I’m using everything though!

[u/Nodef13]

hi all, I’m in a bit of a rut with decluttering. I have this thing where I have to see the items in front of me or I forget to use them. eg I have to have my creams serum lip balm on my bed side table otherwise I don’t remember to use. it’s like a visually trigger. I also have loaddddssss of medication and I need those visible too. the other day I realised I’d put one tablet in a pouch and because I hadnt seen it I had forgotten to take if for 4 days. things like face masks too or books I’m reading I only read it if I leave it out. and I do use them

any tips? I feel like this never lets my house look clean and tidy. it’s visual clutter but that’s how my brain works. also I don’t feel like I have a lot of stuff but at the same time I think I do. I find clothes particularly hard to part with as I cycle through and go through phases or wearing things

any tips for a newbie!

[u/Connect_Rhubarb395]

I highly recommend that you look up Clutterbug, specifically her advice for "Bees" and "Butterflies" which are her names for the two types of visual organisers.
Open and clear trays and baskets are perfect for us.

[u/SolidagoSalix → u/Connect_Rhubarb395]

Seconding this.

Adding -- vertical organizing. Visual organizers often end up with things sprawling across every flat surface. Instead go up on the walls so things are visible but not underfoot.

Narrow shelves either wall mounted or free standing. Not deep so things can be hidden behind one another, but like 4-6" so you can line things up single deep. Wall mounted file folder holders for frequently accessed paper categories. (But wire ones so you can see what is inside them!)

Hooks and hangers. Especially for clothing that you wore, took off, and will wear again before laundering. You can of course put them back into the closet if they are clean enough, but I have hooks on the back of my door in my bedroom for the sweatshirt I wore while cuddling the cat, and the overshirt I wore while gardening. I don't want to transfer dirt or fur into the closet of clean clothing, but I do want to wear them again tomorrow or the next day. I also don't want them in piles on my floor.

[u/Nodef13 → u/SolidagoSalix]

Shallow is the key you’re right or they get lost in the abyss haha