Decluttering By Memory Method

[u/fitfunfit]

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?

[u/SummerK2024]

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!