A Google Drive Folder System for Neurodivergent Brains
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Hi Friend,
Do you struggle with Google Drive organization? Have you set up a folder system but failed to keep things organized?
A few weeks ago, I shared my approach to organizing Google Drive without overthinking it. As I mentioned, I rely heavily on the search bar. I rarely click through folders to find what I need.
So, this begs the question...should we use folders in Google Drive?
I believe so. Here's why:
Digital clutter is just as overwhelming as physical clutter. When I open my Google Drive, I want to feel at peace. Instead of chaos, I want to see folders tied to what matters most in my life.
Today, I’ll teach you a simple way to set up folders in Google Drive that reduces stress and digital clutter.
Let’s dive in.
Why A Google Drive Folder System Matters
Even if you primarily use the search bar, having a folder system helps in three key ways:
It Reduces Digital Clutter
Think of Google Drive as your bedroom. Imagine searching for a work shirt in a room covered with toys, laundry, and an unmade bed—frustrating, right?
Now, imagine that same room clean and organized. It's a lot easier to find that shirt for work, right?
Your digital spaces work the same way. When your digital space is cluttered, it creates stress. An organized Drive makes everything feel lighter.
It Makes Sharing Files Easier
If you’ve ever shared multiple docs, spreadsheets, or photos one by one, you know the struggle. With folders, you can share an entire project in seconds.
It Creates a Logical, Streamlined System
When one part of life is organized, other areas tend to follow. Having structured folders helps you keep track of important documents like tax paperwork, budgets, and travel plans. All without having to dig through a mess whenever you need them.
The Common Mistake That Made My Google Drive A Mess
A few years ago, I attempted a Google Drive overhaul. I used my executive function skills and I created 18 folders.
Guess what? I never used them.
The idea of sorting my digital clutter and moving hundreds of files into those folders was overwhelming, so I avoided it completely. For over a year, they sat there, empty.
Last year, I gave it another shot. This time with a simpler system.
Now, I use five main folders and a handful of subfolders. When my wife and I planned our wedding, everything—vendor info, budgets, and timelines—went into one folder. It made a chaotic process so much easier.
How to Start Fresh (Without Sorting Every File)
If your Drive is a mess and the idea of organizing everything sounds exhausting, don’t do it. Instead, use The Archive Method:
Create a folder called “Everything Before [Year]” (e.g., Everything Before 2024).
Select all existing files and move them into this folder.
Start fresh with a simple folder system.
Now, you have a clean slate. If you ever need an old file, you can search for it and move it into an actual folder when necessary.
5 Simple Folders to Organize Google Drive
There’s no one-size-fits-all structure, but here’s mine:
📂 Personal Admin – IDs, medical records, bills, budgeting
📂 Work & Career – Resumes, job applications, work projects
📂 Learning & Growth – Courses, webinars, skill-building resources
📂 Life Planning & Goals – Goal-setting, travel plans, journaling
📂 Archive – Old but important files (anything before 2024)
I like adding a little personality to my folders:
Personal Admin → “I’m an Adult, I Swear”
Work & Career → “Make That Money”
Learning & Growth → “Big Brain Gains”
Life Planning & Goals → “Glassy and Overhead” (surfing reference)
Archive → “Everything Before 2024”
This is an opportunity to be creative! Have some fun with it.
Summary
Digital clutter is just as overwhelming as physical clutter. While I rely on the search bar to find Docs in Google Drive, keeping a neat folder system reduces overwhelm.
If you’re sick of spending too much time sifting through docs or embarrassed to look at your Google Drive, a simple folder system will help.
While no perfect system exists, this folder structure is a great starting point:
Personal Admin – IDs, medical records, finances
Work & Career – Resumes, job applications, projects
Learning & Growth – Courses, webinars, skill-building
Life Planning & Goals – Goal-setting, travel, journaling
Archive – Old but important files
Remember, simple systems scale, and fancy systems fail.
In service,
Eric
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About the Author
Eric Kaufmann is a Professional Educational Therapist and Certified Executive Function Coach. He is the Co-founder of UpSkill Specialists, an online adult executive function coaching company that guides adults in overcoming disorganization, procrastination, and productivity roadblocks so they can unlock their potential. He is also the founder of Elevate Learning Solutions, an Educational Therapy practice located in San Clemente, CA, that supports neurodivergent students in becoming independent and confident.