art and science of decluttering. I didn’t anticipate it would be well-researched or cerebral; I anticipated a mere how-to guide. This is a comprehensive book on the topic!
Name/Amazon Alias: Hannah R.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Practical approach to organizing and fostering healthy communication with children
Reviewed in the United States on September 11, 2024
Verified Purchase
This book offers a thorough and insightful guide to organizing and maintaining a clean and healthy living space, particularly focused on avoiding the accumulation of toys and unnecessary items. It provides excellent details on sorting and categorizing objects, including clothing, and shares practical methods for deciding what to keep and what to donate. The author’s attention to detail shines, offering not only organization tips but also advice on selecting colors and materials that promote a peaceful and healthy home environment.
One of the standout aspects of the book is its emphasis on achieving cooperation with children during the process of decluttering. The author underscores the importance of fostering good communication between parents and children to build a deeper, more understanding relationship. Notably, the book offers specific advice on how to communicate effectively with children with ADHD, aiming to reduce stressful situations and find compromises that align with shared goals.
“Help! My Room Exploded! is not just about decluttering; it provides a holistic approach to creating a calm and harmonious home, considering both the physical environment and the emotional dynamics within the family. A must-read for any parent looking to create a more organized and peaceful home while engaging their children in the process.
Name/Amazon Alias: El Gran Lobo
5.0 out of 5 stars
Clear and compassionate approach to parenting a child with ADHD
Reviewed in Spain on August 31, 2024
Verified Purchase
As soon as you open this book you feel in safe hands. The author has been there, the author understands. Combining her own experience as a parent of a child with ADHD with the latest research the author writes simply and compassionately about the issues and offers valuable advice. This book is also an enjoyable read in its own right – it’s not a slog through dry facts – but a simple and emotional journey that brings the thrill of all the best self help books – the thrill of knowledge, insight, understanding, and, most importantly, the gentle reminder to love.