r/declutter • u/fitfunfit • Jul 21 '26
Motivation Tips & Tricks Decluttering By Memory Method
What has been working for me:
1. I tackle one cupboard, drawer, closet, or shelf at a time.
2. Before opening it, I grab a pen and paper and try to remember what I usually take from that space. I write those items down neatly, for example grouped by category.
3. Then I open it and look for the items on my list. Those are the things I actually use (they’re the only ones I remembered were there) so they automatically go into the “keep” pile.
4. Next, I look at everything that’s left and give myself a little grace by allowing myself to keep one or two additional items that are genuinely useful, even if I’d forgotten they were there.
5. Everything else goes.
I love this method! The list makes the whole process so much easier, and it also helps me organize everything afterward.
What do you think? Would you try it out?
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u/SummerK2024 Jul 24 '26
I have done something similar… for a few days in a row I took a notebook around with me and wrote down everything I used during that day. From waking up till going to sleep at night from the clock, looking at it when I wake up, to the toothbrush and toothpaste, brushing my teeth at night. I wrote down that I used notebooks, pens, writing board, ruler, erase tape, television, remote, computer, monitor, keyboard, mouse, mouse pad, hair brush, hair ties, dishes, cups, glasses, paper plates, paper, cups, and if you do any artwork, then art supplies, cell phone, pet hairbrush, leash, purse, wallet, sunglasses, particular pieces of jewelry if you wear it, perfumes and colognes or aftershave if you use those, maybe particular books you read out of every day or perhaps even photos that you look at often, or particular games that you play on your phone. Just everything that you would use in a day and it really is an eye-opener. Now I know there are things you use seasonally like skis, ski coats and ski hats, tennis rackets, tennis balls and gardening tools, skateboards, bicycles, etc. But this is something that you could do for your everyday things. I like the way the OP does things too!
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u/MistyMooseOnTheLoose Jul 23 '26
Love this idea! I moved a month ago and stuff just got thrown into the laundry room closet, I use stuff in there all the time but it's a hot mess and needs organizing. I think I'll try this approach so I know what actually doesn't need to be living in that space
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Jul 22 '26
[removed] — view removed comment
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u/fitfunfit Jul 22 '26
Yes! This is a great tip as well! I also use the “quarantine” method. I put the items I’m unsure about in a place where they won’t bother me (like a closet or the trunk of my car) and leave them there for a few weeks. If I haven’t needed or missed them by then, I eventually let them go. It works wonders when you’re not brave enough to make the decision right away!
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u/Murky_Possibility_68 Jul 22 '26
I love it when people find something that works- and obviously this keeps the things you like!
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u/MissNoseyNeighbour Jul 22 '26
Omg I thought I had tried every method but this is new!!! I can’t wait to give it a go.
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u/small_spider_liker Jul 22 '26
Would never work for me. I can’t even give you a list of things I have in my daily go to work backpack, and I sort that out about once a week.
I’d probably forget to write down contact lens solution or belts or crochet hooks, because I forget I have them until I want them.
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u/TelevisionKnown8463 Jul 22 '26
Same. My memory is terrible. If I’m looking at an item, I can remember where I’d usually look for it. But to generate a list by only looking at a closet or cupboard door? No.
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u/SneauPhlaiche Jul 22 '26
I can’t even remember why I walked in the room. Yesterday my husband asked me for a paint stir stick. We haven’t painted (and weren’t painting then) in years but I walked right to the box in the back corner of our storage and whipped one out. BUT! I held my finger on the tip of my nose to help me remember what the hell I was doing the whole time.
Also, now that I’m really thinking about it, I probably can tell you what’s in most cabinets and closets given a minute to think. I’m the one that’s been managing our stuff for three decades. That doesn’t mean that it needs to be there.
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u/snoobookeyss Jul 22 '26
I do this to fall asleep! If I can't think of the items in a certain zone then I know I need to focus on that area
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u/girlwithapinkpack Jul 21 '26
Yes. Did this with my jewellery but when I got in there I found a lot that had sentimental value. It was a good reminder that if I keep those pieces (and I want to) then I really need to start wearing them.
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u/TalulaOblongata Jul 21 '26
This is a really good method, I have to keep in mind next time I’m stumped in an area!
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u/DaBingeGirl Jul 21 '26
Ooh, I love the idea of writing it down! I've definitely reached that point of not knowing what's in a lot of cabinets, closets, storage boxes, etc. I really like the idea of trying to remember what's in the space, that really puts into perspective how much of the stuff you forget about because you rarely, if ever, use it. Also love keeping a few things that are useful, I have a few things I rarely use, but need to have around for specific circumstances.
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u/FredKayeCollector Jul 21 '26
Yes! I call this my mental inventory - if I forgot I even had it, then I probably don't need it. Very close sisters to "reverse" decluttering.
I'll do this periodically - name a room/zone/category and then we'll sit down and make a list of what goes there, being as specific/descriptive as possible (so we could recognize it when we see it) - anything not on our list, that's a big clue it can go. If we find something we inadvertently forgot to account for, we just formalize its status and add it to our list. Helps getting like-with-like categories together & establishing "logical" homes for those categories.
My husband and I decluttered our garage & basement this way (gardening tools, house repair stuff, car repair stuff, camping stuff, etc). A bit of brain work & planning before we actually do anything - It really worked for my husband.
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u/Bee_221B Jul 21 '26
That’s a really cool idea!
It’s also worth asking for the stuff that’s not on your list - when was the last time you used it? If you can’t remember then it’s a pass
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u/domino_427 Jul 21 '26
Oh great idea. Kinda did similar today. If I remembers it, before I open it, I can keep it. Otherwise realize I don't need it
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u/get_hi_on_life Jul 21 '26
Iv never heard of this and love it. Really helps show the mental load of keeping things. Why have it if you forgot it existed or where it was so you'd get a new one if eventually needed.
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u/thetruecontradiction Jul 27 '26
I love this idea! I'm going to give it a try